Students awarded fall 2024 Gov. Nathan Deal Scholarship

September 23, 2024

Three Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students have received The Governor Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement in an industrial program.

Conner Haynes, Angel Ramirez and Parker Shepherd—all of whom are Welding and Joining Technology students at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton—received the scholarship for the fall 2024 semester.

The scholarship, which honors former Gov. Nathan Deal for his dedication to technical education in Georgia, was established by The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) and made possible in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia to reward academic excellence and provide financial support for GNTC students at the Whitfield Murray Campus (WMC) completing an associate degree, diploma or certificate in an industrial program.

“We are so grateful for the ongoing support of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) and its members,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “This scholarship continues to help our students succeed and become outstanding members of the northwest Georgia workforce. We could not be more appreciative.”

WMC students majoring in Applied Technical Management, Automation Engineering Technology, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, Precision Machining and Manufacturing, as well as Welding and Joining Technology programs, are eligible for the scholarship.

(From left) Billy Brown, GNTC Welding instructor; Angel Ramirez; Parker Shepherd; Conner Haynes; Russ DeLozier, president of The Carpet and Rug Institute; and Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at GNTC. Haynes, Ramirez and Shepherd are the fall 2024 recipients of The Governor Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship at GNTC.
(From left) Billy Brown, GNTC Welding instructor; Angel Ramirez; Parker Shepherd; Conner Haynes; Russ DeLozier, president of The Carpet and Rug Institute; and Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at GNTC. Haynes, Ramirez and Shepherd are the fall 2024 recipients of The Governor Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship at GNTC.

Haynes works full-time at Bradley Ace Hardware, Ramirez works full-time at Shaw Industries Group, and Shepherd works full-time at Dalyn Rug Co.

“The carpet industry is committed to supporting workforce development in northwest Georgia,” said Russ DeLozier, president of The Carpet and Rug Institute. “Through the Governor Nathan Deal Scholarship, The CRI is proud to support high-achieving students in gaining skills in essential technical fields, while building a stronger foundation for our industry, our region and our nation.”

CRI is the leading industry source for science-based information and insight on how carpet and rugs create a better environment for living, working, learning and healing. CRI’s mission is to serve the carpet industry and public by providing facts that help people make informed choices. Its best practices promote a balance between social, economic and environmental responsibility for the long term. CRI strives to be a model corporate citizen for all industries.

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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