GNTC students awarded 2024 Gov. Nathan Deal Scholarship

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) student Angel Cruz has received The Governor Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship in recognition of his academic achievement in an industrial program.

Cruz, a student at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus (WMC) in Dalton, received the scholarship for the spring 2024 term.

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 completing an associate degree, diploma or certificate in an industrial program.

“Our industry is proud to strengthen workforce development in northwest Georgia. Through The Governor Nathan Deal Scholarship, The CRI has the privilege of supporting high-performing students in advancing their skills in technical fields that are critical to our industry and to the success of our region and country,” said Russ DeLozier, president of The Carpet and Rug Institute. “We’re grateful for the vision and commitment of The CRI Board of Directors, who approved an increase in annual scholarship funding, ensuring The CRI is providing workforce development in our community well into the future.”

(From left) Russ DeLozier, The Carpet and Rug Institute president; GNTC student Angel Cruz, recipient of The Governor Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship; and Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president.

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.

“We are so grateful for the outstanding support of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) and its members,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “This scholarship continues to have an impact on our students’ success. We could not be more appreciative.”

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.