David Buckler

Why did you choose Dalton State? I choose Dalton State because of its affordability. The low costs for fees and tuition means I will be walking across the stage on graduation day with zero debt. At first, I was hesitant to go to Dalton State because of how close it is to my high school, and I figured that it would be an extension of high school. However, I quickly made new friends and realized that being at Dalton State was going a whole new adventure for me.

What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? To be part of Roadrunner Nation means to treat everyone I come in contact with on campus with the love, friendliness, and respect they deserve. Being a part of this ‘nation’ means that we are all one. This campus has a number of groups on campus, with very different viewpoints that each one holds dear to, but as a Roadrunner Nation we’re to join together and have one anothers’ backs no matter who it is that is in need of help.

What do you plan to do after graduation? After graduation I plan to move overseas with my wife and serve the people of whatever country we live in. We both love traveling.

Who is/was your favorite professor and why? My favorite professor is biology professor Dr. Matt Chenoweth. Having Dr. Matt my freshman year for my Bio 1107 and 1108 classes fostered my love for biology and caused me to change my major to biology. I haven’t looked back since. Dr. Matt has since invested in my educational career. He is quite knowledgeable in his field and is an excellent professor.

What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? My favorite things to do in and around Dalton are to go to amazing restaurants and coffee shops and spend valuable time with friends. I love exploring the outdoors, and Dalton has a number of amazing trails and scenic sites in town or just a short drive up the interstate.

Where is your favorite study spot? My favorite study spot is in the library. Peace and quiet, along with some music goes a long way to do well in my classes.

What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? My best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation is making lifelong friendships with people I never knew before in my life. These ‘new’ friends have had an eternal impact upon my life and have been here for me in my lowest of times and in my most joyous of times.

What is the last book you read? The last book I read was “The Language of God” by Francis Collins, the director of the Human Genome Project. Collins is a scientist but is also a believer in a living God and his story to faith is encouraging, as well as challenging.

Favorite comfort food? Peanut butter M&Ms

What do you feel most proud of? I feel the proudest of my wife. She has a beautiful heart for others and truly cares for everyone. She is truly an inspiration to me, and I am proud to call her my wife.

If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would use it to pay some stuff off, then move overseas. After having moved I would donate the rest to various ministries and people.

What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? I would love to learn how to speak Arabic. I have a number of Arab friends and have also traveled abroad to places heavily influenced by Arab culture and the language. Learning the language would allow me to better contact with others from and in those places.

What cheers you up? Spending time with my wife as we serve others together.

Who is your hero? My hero is my dear friend Mitch. He and his wife are an incredible reflection of Christ’s love for others, and they both are highly invested into the lives of my wife and me.

If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? If I could go back in history I would love to meet Augustine of Hippo to learn from his profound wisdom, and to learn how life as a follower of Jesus was different in the fourth century versus today.

Where is your favorite place to eat? My favorite place to eat in Dalton is Buckin Burrito.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be a preacher. My family built me a little pulpit that I would stand behind as a kid and I’d ‘preach’ to my mom and dad and siblings, then I’d pass around an offering plate, just like an ‘actual’ service. I thought I was hot stuff.

As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? To Run Boldly means to walk, talk, and act with confidence in where my identity lies. As a follower of Jesus, I’m called to treat others with love and respect, but to do so boldly in His name. “Running boldly” on campus means to unashamedly care for others as I go about my day, but also to be bold in my example of Christ to them.