Greenville Technical College’s Coca-Cola Leader of Promise Receives Scholarship
November 17, 2014
GREENVILLE, SC – Jonathan Greer, a student at Greenville Technical College, has been selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship from Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society as a 2014 Coca-Cola Leader of Promise Scholar.
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program provides new Phi Theta Kappa members with financial resources to help defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are also encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in PTK programs.
Worldwide, 207 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars have been awarded a total of $207,000 in scholarships. Chosen from more than 900 applications worldwide, the scholars receive awards of $1,000 each to further their associate degree studies. Independent judges evaluate the applications based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.
Greer, a University Transfer student, plans to transfer to a four-year institution for a bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies and eventually, to earn a master’s of Divinity degree for a career in the ministry. A 1995 high school graduate, he moved to the Upstate following his 2011 marriage. As he realized that job prospects were limited with only a high school diploma, he enrolled at GTC in 2013. Currently, his GPA is 4.0.
In order to balance college with work and plans to adopt four children, Greer takes his classes online. “I work at night and need to take classes during the day. With online education, my wife and I can ensure that someone is always home when the children are home,” he said.
“We are proud that PTK has recognized a truly outstanding student,” said Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. “Like many of our students, Jonathan works, takes care of family responsibilities, and attends college classes. He makes a demanding schedule look easy, and his efforts are deserving of this honor.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the U.S. military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides Leaders of Promise Global Scholarships, earmarked for international students.
“These funds not only aid college completion, but provide students with the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in Phi Theta Kappa. So the funds are not only an investment in our students, they are an investment in the future of our organization and the colleges and communities we serve,” said Dr. Rod Risley, Executive Director and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa.
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, Miss., is the largest honor society in higher education with 1,285 chapters on college campuses in all 50 of the United States, plus Canada, Germany, the Republic of Palau, Peru, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates and U.S. territorial possessions. Nearly 3 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 132,000 students inducted annually.
