Name: Zackery Lee Brandenburg
Age: 24
Hometown: From Lexington, Ky. originally. Graduated high school in Cartersville.
High school: Cass High School
Major: Communication
Expected graduation date: December 2019
Why did you choose Dalton State? I had some friends that went here and told me about it, so I applied and got accepted. I then found out my neighbor worked in the student life office here, and I ended up getting a free ride to and from school every day. She encouraged me to get involved, which kept me here.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? Being a part of something great and big.
What do you plan to do after graduation? I’m tied between working in media doing website or graphic design or working with some kind of ministry or non-profit.
Who is/was your favorite professor and why? Dr. Forrest Blackbourn. He left the biggest impact on me as a professor. I learned a lot about myself in Spanish class. He’s also one of the most sincere and genuine people I’ve ever met. He’s been very helpful and supportive of what I’m called to do.
What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? College just isn’t about learning what you’re majoring in, it’s about personal growth and development. Working in the Office of Marketing and Communications and overseeing and improving the college’s entire website is one of my biggest accomplishments. The folks in that office have been a blessing to me, and I’ve built some life-long friendships and learned a lot about myself. This opportunity has given me real-world experience about marketing/communications and media industries. I have professional photography, public relations, social media management and website experience. Say no to Oxford commas.
What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? I work at City of Refuge in Dalton in the Kid City after school program. If you volunteer there, you’ll probably see me. I also like the area around the Wink Theater and Burr Park. These places give me a great feel of the tight-knit community that is Dalton.
Where is your favorite hangout? Common Ground Coffee Shop – I’ve skipped many a class there in my day.
What’s on your iPad? I don’t have an iPad. Android market all the way. I love my Google Pixel 3.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? “When You’re in D-Town” – this place is great!
Favorite line from a movie? “You’re killin’ me, Smalls!”
What is your guilty pleasure? Taylor Swift
If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would pay off mine and my family’s debts, invest some of it and give it to community organizations to enhance the quality of life. I would go back home to Kentucky and help fund educational programs in rural areas. I would do this all anonymously because it’s not about what you gave, it’s about who you’re helping and the difference that’s being made in their lives.
What cheers you up? Helping people and making people’s day better.
What is your favorite childhood memory? Going to the mall when I was 4 years old and asking my mom how old she was. I love that woman so much.
If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? Jesus Christ, Harambe and Bob Ross
Where is your favorite place to eat? Buckin’ Burrito has been very good to me. Shop local, guys!
What did you want to be when you were a kid? I really wanted to be an architect. I toured my high school being rebuilt and chose the color they painted the gym.
As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? To Run Boldly means to just do it and give it your all… Even when we fall short at times – Just do it. We’ll bounce back and end up being stronger and better.