George L. Rice Drive

Dalton businessman and civic leader George L. Rice, one of the strongest proponents for the founding of Dalton Junior College, was honored during June 9, 1970 commencement exercises with the announcement that the drive that encompasses the campus would be named for him. As President and Chairman of the board of the First National Bank, Mr. Rice served in 1963 as chairman of the local committee that promoted the establishment of a college in this region. In his commencement address, Dalton Junior College President Arthur M. Gignilliat cited Mr. Rice’s personal leadership and tireless efforts to bring the college into existence, and praised his continued concern for the college’s development and growth. 

Leaving high school in Chattanooga after one year, George entered the banking profession in 1917 as a messenger boy. In true Horatio Alger fashion, Mr. Rice eventually worked his way up to the presidency of the First National Bank of Dalton, and chairman of the board of the Bank of Dalton. Mr. Rice’s other numerous achievements in charitable and civic work included presidencies of the Dalton Civilian Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the Whitfield County Hospital Authority. He also served as president of the Georgia Bankers association in 1942-1943.