Name: Shannon Evans
Age: 40
Hometown: I’ve lived in Sugar Valley for the past seven years; however, I lived most of my childhood in Wales, Wis. and Niceville, Fla.
High school: Northwest Whitfield High School
Major: Communication with English minor
Expected graduation date: Fall 2018!!
Why did you choose Dalton State? Initially, I chose DSC because of its accessibility – location and cost. It was a two-year college then, so I thought it was a great place to start. I’ve continued my education here because of the degrees offered and the amazing faculty, staff, and students.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? It means being a part of community that truly supports and prepares its students. Here, you feel like you’re actually a part of a dynamic campus while developing beneficial skills that will last a lifetime.
Who is/was your favorite professor and why? My favorite professors are Dr. Thomas Veve and Mr. David Veve. I’ve been in their classes for 40 years and 36 years, respectively, and have learned countless life lessons – usually involving sports, history, or government. Additionally, I can’t say enough about our communication and English faculty. Their outstanding efforts have taught me to dig deeper and push harder, whether I’m learning about intercultural, professional, and organizational communication, understanding William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury,” presenting mass media research, analyzing works by Junot Díaz or Neil Gaiman, critiquing Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, diagramming sentences, or writing across media…
What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? My biggest accomplishments include earning the Rob Narke Academic Excellence Award in Communication and publishing my mass media conference paper in an academic journal. Also, I consider being the administrative assistant for the former Academic Resources department (2008-2013) a fulfilling accomplishment. I absolutely loved connecting students with tutoring, counseling, and disability support.
What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? My favorite activity is going to Gordon Central High School performing arts shows – our local students are so talented and professional. I also enjoy outdoor recreation, especially walking and hiking - or bike riding in The Pocket area whenever I get the opportunity.
Where is your favorite study spot? The Writing Lab in the Liberal Arts building.
Where is your favorite hangout? My house. I live in a forest, so I have lots of outdoor space to explore or just sit back and relax.
What’s on your iPhone? Lots of pictures (lots!), Google maps, and a calendar I can’t function without.
Favorite comfort food? Everything bagel and cream cheese
What is your guilty pleasure? Reality television. I often make fun of the shows; however, I can’t roll my eyes at what passes for entertainment if I’m not watching it.
What do you feel most proud of? My family: husband, Paul, and kids, Katelyn and Ashton. They make me laugh, introduce me to new experiences, and don’t give me too hard of a time for watching reality television.
What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? I’d like to be multilingual so I can effectively communicate with many more people. That skill would open up opportunities and experiences. Also, I’d like to be able to sing – just a little. My solo car karaoke is painful.
What cheers you up? A trip. To anywhere.
What is your favorite childhood memory? My family would pack up our 1980 copper-brown Toyota Carolla station wagon and make the drive to my grandparents in Florida from Wisconsin twice a year. I loved seeing the big cities (Chicago) and tourist stops (Cave City, Ky.) along the way. My parents may remember a different version of those car rides…
What is your favorite app? Rhapsody - I like listening to music anywhere.
Where is your favorite place to eat? Bowman’s in Resaca.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? A doctor – I had a Fisher Price toy medical kit and I would “operate” by clipping my Memaw’s nails.
As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? It means to persevere and inspire. Take chances, own mistakes, and appreciate yourself and others.