DALTON, Ga. -- With little more than a year on the job, Dalton State President John Schwenn is having to map a way for the North Georgia college during one of the most turbulent times in its history.
The college, with more than 5,000 students, is experiencing record growth. It will unveil four new four-year degree programs this fall and house students in its first ever on-campus housing.
At the same time, Dalton State is facing budget cuts because of the recession.
Administrators don't know where they are going to place all the students looking to enroll this fall, said Dr. Schwenn, who came from Kansas last May to replace Dalton State's longtime president Jim Burran.
The Times Free Press talked with Dr. Schwenn last week about his work as leader of Dalton State.
Q: What has your first year on the job been like?
A: It has been great! It's a terrific school and great community. The students have really impressed me. We have added four new bachelor's degrees, which make a total of 14.
Q: Dalton State College before 2000 offered only two-year associate and technical degrees and has struggled to shed its image as a community college. How do you think the school is being viewed today by prospective students and families?
A: A few years ago people felt like they had to come here because it was local or affordable. But now students are choosing to come here.
Our applications were up 9.4 percent last year. This year, our applications are up 12 percent. Some of it might be economics, but it might be that students are choosing to come here as a first choice. This is a good place to start, stay and compete your degree.
The community itself is ready for a four-year college. So we have a lot of support. It hasn't been difficult to make that transition.
Q: Do you foresee the same rate of growth in the coming years?
A: I think it is important because once you are a bachelor's degree-granting institution, then you need to have a full array for attracting additional students.
We want to give students the true experience of a bachelor's degree and serve this section of Georgia. I am not sure what the next ones will be. Green technology is a big area. So we are looking at that.
Q: Colleges in Tennessee and Georgia have lost state appropriations due to falling state tax revenue. How has the recession affected Dalton State?
A: We have had funding cuts from the state. It is hard to do all the things that are important.
For example, we have had to cut travel. For faculty to be able to keep up with the current things in their fields, they need to interact at conferences and meetings. That is something we have cut back on.
We have also cut back on library acquisitions and technology. In the last five years we've added over 1,000 students and no new staff. There is more and more of a load on a few people.
NEWSMAKERS
Name: John Schwenn
Age: 58
Occupation: President of Dalton State College
Hometown: La Crosse, Wis.
Source: Dalton State College
