NCMA Scholarship Targets Students In Bachelor Program

08/10/2005

The National Contract Management Association likes the connection Okaloosa-Walton College's new Project and Acquisitions Management degree program brings to the area.

That's why the NCMA Eglin Chapter has contributed funds for a scholarship to assist students in the college's new four-year degree program.

"When we learned about the new bachelor's degree it seemed like a great way to improve education opportunities in our field," said Lt. Col. Robert Gillette with the NCMA chapter's scholarship committee.

"Then we found out about the state's scholarship matching dollars the college receives and that sealed the deal," said Gillette. "We're not a big organization financially, but we think this is a good way for the NCMA to start a scholarship."

Dr. Case Vickery, OWC's lead professor for the Bachelor in Project and Acquisitions Management program, said the BAS degree is a "perfect fit for NCMA since contracting is a significant portion of curriculum. It's great to have them assisting the program."

OWC President Bob Richburg said the support of the NCMA chapter "means one more student has the opportunity for financial assistance. With the growth the BAS program has experienced in just the first year of operation the NCMA Scholarship will help us continue to build the scholarships we know we need for the program."

Gillette said the NCMA chapter hopes to be able to award the scholarship on an annual basis.

Richburg encouraged other businesses and organization interested in the BAS program to contact the OWC Foundation Office at the college at 729-5357 for more information on scholarships and other ways they can assist the bachelor program. Information about the degree is also available on the web at www.owc.edu/bachelor.