Featured Stories
UAH College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences to Welcome NBA Sports Medicine Executive Casey R. Smith for Its Signature Speaker Series
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama, Aug. 29 -- The University of Alabama issued the following news:
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UAH College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences to welcome NBA sports medicine executive Casey R. Smith for its Signature Speaker Series
Celia Venable
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences will welcome Casey R. Smith, Vice President of Sports Medicine for the New York Knicks, as the featured guest for its Signature Speaker Series on Thursday, September 17, 2026. UAH is a part of The University of Alabama System.
Smith will present "The Ecosystem
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HUNTSVILLE, Alabama, Aug. 29 -- The University of Alabama issued the following news:
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UAH College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences to welcome NBA sports medicine executive Casey R. Smith for its Signature Speaker Series
Celia Venable
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences will welcome Casey R. Smith, Vice President of Sports Medicine for the New York Knicks, as the featured guest for its Signature Speaker Series on Thursday, September 17, 2026. UAH is a part of The University of Alabama System.
Smith will present "The Ecosystemof Excellence: Collaborative Frameworks in Athlete Development," exploring the role collaboration plays in developing and supporting high-performance athletes. Drawing from more than 25 years of experience in professional and international sports, Smith will discuss how professionals across sports medicine, coaching, performance, education, and other disciplines work together to create environments where athletes can succeed.
Smith brings an extensive career in sports medicine and athlete performance to UAH. In addition to his current role with the 2026 NBA Champions, the New York Knicks, he has served as an athletic trainer for USA Basketball and was part of the medical staff supporting gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic teams in 2008 and 2012. His career also includes service on the U.S. Olympic Medical Staff for boxing at the 2004 Olympic Games and with the 2010 FIBA Men's Basketball World Championship team. He has also been recognized three times as part of the NBA Athletic Training Staff of the Year.
The Signature Speaker Series provides opportunities for UAH students, faculty, staff, and members of the greater Huntsville community to hear from accomplished professionals whose work connects education, sport, and the human sciences with real-world practice and innovation.
"Bringing a leader of Casey Smith's caliber to our campus is a tremendous opportunity for the entire UAH and Huntsville community," said Dr. Amanda Aguilar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology. "Attendees will gain a firsthand look at what happens behind the scenes to build successful organizations, including the multidisciplinary approach to developing people, teams, and leaders. It's a unique opportunity to learn how professionals across different areas come together to create success at the highest levels."
Smith's presentation will offer students and professionals an inside look at the interdisciplinary approach required to support athletes at the highest levels of competition while highlighting concepts that extend beyond professional sports, including teamwork, communication, leadership, and collaboration across areas of expertise.
The event will take place Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Room 112 of the UAH Student Services Building. The evening will begin with networking hours at 4:30 p.m., where attendees will have an opportunity to connect with fellow guests and enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Smith's presentation will follow at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to UAH students, faculty, staff, and members of the greater Huntsville community.
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About the UAH College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences
The UAH College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences prepares students for careers dedicated to improving lives through education, movement, health, and human performance. Through academic programs, research, community engagement, and professional experiences, the College equips graduates to make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.
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Original text here: https://www.uah.edu/news/items/uah-college-education-sport-and-human-sciences-welcome-nba-sports-medicine-executive-casey-r-smith-for-its-signature-speaker-series
Texas A&M Engineering: Chemical Engineering Doctoral Graduate and Scholar Honored
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Aug. 29 -- The Texas A&M University College of Engineering issued the following news:
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Chemical engineering doctoral graduate and scholar honored
Dr. Khan Zahid establishes endowed scholarship for Texas A&M University chemical engineering students in honor of his father, Dr. M.A. Naser '67.
By Alicia Venegas, Contributor
Dr. M.A. Naser '67, former president of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and Texas A&M University chemical engineering Ph.D. graduate, is remembered by his son, Dr. Khan Zahid, as a man devoted to family, country and advancing
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COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Aug. 29 -- The Texas A&M University College of Engineering issued the following news:
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Chemical engineering doctoral graduate and scholar honored
Dr. Khan Zahid establishes endowed scholarship for Texas A&M University chemical engineering students in honor of his father, Dr. M.A. Naser '67.
By Alicia Venegas, Contributor
Dr. M.A. Naser '67, former president of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and Texas A&M University chemical engineering Ph.D. graduate, is remembered by his son, Dr. Khan Zahid, as a man devoted to family, country and advancinghigher education.
As a lifelong scholar, Naser valued the transformative power of education. Through the Dr. M.A. Naser '67 Endowed Scholarship, Zahid hopes to share that same gift with other Aggie engineers.
Silently, simply and without question
Naser's passion for learning was nurtured by his parents, M. Ismail Ali Khan and Abida Begum.
"My grandparents were simple village people, but they made sure that their two sons were educated," Zahid said.
Growing up, Naser's school was roughly five miles away in a neighboring village. Zahid recalls stories from his grandmother about how Naser and his brother walked to school during the dry season and rowed a boat there during the rainy season.
In Naser's home village of Damia in Vikrampur, education was highly sought after.
"When my father finished high school, it was such a rarity that they made him stand on a pedestal in front of their house while villagers from all around came to see and marvel at him for his accomplishment," Zahid said.
Naser's dedication to education extended far beyond his village, eventually taking him across continents. He began his academic journey at the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh, earning both his bachelor's and master's degrees. He received a scholarship to pursue a second master's degree in chemical engineering at Johns Hopkins University. He then traveled to Europe on a research fellowship with the Nuffield Foundation at the University of London.
Naser later returned to the United States to attend Columbia University in New York to pursue a doctorate in chemical engineering and eventually completed his Ph.D. at Texas A&M.
He was so devoted to his country and family that the day after he finished his degree, Naser returned home and began his career as the second vice chancellor of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. There, he received numerous accolades, including the Ekushey Padak -- the second highest civilian award in Bangladesh. He was also named Professor Emeritus by the university's chemical engineering department. Later in life, the road in front of his village home was named in his honor.
"My father was a pioneer in engineering and technological education in Bangladesh and a dedicated professor," Zahid said. "He taught until he physically could no longer continue. I remember on his last days, as he wrote his lecture notes, his hand would shake so much that one could hardly read everything clearly."
Zahid established this scholarship to honor a father who "silently, simply and without question sacrificed his own worldly desires and happiness for the love and upbringing of his children."
Through this endowed scholarship in the College of Engineering, Zahid hopes to create opportunities for other Aggie engineers and members of the Bangladesh Students Association to leave their own mark on the world, continuing the legacy his father began.
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Original text here: https://news.engineering.tamu.edu/news/2026/08/28/chemical-engineering-doctoral-graduate-and-scholar-honored/
Syracuse University: CNY Entrepreneurs Inducted Into NVRC Hall of Honor
SYRACUSE, New York, Aug. 29 -- Syracuse University issued the following news:
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CNY Entrepreneurs Inducted Into NVRC Hall of Honor
Brothers Charles Vincent "Vin" Byrne '47 and William M. "Bill" Byrne '49 honored with a plaque at the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D'Aniello Building.
Charlie Poag
The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) recently unveiled a plaque honoring two of Syracuse University's military-connected alumni at the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D'Aniello Building. Brothers Charles Vincent "Vin" Byrne '47 and
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SYRACUSE, New York, Aug. 29 -- Syracuse University issued the following news:
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CNY Entrepreneurs Inducted Into NVRC Hall of Honor
Brothers Charles Vincent "Vin" Byrne '47 and William M. "Bill" Byrne '49 honored with a plaque at the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D'Aniello Building.
Charlie Poag
The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) recently unveiled a plaque honoring two of Syracuse University's military-connected alumni at the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D'Aniello Building. Brothers Charles Vincent "Vin" Byrne '47 andWilliam M. "Bill" Byrne '49, who were the prominent leaders of the Central New York business Byrne Dairy, were inducted into the Capt. Floyd "Ben" Schwartzwalder Hall of Honor, where their legacy will live alongside more than a century of notable military-connected University alumni.
"As we honor Bill and Vin Byrne, we celebrate not only their individual accomplishments, but also the enduring legacy of a generation that changed Syracuse University, strengthened our nation and demonstrated what is possible when service, education and opportunity come together," says retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dwayne Murray, deputy director of the OVMA, who emceed the ceremony. "Their journey reminds us why Syracuse University's commitment to veterans remains as important today as it was 80 years ago."
The Byrne brothers' Syracuse story began in the early 1940s, when boxing was one of the University's marquee sports. In 1943, the brothers made collegiate boxing history when Vin Byrne won the Eastern Intercollegiate Flyweight Championship and Bill won the Eastern Intercollegiate Middleweight Championship, the first time brothers had claimed Eastern Intercollegiate boxing titles in the same year. Later that same year, with the country at war, both brothers left campus to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps and join the 16.1 million who served in the U.S. armed forces throughout World War II.
The Byrne Brothers Return With the G.I. Bulge
Bill and Vin's return to Syracuse charts a course through an impactful decision the University made at the closing of World War II that still defines its legacy today. Following the war, Chancellor William Pearson Tolley opened Syracuse's doors to returning veterans on the G.I. Bill, at a time when many colleges were reluctant to do so. More than 7,000 veterans enrolled at the university that fall, growing to 9,500 the following year, making up nearly half the student body. Bill and Vin Byrne were part of that wave, often referred to as the "G.I. Bulge."
The discipline they built at Syracuse, in the ring and in their military service, followed them into business. Their father, Matthew Byrne, founded Byrne Dairy in Syracuse in 1933, bottling milk and delivering it by horse-drawn wagon. Bill and Vin took over as the family's second generation of leadership and ran the business the way they'd trained for military service: prepared, disciplined and unwilling to cut corners.
That foundation has carried the Byrne family through multiple generations since. Three of those five generations returned to campus to see the plaque unveiled, from Bill and Vin's own children to great-grandchildren just starting their careers.
That through line, from campus to combat to career, was the catalyst to bring the Byrne brothers' story to the Hall of Honor.
"Some of us spent decades in close relationships with Vin and Bill, and others of us were born decades after their passing. That makes it hard, and it means that those of us who knew them well have a responsibility to the younger generations to tell the stories of their lives to their great- grandchildren and their great-great grandchildren," says Bill Byrne, past president of Byrne Dairy and a member of the family's third generation. "Bill and Vin have left an amazing legacy that deserves to be passed down to their family, and this display will tell some of their story to the community."
To mark the occasion, the Byrne family and the OVMA announced the William M. Byrne '47 and Charles "Vinnie" Byrne '49 Endowed Scholarship for military-connected students, made possible through Byrne Dairy. The gift also supports the football head coach's fund and the Veterans Legacy Fund.
Bill Byrne unveiled the commemorative plaque on behalf of the family and Byrne Dairy, on what he noted, by coincidence, would have been William M. Byrne's 104th birthday.
For more information about Syracuse University's notable military-connected alumni, and to find out about the programs and services available to military-connected students, visit the OVMA website (https://veterans.syracuse.edu/?_gl=1*1bq1hbc*_gcl_au*MTkzMDY2MzIzMS4xNzg2NTM0NjM2*_ga*MTUxMTAwNC4xNzcwNTU4MDcy*_ga_QT13NN6N9S*czE3ODgwMDI1NDMkbzEyNCRnMSR0MTc4ODAwMjYwOSRqNjAkbDAkaDA.*_ga_SRVN5YVLB5*czE3ODgwMDI1NDQkbzEyNCRnMSR0MTc4ODAwMjU2OSRqMzUkbDAkaDA.*_ga_65S0N1FWNY*czE3ODgwMDI1NDQkbzEyNCRnMSR0MTc4ODAwMjU2OSRqMzUkbDAkaDA.*_ga_S5CXSPXYHM*czE3ODgwMDI1NDMkbzEyNCRnMSR0MTc4ODAwMjU2OSRqMzQkbDAkaDA.).
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Original text here: https://news.syr.edu/2026/08/27/from-boxing-champions-to-cny-entrepreneurs/
Gadsden State Community College: Alabama Power Company Endowed Scholarship to Expand Career Opportunities at Valley Street Campus
GADSDEN, Alabama, Aug. 29 -- Gadsden State Community College issued the following news:
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Alabama Power Company Endowed Scholarship to Expand Career Opportunities at Valley Street Campus
A generous investment from Alabama Power Company is creating new opportunities for students at Gadsden State Community College's Valley Street Campus through the establishment of the Alabama Power Company Endowed Career Technical and Workforce Development Scholarship.
The scholarship will directly support students pursuing career technical and workforce development programs at Valley Street, the College's
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GADSDEN, Alabama, Aug. 29 -- Gadsden State Community College issued the following news:
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Alabama Power Company Endowed Scholarship to Expand Career Opportunities at Valley Street Campus
A generous investment from Alabama Power Company is creating new opportunities for students at Gadsden State Community College's Valley Street Campus through the establishment of the Alabama Power Company Endowed Career Technical and Workforce Development Scholarship.
The scholarship will directly support students pursuing career technical and workforce development programs at Valley Street, the College'shistorically Black campus. By providing financial assistance for hands-on training and industry-recognized credentials, the scholarship will help remove financial barriers for students preparing to enter some of the region's most in-demand careers.
For students determined to build a better future, the cost of education and technical training can sometimes create a barrier to opportunity. The Alabama Power Company Endowed Scholarship is designed to help bridge that gap by expanding access to education, hands-on training and workforce skills students need to pursue meaningful careers and succeed in today's workforce.
"Investments like this do more than provide financial assistance. They invest in people, families, and the future of our communities," said Ricky Tillis, Valley Street Campus director. "Alabama Power Company's commitment to students at Valley Street helps ensure that talented individuals have the opportunity to develop the skills and credentials necessary to pursue meaningful careers."
The scholarship also reflects Valley Street's longstanding legacy of access, excellence and economic advancement. With its deep historical significance, Valley Street continues to serve as a place where education creates opportunity, empowering students to prepare for careers that strengthen families, build a skilled workforce and contribute to thriving communities.
Through career technical and workforce development programs, students gain practical, career-ready skills in fields where qualified professionals are in high demand. The Alabama Power Company Endowed Scholarship will help more students take that critical step toward meaningful employment, economic mobility and long-term success.
"Alabama Power is proud to support opportunities that help students gain the skills needed to succeed in high-demand careers," said Spencer Williams, community relations manager with Alabama Power Company. "By investing in education and workforce development, we are helping build a stronger workforce and a stronger community."
Because the scholarship is endowed, Alabama Power Company's investment will continue to support students for years to come, creating a lasting legacy of opportunity and strengthening access to education at the Valley Street Campus.
The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation is grateful to Alabama Power Company for its commitment to expanding access to education and workforce training. Together, the Foundation and Alabama Power are helping students move from aspiration to achievement, while strengthening the workforce and economic future of the communities Gadsden State serves.
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About the Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation
The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Gadsden State Community College, supporting student scholarships, academic programs, workforce development and initiatives that advance the college's mission. Through partnerships with individuals, businesses and organizations, the Foundation connects community generosity with opportunities that help students succeed and communities thrive.
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Original text here: https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/about-us/latest-news/post/alabama-power-company-endowed-scholarship-to-expand-career-opportunities-at-valley-street-campus
Economic Impact Report Highlights William Peace University's Strength in the Triangle
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 29 (TNSrpt) -- William Peace University issued the following news:
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Economic Impact Report Highlights William Peace University's Strength in the Triangle
A new economic impact report demonstrates how Raleigh's three private colleges and universities -- William Peace University, Meredith College, and Shaw University -- strengthen the Research Triangle region. Titled Anchors of Opportunity: How Peace, Shaw and Meredith Strengthen Our Economy, Workforce, and Community, the collaborative study finds that these institutions serve as vital employers, support household
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 29 (TNSrpt) -- William Peace University issued the following news:
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Economic Impact Report Highlights William Peace University's Strength in the Triangle
A new economic impact report demonstrates how Raleigh's three private colleges and universities -- William Peace University, Meredith College, and Shaw University -- strengthen the Research Triangle region. Titled Anchors of Opportunity: How Peace, Shaw and Meredith Strengthen Our Economy, Workforce, and Community, the collaborative study finds that these institutions serve as vital employers, support householdincomes, attract and retain talent, and contribute significantly to the region's civic and cultural vitality.
The project was envisioned by Dr. Lynn Morton, former president of Peace, who brought the three institutions together to quantify their collective impact. The schools partnered with Economic Leadership, a North Carolina-based research firm, to produce the report, with funding provided by the A.J. Fletcher Foundation.
The analysis focused on five primary categories: payroll impacts, construction spending, student spending, visitor spending, and graduates' contributions. Collectively, the report found that the three institutions generate more than $1.1 billion in sales and support nearly $200 million in earnings for Triangle residents.
"I am enormously proud to see Peace's impact documented alongside Shaw University and Meredith College," President Jennifer Walsh said. "In 2025 alone, our three institutions generated an estimated $538 million in regional GDP and supported approximately 3,200 resident jobs. Those figures demonstrate that small, private universities can have an outsized benefit to the region."
Leading the Research
Following the 2024-25 academic year, Peace spearheaded the data collection process. Meghan-Joy Woodall, director of institutional effectiveness and academic projects, led the effort to aggregate and align data across the three institutions.
"We had this initiative to pull together these three Raleigh institutions that have a strong history of serving underserved populations to discover what our combined impact is," she said. "During the process, I took the lead to ensure we were all treating the data the same way and using the same terminology. I wanted to be sure we were on the same page about what we're looking for, and I think it turned out to be a really positive and helpful report."
Beyond the numbers, Woodall encouraged the team to include qualitative factors that define the institutions' regional relevance. By pairing economic output with the cultural and social impacts unique to small colleges, the report provides a comprehensive look at the value of the Peace experience.
"We're not just focused on filling seats -- our students complete internships, earn top evaluations from their supervisors, and volunteer," Woodall said. "At Peace, they learn to be responsible citizens through their courses and develop transferable skills for their careers and lives. This demonstrates our commitment to the overall quality of our graduates rather than to quantity."
President Walsh echoed the sentiment that Peace's value extends far beyond monetary factors.
"Although Peace serves as a clear economic driver for the region, our contribution cannot be measured in dollars alone," she said. "We expand access to higher education for several hundred learners each year, and nearly half of our students are the first in their families to attend college. We also connect students with local employers through required internships, contribute service hours to community-based organizations, bring people downtown for athletic, cultural, and community events, and prepare graduates to lead and serve. As one of Raleigh's historic institutions, Peace provides something less tangible but equally important: a sense of place, continuity, and community in the heart of a rapidly growing city."
A Staple in the Region
The economic impact report positions Peace as a staple of the Raleigh and broader Triangle communities, providing economic value and top graduates to fill local jobs. Research supports the view that the continued presence of Peace, Shaw, and Meredith remains integral to workforce development, regional identity, and long-term economic growth.
"Universities like Peace are anchor institutions," President Walsh said. "We employ residents, purchase goods and services from local retailers, invest in our campuses, attract students and visitors, and support surrounding businesses. The report found that last year, Peace alone provided 291 payroll jobs and more than $9 million in wages for Triangle residents. Our most enduring contribution, however, is the talent we develop. Peace graduates become educators, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, business professionals, and engaged citizens who will strengthen North Carolina's economy for decades to come."
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REPORT: https://peace.edu/wp-content/uploads/Private-University-Economic-Impact-Report_FINAL.pdf
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Original text here: https://peace.edu/economic-impact-report-highlights-william-peace-universitys-strength-in-the-triangle/
Dr. Dycus Discusses Eastern Mennonite University's Pathways to Enrollment Growth and Career Development for Royals
HARRISONBURG, Virginia, Aug. 29 -- Eastern Mennonite University issued the following news:
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Dr. Dycus discusses EMU's pathways to enrollment growth and career development for Royals
By Ryan Cornell
At EMU, it's all about experiential learning opportunities.
Eighty-five percent of EMU students graduate with an experience aligned with their major, President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus told a roomful of business and community leaders gathered for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce's annual Presidential Address on Aug. 20.
"That means that, early in their time with us, students
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HARRISONBURG, Virginia, Aug. 29 -- Eastern Mennonite University issued the following news:
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Dr. Dycus discusses EMU's pathways to enrollment growth and career development for Royals
By Ryan Cornell
At EMU, it's all about experiential learning opportunities.
Eighty-five percent of EMU students graduate with an experience aligned with their major, President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus told a roomful of business and community leaders gathered for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce's annual Presidential Address on Aug. 20.
"That means that, early in their time with us, studentsare doing clinicals, completing placements in classrooms, and working in internships, where they get exposure to many of your businesses," she said. "For many of them, that translates into jobs. ...It's not just senior year when they're submitting their resumes that they encounter some of your businesses."
Enrollment growth
Seated on stage with the presidents of James Madison University, Bridgewater College, and Blue Ridge Community College, Dycus shared some of the exciting initiatives and updates happening at EMU, including the growth of its incoming first-year class. Building on momentum from its enrollment and marketing efforts, EMU's Class of 2030 is projected to be between 10-15% larger than last year's incoming class.
"This incoming class we are about to welcome is more diverse than we have ever seen before," she said.
Of the class entering EMU this fall, 52% identify as students of color, 55% identify as first-generation college students, and 78% hail from Virginia.
"We are seeing students who are from the region, who are coming to us and are able to see our institution as an access institution, as a way to say, 'I want to advance my career, my family's career, and the opportunities that are available to us,'" Dycus said.
Pathways curriculum
Another exciting development at EMU is the university's new pathways curriculum launching this year. The result of nearly two years of work, the pathways curriculum keeps the same general education courses needed to graduate from EMU but repackages them to meet the evolving needs of the workforce and a new generation of students.
"For this sophomore class, students will not only identify a primary major, such as accounting, but they will also identify a values major they will then pursue in their courses," Dycus said.
Those value majors include environmental sustainability, intercultural understanding, power and equity, and faith and meaning. They will also be listed on students' transcripts and degrees.
"As they enter into their interviews with you, they can say, 'I've had courses that prepare me for communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and ways to understand different cultures,'" Dycus told chamber members.
"That's one of the ways we can help students prepare, not only for the first job they will have, but the many jobs they will have as they go throughout their careers," she added. "We're training and educating students for jobs that we can't yet imagine."
For more information about the pathways curriculum, visit emu.edu/academics/pathways.
Dycus also highlighted the growth in the university's nursing program and credited the community's "wonderful clinical sites," which include hospitals, retirement communities, schools, and hospices. "We've expanded the number of partners we have, and many of you are represented in this room," she said.
Leadership stories
Dycus said that by forming partnerships with the local business community, students can learn they have a home not only on EMU's campus but also across the broader Harrisonburg area. She called on business leaders to go forth and share their stories.
"The ways you have navigated your own careers, your stories of access and accomplishment and even failure, are critical parts of what our students need to hear," she said. "It's not just the content and knowledge but it's also the encouragement, affirmation, and confidence that motivate our students to know they can be sitting in the same places you're sitting and leading the businesses you're leading."
Dycus will be inaugurated as EMU's 10th president on Oct. 10 during Homecoming 2026. She expressed gratitude for the many notes of congratulations and encouragement she has received from chamber members since becoming president on July 1.
"It's a reminder to me just how connected we are and the interdependence of our institutions and your organizations," she said.
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Original text here: https://emu.edu/now/news/2026/dr-dycus-discusses-emus-pathways-to-enrollment-growth-and-career-development-for-royals/
Dalton State College Respiratory Therapy Program Recognized Nationally for Graduate Success
DALTON, Georgia, Aug. 29 -- Dalton State College issued the following news:
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Dalton State Respiratory Therapy Program recognized nationally for graduate success
Dalton State College's respiratory therapy program has earned the 2026 Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The honor marks 12th consecutive year the program has been recognized for sustained success in preparing graduates to achieve the profession's highest credential and successfully enter the workforce.
"The Dalton
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DALTON, Georgia, Aug. 29 -- Dalton State College issued the following news:
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Dalton State Respiratory Therapy Program recognized nationally for graduate success
Dalton State College's respiratory therapy program has earned the 2026 Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The honor marks 12th consecutive year the program has been recognized for sustained success in preparing graduates to achieve the profession's highest credential and successfully enter the workforce.
"The DaltonState College Respiratory Therapy Program is honored to once again receive the CoARC Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credentialing Success Award," said Stephanie Watkins, respiratory therapy program director at Dalton State. "This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, clinical partners and graduates. Our mission is to provide a high-quality educational experience that prepares students to excel in the profession while meeting the respiratory care needs of our community and region."
The award recognizes respiratory therapy programs that consistently produce graduates who earn the RRT credential, achieve strong board examination results, maintain high retention and completion rates, and meet or exceed national accreditation benchmarks.
According to CoARC's 2025 programmatic outcomes data, Dalton State's Respiratory Therapy Program achieved a 97% job placement rate and a 100% employer satisfaction rate.
"These outcomes exceeded national averages and demonstrate the strength of our program and the preparedness of our graduates for professional practice," Watkins said. "We are proud to see our graduates making an immediate impact in hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the region."
Students develop clinical skills through hands-on training in Dalton State's state-of-the-art simulation lab, where they practice responding to realistic patient scenarios before entering clinical settings.
Respiratory therapy students also complete hundreds of hours of supervised clinical training before graduation, gaining the experience needed to transition confidently into professional practice.
Dalton State's respiratory therapy program launched in 2009 and first earned the award in 2013, the first year it was eligible. Since then, the program has received the honor in 13 of its 14 eligible years.
To learn more about Dalton State's respiratory therapy program, visit www.daltonstate.edu.
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Original text here: https://www.daltonstate.edu/news/dalton-state-respiratory-therapy-program-recognized-nationally-for-graduate-success/
