James_Jan-Feb_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 41
THE 2024 NATIONAL CHAMPION DALTON STATE MEN’S SOCCER TEAM.
PK As we all know, college tuition
and other associated costs can be a
barrier to students trying to obtain
a college education. What does
Dalton State do to provide a high
quality college education that is
affordable to everyone?
JF Dalton State is consistently rec-
ognized as one of the most affordable four-year public colleges in the
nation, with in-state tuition just over
$2,000 per semester.
Beyond our low tuition and fees,
we have a strong private scholarship
support that helps lower the net cost
for students. With tuition and net
price well below national averages,
students can pursue degrees with
less financial burden and lower reliance on loans, improving long-term
financial outcomes. The majority of
our students complete their degrees
with no debt, and we are excited
that the Northwest Georgia Promise
will further support these efforts.
PK Inform our readers about your
athletic programs and their successes at Dalton State. What intercollegiate sports does the college
participate in?
JF Dalton State reintroduced ath-
letics just a decade ago, and in
that short time we’ve established
ourselves as a rising powerhouse
in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. We proudly field
men’s teams in basketball, golf, and
FUCHKO AT FIRST CHIME, DALTON STATE’S NEW STUDENT CONVOCATION.
soccer; women’s teams in cross country, track and field, golf and soccer.
Our programs have already
captured eight national championships— one in men’s basketball, one
in men’s soccer, two team and three
individual titles in men’s golf and
one individual title in women’s golf.
Beyond those victories, our men’s
golf program has earned five prestigious Jack Nicklaus Awards, placing
Dalton State tied all-time with Oklahoma State University, a renowned
Division I golf program.
Each program reflects the
dedication of our student-athletes
and the leadership of our coaches,
whose commitment has elevated
our reputation on the national stage.
We take great pride not only in the
championships and accolades but
also in the culture of excellence, resilience, and teamwork that defines
Dalton State athletics.
PK Explain Dalton State’s notable
work to advance literacy, its support of classical education and other innovative teaching methods.
JF Dalton State’s School of Educa-
tion is a recognized state leader in
advancing literacy, having integrated the Science of Reading into its
teacher preparation program several
years ago. Building on this foundation, we have a bold vision to further
strengthen teacher preparation and
establish an innovative model for
K–12 education.
In collaboration with Dalton
State, the Learning Academy of
Northwest Georgia is seeking approval and is expected to open in fall
2027 as a tuition-free, public charter
K–12 school. Its focus on classical
education, dual language immersion,
and the Finnish-inspired outdoor
model will be reflected in Dalton
State’s own teacher preparation
curriculum, ensuring future educators are equipped with cutting edge
methods to improve literacy and
educational attainment.
Classical education, a rapidly
growing movement, emphasizes
engagement with foundational
works of literature, philosophy, and
history; the cultivation of critical
thinking and character; and a deep
understanding of our shared cultural
heritage as Americans. To guide and
expand this work, we’ve established
the Keith & Lynn Whitworth Distinguished Chair in Classical Education. It is made possible through the
generosity of the Brown Whitworth
Reynolds Foundation and approved
by the USG’s Board of Regents.
As the leading producer of
teachers in our region, Dalton State
is uniquely positioned to shape
education for decades to come.
We are profoundly grateful to the
Whitworth family for their visionary
philanthropy to Dalton State and
to the future of education in Northwest Georgia.
JA N UA RY /F E B RUARY 2026
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