GNTC student Ashley Weaver believes her prospects add up to a bright future as she pursues an associate degree in Accounting.
Weaver received her High School Equivalency (HSE) through GNTC’s Adult Education program in spring 2024, completing classes at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus (WMC) in Dalton. She expects to graduate with her Accounting degree in spring 2026.
“The Adult Education classes GNTC offers are amazing,” Weaver said. “I was welcomed into the Adult Education program with open arms and felt very comfortable. Without GNTC’s help, I would not have been able to get my HSE.”
She graduated a month after her middle daughter graduated from high school, which she called a “special memory to share the same graduation year.”
“After earning my HSE, I considered GNTC my home college, and I wanted to graduate from the place that helped me start it all,” she said.
Weaver told three family members about the importance of a college education and the quality education she received through GNTC.
“My husband, Jared Weaver, is a laser operator, so he is getting his associate degree in Drafting Technology at GNTC so that he can understand that aspect of his job,” she said.
“My daughter, Emily Standridge, and niece, Kaylee Weaver, are both getting a certificate in Healthcare Office Assistant at GNTC,” she said. “They both want to pursue a job in a doctor’s office.”
A longtime resident of Chatsworth, Weaver said she grew up in Indiana and will celebrate her 41st birthday in November.
“I have always loved working with numbers, so Accounting just seemed like the right path to choose,” Weaver said. “My goal is to get a job in an accounting office and one day down the road to open my own accounting office to serve the community.”
Weaver said she has been driving a school bus for Murray County Schools in Chatsworth since December 2011 and loves to interact with the children. She began the job when her youngest daughter entered Pre-K because she wanted a job that coincided with her children’s school schedule.
“I have also been involved with the marching band over the last six years,” she said. “All three of my children have been in the band. I started by driving the bus for them to away games, but now I operate the concession stand at the home football games.”
Her fundraising efforts dovetail with her bookkeeping education.
“I am currently learning payroll, and I think it is my favorite so far,” Weaver said. “I have learned a lot from all of my classes at GNTC. I have learned how to navigate Microsoft, which has been a huge help both with my classes and with the jobs I do for the marching band.”
Weaver also appreciates the compassion instructors have shown as she has been completing assignments since a recent surgery.
Ashley Baugh, program director and instructor of Accounting at GNTC, describes Weaver as diligent, proactive and studious.
“Ashley Weaver always works hard, stays focused and is thorough in her studies,” Baugh said. “She puts in the consistent effort required to excel in her Accounting courses. She goes above and beyond on all the work she produces for my courses and shows serious dedication to learning and to the subject of Accounting.”
Weaver takes four to five courses every semester, Baugh observed.
“Ashley pays close attention to detail, has a foundational knowledge of Accounting, displays excellent organization and time management, and is committed to excellence,” Baugh said. “I consider Ashley to be one of the top students in the Accounting program here at GNTC. Given her strong foundational knowledge and relentless work ethic, I have no doubt that Ashley is well-equipped to excel in a demanding Accounting environment.”
In spring 2025, Weaver received the inaugural Huston “Buck” Parson Scholarship; this scholarship supports students with financial need who reside in Murray or Whitfield County.
Last year, she received the GNTC Adult Education Scholarship, which is available to GNTC Adult Education graduates who plan to attend GNTC to help them to meet their educational goals.
“These scholarships have allowed me to get supplies and a personal laptop to do coursework on,” Weaver said. “I will never forget meeting Mary Parson, donor for the Huston “Buck” Parson Scholarship. She is the sweetest person, and I am grateful I was chosen as a recipient for the scholarship.”
Weaver has also participated in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at GNTC, at a friend’s suggestion. This spring she competed in the Georgia FBLA Collegiate State Leadership Conference in Atlanta.
“I thought why not go experience it because I had never gotten to do that,” Weaver said. “I am going into business as my career. The competition was tough.”
She finished third in the Retail Management and fourth in the Foundations of Accounting competitions and went on to represent GNTC at the FBLA Collegiate National Leadership Conference.
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. For more information about GNTC, visit us at GNTC.