GNTC establishes Parson Scholarship

July 17, 2024

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GTNC) has established the Huston “Buck” Parson Scholarship to support students who reside in Murray or Whitfield County.

Parson sold carpet at Carpet Center of Dalton and raised Black Angus cattle. He also loved riding his tractor, said Mary Parson, his widow.

Mary Parson, who taught elementary school for years, places great value on education and feels a deep commitment to give back to the community.

“I wanted to create a legacy in my husband’s memory,” she said. “He was my soulmate. We had no children, so I decided to help students who need assistance.”

One $2,500 scholarship will be awarded in spring 2025. If the recipient remains in good standing, a second $2,500 scholarship will be awarded in spring 2026.

Huston “Buck” Parson
Huston “Buck” Parson

“Donors like Mrs. Parson are vital to student success,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “We are so grateful to her for establishing this scholarship in her beloved husband’s memory. Because of her generosity, students from our Whitfield Murray County campus will have a great new opportunity this spring.”

Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 12,241 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,031 students and an additional enrollment of 4,210 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start. GNTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, as set forth in its student catalog, GNTC complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital status or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). Equity Coordinator, Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 and ADA Coordinator: Brittany Elrod.

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