Three-time College of Communication & Information graduate Kris Barton (B.A. ’00, M.A. ’02, Ph.D. ’07) passed away unexpectedly on May 4, 2016 at age 39. The alum and Chair of the Department of Communication at Dalton State College was known for his book, A State of Arrested Development. He also published books on reality television, trivia and fandom culture. Barton was an integral part of the creation of the Department of Communication at Dalton State College, where he also taught as an associate professor.

Barton has said that as long as he is in the classroom and talking about communication, he’s happy. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading or watching anything that tells a good story.

Barton leaves behind his wife, Gina, and son, Wyatt, as well as a great number of faculty, staff and students at the College.