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.
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.
