Dalton State Magazine: A Glimpse Into Campus Life

Jacob Southern turned to two things to help him cope with struggles growing up: fishing and God. After becoming a student at Dalton State, he added conservation biology to that list.   

Set to graduate in December, mr. Southern is making great strides in undergraduate research, all while finding himself as a young adult. His story is told in the latest edition of the Dalton State magazine. 

When Mr. Southern is not studying, he’s out enjoying wildlife, hunting, fishing, and appreciating what nature has to offer. He is also learning first-hand how important the study of conservation is. 

As he mentions in the Dalton State article, titled, “Faith of a Fisherman: The Odyssey of Jacob Southern”: “If biologists don’t do it, who will?”

His story is just one of the numerous glimpses into campus life provided by Dalton State magazine.  

As a tool to help inform Dalton State alumni, benefactors, and the public about what’s going on at the College, Dalton State magazine is published three times a year. The recently published summer issue is filled with informative content about the School of Science, Technology, and Mathematics. 

 “While every issue is a labor of love,” said David Elrod, director of the Dalton State Foundation which publishes the magazine, “this issue in particular is a point of pride because this is the first issue we’ve ever done that focuses on a single school of the College.”

This issue of the magazine features an in-depth look at the campus’ newest addition, Shelby and Willena Peeples Hall. On a behind-the-scenes tour of Dalton State’s biggest and tallest building, the high-powered equipment and numerous labs and research facilities are explored. 

“Peeples Hall puts Dalton State on a level playing field with just about any college or university in the state of Georgia, but the equipment inside will put us over the top,” Dr. Randall Griffus, dean of the School of Science, Technology, and Mathematics said in an article.  

Also examined are the natural history collections housed on the second floor of the building, the three-story atrium that provides views of the entire Dalton State campus, and ample student gathering spaces for study and conversation. 

The enormous building would not be in existence without the generosity of its namesakes, who are profiled in a feature entitled, “Peeples’ Choice: Shelby and Willena Peeples Establish a Legacy at Dalton State.” 

Shelby and Willena Peeples, two Dawnville-area natives, came from modest upbringings. As high school sweethearts, the Peepleses built their life together from the ground up, working hard every single day to provide for their family and create a legacy.  

With interviews of the Peeples, as well as their children, Alan, Bryan, Jane, and Tom, Dalton State magazine provides a personal look into the lives of the benefactors of Peeples Hall. 

Apart from these features, the summer issue also provides a course catalog for some classes offered in Peeples Hall, and even a sneak peek of some questions that may be asked on exams in the School of Science, Technology, and Mathematics. Other stories include biology professor Dr. Celeste Humphrey’s 30th teaching anniversary with the College, and the accomplishments of another biology student, Faith Stokes, in the nation’s capital.  

Mr. Elrod is thankful to Dr. Griffus for his unending support and assistance with putting this issue together. 

“The stories captured here—biology major Jacob Southern, the new Peeples Hall and its benefactors Shelby and Willena Peeples, the work our students and faculty and alumni are doing in the sciences—all came together into a cohesive whole,” said Mr. Elrod.

The next issue of Dalton State magazine will be published this fall. Looking ahead, readers can anticipate more student, faculty, and alumni success stories, and another spotlight on a generous donor.   

Dalton State magazine is available to everyone. To read and/or download this issue, visit www.alumni.daltonstate.edu or www.giving.daltonstate.edu.