It offered programs designed to provide the first two years of college work for students preparing to transfer to four-year degree-granting institutions.

The addition of a technical division in 1976 also enabled the school to serve students wishing to develop work skills at the certificate or associate degree level.

The almost 5,000 traditional and non-traditional students are from a 10-county service area of Northwest Georgia in addition to 38 foreign countries.

Originally listed as "Road Runner", the college sent a letter to Dalton State[clarification needed] ordering them to stop using the term due to copyright issues.

The men's basketball team won the NAIA National Championship in 2015 on their second season within the organization.

[12] The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is a student-run organization that strives to enhance the Dalton State College student experience through quality entertainment, creative programming and community involvement.

Through the expertise of an appointed student executive board, CAB works to ensure leadership development, networking with the college community, building campus traditions and school spirit.

Alpha Omicron Pi, colonized in spring 2014, is the first National Panhellenic Conference sorority on campus.

[13] Mashburn Hall holds 363 beds and replaced the Wood Valley complex, on-campus apartments that previously housed 160 students.