Four GNTC students have received The Governor Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement in an industrial or industrial-related program.
Listed are students chosen as the 2026 recipients of GNTC’s Gov. Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship showing (from left) the student’s name, city of residence and program of study:
- Yvonne Beltran, Dalton, Welding and Joining Technology
- Jimmy Keener, Dalton, Automation Technology
- Sarah Sane, Chatsworth, Welding and Joining Technology
- Gibson Scott, Fairmount, Precision Machining and Manufacturing
All four students attend GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton.
“The support from the members of The Carpet and Rug Institute continues to make a meaningful impact on GNTC students and workforce development in our region,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “We are excited to report a record number of Governor Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship applicants this semester. Students realize that these scholarships can help them realize their educational goals. We are so thankful for our partnership with The Carpet and Rug Institute.”
The scholarship, which honors former Gov. Nathan Deal for his dedication to technical education in Georgia, was established by The Carpet and Rug Institute 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-related program.
WMC programs that qualify for the scholarship include Automation Technology, Automation Engineering Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Precision Machining and Manufacturing Technology, Supply Chain Management and Logistics and Welding and Joining Technology. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required. Applicants must be residents of Gordon, Murray or Whitfield Counties.
“Investing in future talent is essential to the continued success of the carpet industry,” said Russ DeLozier, president of The Carpet and Rug Institute. “The Governor Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship helps students gain the technical skills needed to power innovation, strengthen our workforce and drive growth across northwest Georgia.”
The CRI educates customers and consumers, helps advance technical initiatives and advocates on behalf of the carpet manufacturing industry. This work is informed by science and guided by The CRI’s commitment to integrity in everything we do. The CRI strives to be a model corporate citizen for all industries. Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs. For more information about GNTC, visit us at GNTC.