Dalton State College has been named one of the nation’s Great Colleges to Work For for the third consecutive year, earning recognition in eight workplace categories and securing a place on the program’s Honor Roll for the third straight year.
The 2026 results, released Sept. 18 in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education, were based on assessments of 171 colleges and universities nationwide. Only 42 institutions earned Honor Roll status, which recognizes colleges receiving honors across the greatest number of categories within their size classification.
“Being recognized for the third consecutive year is a meaningful affirmation of the positive culture our faculty and staff create at Dalton State,” Dalton State President John Fuchko said. “Their commitment to our students, one another and our mission makes Dalton State a place where people feel connected to work that creates opportunities and transforms lives throughout our region.”
Dalton State College earned recognition in eight categories for the second consecutive year, reflecting strengths that span leadership, employee support, professional growth and institutional culture:
- Mission & Pride
- Faculty & Staff Well-being
- Professional Development
- Confidence in Senior Leadership
- Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness
- Job Satisfaction & Support (added in 2025)
- Shared Governance (added in 2025)
- Faculty Experience (added in 2025)
Employee feedback is the primary factor in determining recognition. The assessment also includes an institutional questionnaire examining employment data and workplace policies, along with a confidential survey of faculty, administrators and professional staff.
“What makes this recognition especially significant is that it is based largely on feedback from our own employees,” Lori McCarty, the college’s chief human resources officer, said. “Their feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and reinforces our commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel supported, engaged and connected to Dalton State’s mission.”
For more information and to view all current and previously recognized institutions, visit GreatCollegesProgram.com and GreatCollegesList.com. ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administered the survey and analyzed the results.
To learn more about employment opportunities at Dalton State, visit www.daltonstate.edu.
