The West Georgia Technical College Foundation has received a generous $75,000 gift from Doug and Carol Mabry to establish the Doug and Carol Mabry Scholarship Fund, creating new scholarship opportunities for students pursuing careers in Diesel Equipment Technology and Welding & Joining Technology at West Georgia Technical College (WGTC).
The newly established Doug and Carol Mabry Scholarship will provide support for two students each fall, spring, and summer semester. One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a Diesel Equipment Technology student, while the second $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a Welding & Joining Technology student. Recipients who continue to meet scholarship criteria will receive ongoing support each semester until completion of one certificate, diploma, or degree program.
Doug Mabry said the scholarship reflects both a commitment to workforce development and a desire to give back to the West Georgia community.
“After experiencing how critical diesel mechanics and welders are to our business, and how hard it is to find competent help, I took an interest in supporting West Georgia Technical College to help fill a void in our educational structure,” Mabry said. “The scholarship and endowment will allow young people to learn a skill that will enable them to have a full and rewarding career. This will also be my way of repaying the West Georgia community for all it has done for me and my family over the years. Something I constantly remind my managers is that business is ‘all about the people.’ You alone can only do so much, but with the right people the sky is the limit.”
Mabry’s connection to West Georgia began while attending West Georgia College, where he met his future wife, Carol. After later earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University, Mabry built a successful career in production management and industrial sales before purchasing a struggling aluminum smelting operation that would eventually become SLM Recycling Inc. The company has since expanded to include Heavy Equipment Repairs and SLM Steel & Fabrication.
Brittney Wells, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at WGTC, said the Mabrys’ investment will have a lasting impact on students and the regional workforce.
“Doug and Carol Mabry’s generosity is an incredible investment in both our students and the future workforce of West Georgia,” Wells said. “Their support will provide life-changing opportunities for students pursuing high-demand careers in diesel equipment technology and welding, while also helping address critical workforce needs across our region. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to student success and to the communities WGTC serves.”
Scholarship recipients will be selected each semester by a committee representing the WGTC Foundation.
For more information about the WGTC Foundation visit westgatech.edu/foundation.
