Four Georgia Northwestern Technical College (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 fall 2026 recipients of GNTC’s Gov. Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship showing (from left) the student’s name, hometown and program of study:
- Jimmy Keener, Cisco, Automation Technology
- Andy Phillips, Cohutta, Supply Chain Management and Logistics
- Sarah Sane, Chatsworth, Welding and Joining Technology
- Stephen Williams, Dalton, Welding and Joining Technology
All four students attend GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton.
“Georgia Northwestern Technical College is deeply grateful for the members of The Carpet and Rug Institute,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC. “Their ongoing support and dynamic partnership are vital to student success and workforce development in our region.”
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.
“The CRI is proud to continue to invest in our region’s future workforce through The Governor Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship,” said Russ DeLozier, president of The Carpet and Rug Institute. “By supporting students pursuing technical education, this scholarship helps build the skilled workforce needed to drive innovation and growth in the carpet manufacturing industry and beyond.”
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.
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