The Foundation at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) announces the recipients of a new scholarship rewarding high-achieving first-generation students created in honor of a beloved leader at GNTC.
Selena’s Scholarship honors the late Selena Magnusson, who was GNTC’s vice-president of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success. A Chickamauga resident, Magnusson was employed at GNTC for 26 years in a variety of roles. She passed away June 6, 2024.
“This scholarship is such a special way to honor the memory of our dear colleague whose commitment to students and their success was at the heart of her work every day,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “By supporting first-generation students, we are carrying forward her legacy of encouragement, opportunity and belief in what our students can achieve. Her impact on our college and on the lives of those she served will continue to be felt through these recipients and their accomplishments.”
Magnusson began her career at GNTC in 1998. Prior to becoming vice-president in 2019, she served as associate vice president of Student Success, 2018-19; executive director of Student Affairs, 2017-18; Registrar, 1999-2018; and Employability Services case manager, 1998-99.
She received her master’s degree in Adult Education from Central Michigan University and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Berry College.
“Selena loved GNTC and working among all the campuses to provide guidance and leadership to ensure career success for the thousands of students she helped impact over the years,” said Staci Brockwell, her sister-in-law.
Magnusson, a first-generation student, was modest about her accomplishments, Brockwell said.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t understand the wealth of her contributions until after she passed much too early in her career,” Brockwell explained.
Brockwell said it is vital to Magnusson’s family to help continue her legacy of providing higher level education for students in the northwest Georgia area.
The recipients of the scholarship are Patricia Buford, Web Site Design, Floyd County Campus; Erika Greenwell, Business Management, Floyd County Campus; Greg Huff, Cybersecurity, Whitfield Murray Campus; and Lisa Smith, Business Healthcare Technology, Whitfield Murray Campus.
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, 13,775 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,836 students and an additional enrollment of 4,939 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start.
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