Gina Kertulis-Tartar has been selected as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Dalton State College, after serving in the role as interim since June 2024.
In this role, Kertulis-Tartar serves as the chief academic officer responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of the college’s schools and academic support units.
“Among a strong pool of candidates from across the nation, Dr. Kertulis-Tartar stood out as the leader best poised to advance our academic mission and strategic priorities,” Dalton State President John Fuchko said. “She understands our college’s history and mission, as well as our long-term opportunities for future success. Further, she has a strong heart for this institution, and I am confident in her ability to lead collaboratively with the college’s faculty and leadership team to continue to improve the student experience at Dalton State and to implement our Vision 2050 strategic plan.”
Kertulis-Tartar was selected following a national search, led by a committee of faculty, staff, students and community members. The search committee was co-chaired by Jodi Johnson, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, and Jennifer Randall, professor of English and chair of the Dalton State College Faculty Senate.
Kertulis-Tartar joined Dalton State’s biology department faculty in 2005 and has since served in progressively responsible roles, including chair of the Department of Natural Sciences, dean of the School of Health Professions, and most recently interim provost. She has served on or led numerous college committees and initiatives, including serving as chair of the college’s Mountain Campus Advisory Board since 2018.
“Dalton State is my home; I am extremely proud of who we are and the students we serve,” Kertulis-Tartar said. “It has been a privilege for me to be included in the ranks of such a talented and caring faculty body for almost 20 years, and I am excited about the possibility of continuing to contribute to Dalton State College’s future in a new and expanded way.”
In addition to her work within Dalton State, Kertulis-Tartar serves as an Executive Board Member for the Blue Ridge Area Health Education Center and as a member of the CTAE Advisory Boards for Chattooga County Schools and Dalton Public Schools. She is also a member of the Dalton Civitan Club.
Kertulis-Tartar earned her doctorate in soil and water science from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in agronomy from West Virginia University, and bachelor’s degrees in soil science and agronomy from Pennsylvania State University.
Kertulis-Tartar and her family live in Ringgold, Georgia.
