Horry Georgetown Technical College: HGTC Graduate Named Community College Woman Of The Year

Press release from Horry Georgetown Technical College:

07/22/2021

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is proud to announce that Ola Watson, a
Liberal Arts major and 2021 graduate, has been named the 2021 Community College Woman
of the Year by Glamour.

While attending HGTC, Watson served as the Recording Secretary of her local Phi Theta
Kappa chapter and assisted with research related to education on mental health issues
for students at the College. She was also instrumental in revitalizing HGTC’s food
pantries last year and creating a “Gobble Bags” distribution event for HGTC students
before Thanksgiving. In addition, she served on the Board of Advisors for the Florence
Crittenton Services of North Carolina and volunteered her time with several educational
groups in her local South Carolina area.

“HGTC is proud of the accomplishments and recognitions by our very own Ola Watson.
As the recipient of the 2021 Student Award of Service and Leadership at the HGTC Commencement
Ceremony this year, she is most deserving of this additional honor for her contributions
to the College and the community,” said Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President.

Watson’s passion for advocacy is driving her to complete her bachelor’s degree at
Coastal Carolina University as an Interdisciplinary Studies major. Her ultimate career
goal is to work with local human service/non-profit organizations and schools in their
community fundraising efforts.

“Ola deserves this recognition. She was an instrumental part of our award-winning
projects in 2020 and embodies what it means to be a Phi Theta Kappa member,” said
Beth Carraway, HGTC Accounting Professor and Phi Theta Kappa Advisor. 

For more than 60 years, Glamour has recognized outstanding college women across the United States for their crucial
contributions in science, medicine, media, sports, food, and community service with
the annual College Women of the Year Awards. Past honorees have included everyone
from a 1961 Barnard College sophomore by the name of Martha Stewart to Harvard University
sophomore and prodigious poet Amanda Gorman in 2018.

As always, Glamour honors all kinds of remarkable young women, but this year wanted to shine a spotlight
on academic institutions that are absolutely vital but do not usually get the shine
they deserve. Glamour selected the 2021 honorees from students enrolled at community colleges across America.

This press release was produced by Horry Georgetown Technical College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.