Helms announces retirement from Dalton State College

Connors to serve as interim dean of the Wright School of Business

by Kate Maine

Dalton, GA (10/28/2024) — Marilyn M. Helms, dean of Dalton State College's C. Lamar and Ann Wright School of Business (WSOB), has announced plans to retire at the end of the fall 2024 semester.

Helms joined Dalton State in 2000, and, under her leadership, the WSOB successfully completed two five-year AACSB Business Program Accreditation Continuous Improvement Reviews, most recently this past September. Only 6 percent of the world's leading business schools achieve AASCB accreditation, the highest standard of quality in business education.

"Dr. Helms has been a tireless champion for Dalton State students, working to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to work in a global economy," President John Fuchko said. "In addition to growing the academic opportunities for students, she has built partnerships with countless industry leaders and organizations to provide students with practical, resume-building experiences that create a strong foundation for success."

Helms developed the WSOB Employer of the Day program to connect students with graduate schools and local employers offering internships and full-time positions, initiated an Annual Economic Panel composed of area industry leaders, and revitalized the WSOB's Business Advisory Council, which advises on emerging topics integrated into the curriculum.

"Her commitment to education and service has elevated Dalton State College. From spearheading the renovation of Gignilliat Hall to launching the Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Dr. Helms' contributions have shaped the Wright School of Business," Dr. Gina Kertulis-Tartar, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, said. "We are grateful for her visionary leadership and dedication."

The college's Sesquicentennial Endowed Chair and professor of Supply Chain Management, and Helms was instrumental in launching the college's newest Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. She also coordinated a $10 million renovation and expansion of Gignilliat Hall in 2019. Enhancements included stock tickers in the lobby and investment classroom, a world clock, and business news monitors for the Finance Lab. In addition, she helped re-establish an office of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center on campus.

Alumni and community members are invited to a reception on November 19, from 5-7 p.m., to celebrate Dalton State's 25-year anniversary of offering bachelor's degrees and Helms' retirement. The reception will be held in Gignilliat Hall at Dalton State.

Before joining Dalton State, Helms taught at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she directed UTC's Institute for Women as Entrepreneurs. In 2000, she received a Fulbright Teaching and Research Grant and taught International Management to MBA students in Portugal.

Helms holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree, along with M.B.A. and bachelor's degrees from the University of Memphis. She is a Certified Production and Inventory Management Fellow, Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution Fellow, Certified Integrated Resources Manager, Certified Supply Chain Professional Fellow, and a Certified Quality Manager/Organizational Excellence by the American Society for Quality. Helms' research has been published in numerous professional and scholarly journals.

Dr. Jamie Connors, who first joined Dalton State in 2005 as an adjunct faculty member and now serves as associate dean of the Wright School of Business, will serve as interim dean until a permanent successor is named.

"Dr. Connors' caring approach to students and dedication to her colleagues will be invaluable as she steps into the position of interim dean," Kertulis-Tartar said.

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