About Us
Dalton State College delivers a transformational education experience in a community serving more than 5,000 students through its two campuses and online programs. A member of the University System of Georgia, we provide access to high-quality bachelors degrees, associate degrees, and career and teaching certificate programs that are responsive to regional and state needs.
Located about 90 minutes from Atlanta and 30 minutes from Chattanooga, Dalton State is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northwest Georgia and is surrounded by abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. We attract students from 35 countries and 26 states. Approximately half of our students are first-generation college students. Dalton State is Georgias first federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI); through this designation, we administer a Title V and a Title III HSI STEM Grant program that benefit all students.
Our mission and values undergird our commitment to creating a sense of belonging for all students and to ensuring their success. Dalton State was ranked #1 in the nation for Student Experience in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings and the #2 most recommended institution in the country in 2025. In addition, we are proud to have been recognized in 2024 as one of 75 "Great Colleges to Work For" by ModernThink, along with an Honor Roll distinction.
Job Summary
Dalton State College invites applications for a full-time, 10-month faculty position in Physics, beginning August 1, 2026. Depending on experience and qualifications, the appointment will be made at either the tenure-track Associate/Assistant Professor or Lecturer level.
Teach. Innovate. Connect.
Dalton State seeks a dedicated and enthusiastic educator who is passionate about teaching Physics to a diverse student body in a supportive and collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence, or potential for excellence, in:
Teaching and student learning
Supporting student success through mentoring and advising
Research, scholarship, or creative activity, particularly those involving students
Service to the institution and community
Professional growth and continued learning
Teaching responsibilities are 27-28 credit hours per academic year. Courses may include areas such as:
Teaching assignments may occur during the day, evening, online, hybrid, or at off-campus locations.
About the Department
The Department of Physical Sciences at Dalton State College serves as the academic home for disciplines including physics, engineering technology, chemistry, astronomy, geology, and related fields in which students develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and laboratory skills. The department is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for careers in science, technology, education, and research.
The department emphasizes innovative teaching practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and high-impact learning experiences, including undergraduate research and applied problem-solving.
Exceptional Facilities for Teaching and Practice
The School of Arts and Sciences provides strong support for instruction and student engagement. Faculty and students benefit from:
Technology-enhanced classrooms and labs, including an observatory with a 24 reflecting telescope
Opportunities for applied projects and internships with regional industry partners
Collaborative learning spaces that support active and experiential learning
Application Process
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, transcripts of all college work, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin on June 15, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
To apply, please visit https://www.daltonstate.edu/resources_for/employment/.
For questions about the position, please contact humanresources@daltonstate.edu
Minimum Starting Salary:
Benefits include:
Healthcare options
Retirement option: Teachers Retirement Systems (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
Tuition assistance
$100 annually in well-being rewards
Paid sick leave
Paid parental leave
Winter break (December Holidays)
USG Benefits
Responsibilities
Teach undergraduate courses in Physics and other subjects, if qualified
Provide academic advising and mentoring to students
Participate in service activities in the department, college, and community
Engage students in applied projects, internships, or undergraduate research
Contribute to curriculum development and program growth
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Earned doctorate
College classroom teaching experience.
Experience or interest in supervising undergraduate research
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
An earned masters degree with 18 graduate credits in the teaching discipline or a closely related field is required; a doctorate is preferred.
Evidence of effective teaching or potential for teaching excellence.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to teach effectively in face-to-face, hybrid, and online learning environments.
Commitment to engaging students, accommodating a variety of learning styles, and incorporating applied and experiential learning strategies.
Commitment to educating, mentoring, and empowering students, particularly those who are first-generation college students, to achieve academic and personal success.
Dedication to supporting the vision, mission, and values of Dalton State College.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Dalton State College, as determined by Dalton State College in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of Dalton State College (DSC). As a member of the University System of Georgia, we follow the Board of Regents policy, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individuals age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any DSC program or activity because of the individuals protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individuals protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.
All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institutions ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.
Dalton State College is an Equal Opportunity Institution. For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy, please contact Dalton State Colleges Office of Human Resources at 706-272-2034. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 706-272-2034.