TCI Powder Coatings, with locations in Ellaville and Americus, has partnered with Georgia Southwestern State University to offer an annual scholarship through the GSW Foundation and to offer internship opportunities to GSW students.
 
Sandra Fowler, GSW director of Career Services met with Jerry Cook, vice president and CFO of TCI Powder Coatings and invited him to Georgia Southwestern after he expressed an interest in becoming more involved with GSW.
 
After exploring their options for ongoing involvement, Cook and the TCI team expressed an interest in having interns from the Chemistry Department and an interest in providing an annual scholarship to two chemistry majors through the GSW Foundation.
 
“This internship is a great opportunity for our chemistry students to explore a field in their major which could lead to a local job opportunity as well,” said Elizabeth Gurnack, Ph.D., Chemistry Department chair.
 
“Awarding scholarships are a great way to become more familiar with GSW students while encouraging and supporting their education at the same time,” said Reda Rowell, GSW Foundation executive director. “The GSW Foundation is grateful to TCI for supporting GSW in this meaningful way.”
 
Recently, GSW Interim President Charles Patterson, Rowell, Gurnack, Nedialka Iordanova, Ph.D, and several GSW chemistry students were treated to a tour of TCI’s new facilities in Americus. The tour was led by GSW alumnus and TCI employee Clint Hardy.
 
“We are pleased to establish partnerships with local business and industry which enhance the educational experiences of our students and serve the industry as well,” said Patterson.