Faces Behind the Funds: Chelsea Shelton | Williston State College

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Faces Behind the Funds: Chelsea Shelton

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Faces Behind the Funds: Chelsea Shelton

Posted: Jan 15 2016

WILLISTON, N.D. - Chelsea Shelton never expected when her family moved back to her mother's hometown that merely graduating from Williston High School would ensure a free education from Williston State College (WSC).

Beginning her second semester at WSC, Shelton was named to the President's list for her Fall 2015 semester. To qualify for this honor a student must maintain twelve or more credits and achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or above. In addition to receiving the highest academic honors for her first semester in college, she currently has begun an internship with the WSC Marketing Department.

"Chelsea has only been working with us for a month but has already made herself invaluable. She's punctual, ready to learn, full of new ideas and eager to help. She's a great addition to our department," stated Jenny Wolf, Director for Creative Services.

One of the first recipients of the Williams County Graduate (WCG) Scholarship, Shelton, attended WSC for the Fall 2015 semester and received free books, tuition, and fees.

"I was thinking about attending WSC before hearing about the WCG Scholarship, but when I found out about it, I knew I would attend Williston State for sure," Shelton stated. "I cannot believe I will be able to graduate with an associate's degree without any debt and can save money with my on-campus job."

The partnership between the Alva J Field trust, the North Dakota Challenge Fund, and the Williston State College Foundation disbursed $1,229,119 total awards for Fall 2015. Shelton, along with 343 other students, attended WSC for the Fall 2015 semester and received free books, tuition, and fees, which averaged $3,455 per student. Each recipient can maintain the WCG Scholarship for the remaining year-an-a-half if their schedule remains full-time and GPA is above a 2.0.

"This scholarship has been transformational for students, WSC, and our region," said Terry Olson, Executive Director of the WSC Foundation. "Our board is honored to be a part of this, and because of its success we are looking at a way to create a similar program for graduates from neighboring counties."

Intending to transfer to Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND, when she graduates from WSC, Shelton hopes to pursue a degree in intercultural studies or marketing.

"My job on campus has caused me to think about pursuing marketing in the future, which is a great opportunity to learn and save for the private school I intend on transferring to," Shelton added.

Shelton works hard in and out of the classroom, she is involved in Cru on-campus and in an off-campus young adult group at LifeChurch.

"Chelsea is like a breath of fresh air on campus. I am so happy to see her benefit from the Williams Country Graduate Scholarship. I can tell that she is going to make the most of her time here by being willing to try new experiences and meet new people," Leah Hoffman, WSC Counselor explained. "Chelsea jumped at the possibly to be a student worker in marketing, knowing it could boost opportunities for her once she leaves WSC. She is taking advantage of everything WSC has to offer, not just the scholarship."

The WCG Scholarship will continue as long as revenue and earnings continue. Now, thanks to the North Dakota Challenge Fund, personal contributions will go even further. Dr. Raymond Nadolny, President of Williston State College asks anyone thinking of a charitable gift to consider this unique opportunity: "For every two dollars donated, the North Dakota Challenge Fund will contribute one dollar." Anyone interested in contributing to the WCG Scholarship please contact the Williston State College Foundation at 701.572.9275. 

For more information about the Williams County Graduate Scholarship please contact
WSC at 701.774.4220.
For any information regarding WSC, please visit www.willistonstate.edu,
call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND.

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