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Hurst Family Establishes Scholarship at Southern Regional Technical College to Honor Legacy of Gene and Edna Hurst

Thomasville, GA (10/01/2026) — The Hurst family has established the Hurst Legacy of Leadership Scholarship at Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) to honor the lives and lasting legacy of Gene and Edna Hurst, founders of Hurst Boiler & Welding Company.

The scholarship was created to carry forward the values that have defined the Hurst family and their impact on their employees, community, and those around them. Gene and Edna Hurst founded Hurst Boiler in 1967 with a strong work ethic, determination, and a commitment to building something that would endure. Their legacy is rooted in faith, integrity, hard work, humility, generosity, and service to others.

The Hurst Legacy of Leadership Scholarship will award two $1,000 scholarships each spring. One scholarship will be awarded to a student attending SRTC's Moultrie Campus and one to a student attending the Thomasville Campus. The scholarship is open to students enrolled in any SRTC program who have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

"The Hurst Legacy of Leadership Scholarship is incredibly meaningful to our family because it allows us to honor the values Gene and Edna Hurst built their lives and the Hurst Boiler company upon," said Jessi Hurst Palmer of Hurst Boiler & Welding Company. "We are especially thankful to still have Edna with us today, continuing to instill those values in our family through her own example. Through this scholarship, we hope to invest in students who share those values and give them an opportunity to build a legacy of their own. We are grateful to partner with Southern Regional Technical College to support the next generation of skilled professionals and community leaders."

Beyond academic achievement, the scholarship recognizes students who reflect the spirit of leadership and service that Gene and Edna Hurst have exemplified, including integrity, resilience, a strong work ethic, humility, generosity, and a commitment to their communities.

"We are truly honored and grateful that the Hurst family chose to partner with the SRTC Foundation to establish this scholarship," said Christina Reneau, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. "Gene and Edna Hurst's legacy of faith, hard work, and servant leadership will now live on through our students. We couldn't be more thankful for this opportunity to invest in the next generation of leaders in their names."

Through the Hurst Legacy of Leadership Scholarship, SRTC students will have additional financial support as they pursue the education and hands-on training needed to prepare for successful careers. The scholarship reflects a shared commitment to investing in students and developing a skilled workforce that will serve and strengthen communities across South Georgia.

For more information on scholarships, how to give, and how to apply, please visit the SRTC Foundation's website at www.southernregional.edu/scholarships or contact the Institutional Advancement Office by calling (229) 225-4060.

Southern Regional Technical College offers over 150 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get students quickly into their desired careers, and 38 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in eleven counties across Southwest Georgia for the convenience of its students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, interested individuals can log on to www.southernregional.edu or call (888) 205-3449.

Spring semester begins January 12. Don't wait, enroll today!

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