Dr. Doyice Cotten has signed an agreement with the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation to create the Mary Betts Cotten Patriotism Scholarship in honor of his late wife. The scholarship will be awarded to two deserving students each academic year. The initial gift of $37,500 was presented in July 2021 and the first award will be presented for the Spring 2022 semester.
“It is always heartwarming to see when a member of our community partners with the OTC Foundation to meet the needs of our students,” said Michelle Davis, VP for College Advancement. “Dr. Cotten’s gift in honor of Mary, will provide deserving students with the assistance they need to meet their career goals and enter the workforce.”
Mary Betts Cotten achieved her Master’s degree in Mathematics from Florida State University and taught math and statistics at Georgia Southern for several years. Mary was a strong advocate for higher education, especially technical education. She held a firm belief that medical technicians, carpenters, mechanics, electricians, welders, and other professions are necessary for a healthy society.
A believer in freedom, and free enterprise, Mary was a natural leader willing to take on any task, and actively served the Statesboro community through her activity in the local church.
“Mary would be pleased to know that she was helping young patriots to prepare themselves for meaningful careers,” said Dr. Cotten.
When two scholarships are available, The Mary Betts Cotten Patriotism Scholarship will be awarded in the sum of $1000 for the academic year to one male applicant and one female applicant when there are qualified applicants representing each gender. The agreement stipulates that the recipients must be enrolled in an Ogeechee Technical College certificate, diploma, or degree program, have a high financial need, and be in good standing with Ogeechee Technical College.
Those applying for the scholarship will be required to write an essay about their personal career goals and how a technical degree will help achieve those goals. Applicants will also be asked to explain in their essay how they feel America and the free enterprise system provides opportunities for everyone to succeed.
The Ogeechee Technical College Foundation exists to assist Ogeechee Technical College in achieving and maintaining a high-quality program of post-secondary education and community participation, to raise funds, and to make contributions to educational programs of Ogeechee Technical College counties (Bulloch, Evans, & Screven). To give to the Ogeechee Technical College foundation please visit www.ogeecheetech.edu/give.
