ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — Education isn't merely a casual interest for Terry Norton '81. In fact, the professor emeritus of education has dedicated his life to instructing and supporting future educators. Norton will
continue his commitment to education with a new scholarship for first-generation college students with a passion for teaching.
Norton, who earned his M.Ed. in reading at Winthrop, said he wanted to give back to his
alma mater in order to support and encourage first-generation college students committed
to teaching.
"Winthrop has many first-generation college students who could benefit from additional
scholarship assistance," said Norton, a retired educator and author.
To be funded through an estate gift, the Dr. Terry L. Norton Scholarship will provide financial assistance to undergraduate students majoring in elementary
education; middle level education — English; or secondary education — English, with
first preference given to first-generation college students.
Norton explained that he established the scholarship to "provide means for Winthrop
to continue developing the outstanding graduates and teachers that the institution
has a solid history of producing." Norton's gift demonstrates Winthrop's increased
focus on creating a culture of philanthropy, with fundraising named a key priority in President Dan Mahony's strategic plan.
The Rock Hill resident worked as a professor of literacy education in the university's Richard W. Riley College of Education for 27 years. During his tenure at Winthrop, he taught courses for teachers and librarians
in literacy acquisition and children's and young adult literature. Norton retired in 2008 as professor emeritus and remains active with his alma mater, serving
as president of the Winthrop Retirees' Association and a member of the Friends of
Dacus Library Board.
Norton is the co-author of "50 Literacy Strategies for Beginning Teachers, 1-8" and
author of "Cherokee Myths and Legends: Thirty Tales Retold," which contains some of
the essential folklore of the Eastern Cherokees of western North Carolina.
For more information, contact Meredith Carter, communications coordinator, at 803/323-2236
or carterm@winthrop.edu.