Dr. Angela Harris embraces Dr. Jim Burran, president emeritus of Dalton State, as he wishes her luck in her new position during a reception for her at the College.
"Dr. Angela Harris has a passion for people." It was a phrase repeated several times during a reception to bid her farewell and good luck on her new job.
Dr. Harris - who worked at Dalton State for nearly 25 years, most recently as assistant vice president of enrollment services – is now serving as the vice president for student success and enrollment management at Fort Valley State University.
“There could be one or one hundred people around and she’s going to light up and give them support,” said Matthew Queener, an economics teacher and coach at Coahulla Creek High School, who previously worked in recruitment at Dalton State. “She’s a big people person,” Mr. Queener said. “We all knew she had a true passion for people. Dr. Harris encourages those around her. She said her focus is creating “competent, confident and empowered leaders.”
And it’s something those who have worked for her feel she accomplished. “When I came in 2007, she was the director of admission,” said Katherine Logan, current assistant director of admission. “She took me under her wing, professionally and personally. She taught me all about the admissions process and how to be a leader. She puts 100 percent into her people and lets them know that.”
High schools often call on Dr. Harris to inspire students, Ms. Logan said. “She’s a legend at the local high schools,” she said. “She wants to make sure they strive to do their best.”
Dr. Harris said she believes she is leaving Dalton State in good hands and she’s excited to make the transition to another institution. “It’s the end of an era,” she said. “Dalton State is about to transition to the next phase of its existence and that’s huge.”
During Dr. Harris’ time at Dalton State, she saw enrollment go from 1,500 to nearly 6,000. She began as a recruiter in 1990. “For 25 years, Dalton State has been my family, my friend, and my professional development platform,” she said, “all while I was assisting people in making their dreams come true through education.”
Dr. Jim Burran, president emeritus of Dalton State, said she has represented the College well.
“She has been a real asset to the institution in so many ways,” he said. “She has functioned as an ambassador on many levels. Everyone knew her. We’re sorry to see her leave, but we wish her the very best.”
Dr. Harris is a native of Dalton. She earned her master’s degree from the University of West Georgia in guidance counseling higher education and her doctorate from the University of Alabama, Tuscoloosa, in higher education administration.
Dr. Angela Harris speaks with Dr. Henry Codjoe, director of institution research at Dalton State, during her farewell reception at the College.