News and Updates

James M. Dye Foundation Welcomes Four New Board Members

The James M. Dye Foundation on South Georgia State College’s (SGSC) Waycross Campus welcomed four new members to its Board of Trustees at a recent meeting. The Foundation also recognized three board members whose service ended June 30, 2018.

Susan Clark is a well-known local author and community volunteer who served the Foundation previously as a trustee from 2012-2015. Clark earned her master’s degree from Emory University in 1951. Her late husband, Dr. S. William Clark, Jr., served as a member of the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents from 1992-1999. Clark has two sons – S. William Clark, III and James Daniel Clark.

“As a board member, I want to help make decisions and persuade others to contribute to the College,” said Clark.

Bruce Tison is the Waycross Market President for PrimeSouth Bank. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance from Valdosta State University in 1987. Tison and his wife Susan have two children – Lauralee and Grant.

“It is my desire to help provide economic resources to allow more students to attend SGSC. I hope to learn the areas of need and provide insight and action to help meet those needs,” he said.

Jim Tucker is the Director of Customer Services for the Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation (REMC) and chairman of the Satilla REMC Foundation. He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech in 1994. Tucker and his wife Deon have one child named Ray.

“I hope to be able to play a small part in helping to further the growth and success of South Georgia State College,” Tucker said. “In addition, I am very interested in helping to seek out and provide opportunities for students in our area to obtain their educational goals without an excessive financial burden.”

Dr. Bill Young is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Blackshear. He received his bachelor’s degree from Mercer University in 1971. Both his Master of Divinity (1974) and Doctor of Divinity (1998) degrees were earned from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Young and his late wife Charlotte have two daughters – Suzanne and Sara – along with six grandsons.

“As a board member, I hope to identify, encourage, and empower promising students to succeed,” said Young.

Clark, Tison, Tucker, and Young each will serve three-year terms ending June 30, 2021.

Three board members whose terms ended June 30 were thanked for their many years of service to the Foundation.

Bill Deason (three years), Sue Johnson (12 years), and Huey Spearman (19 years) each received a small token of appreciation and were thanked during the board meeting by Foundation Executive Director Taylor Hereford. Spearman also completed his service in 2018 as Foundation President, passing the gavel to Adam Ferrell.

“When Dr. James Dye established the Foundation 42 years ago, he looked to leaders in the community who would help him realize his vision of making college affordable for the students of this area,” said Hereford. “I am grateful to the three trustees that were recognized. I am especially grateful to Huey Spearman’s leadership as president for the last four years. Without the support of our board members, the Foundation’s mission would not be as strong as it is today.”

Originally incorporated in 1976 as the Waycross Junior College Foundation, the James M. Dye Foundation was renamed in 2013 for the founding president of the former Waycross College. The Foundation’s mission is to provide financial assistance to students on SGSC’s Waycross Campus through scholarships and grants. The Foundation also supports the Waycross Campus and SGSC through programs and initiatives not funded by the State of Georgia.

All contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent of the law. For more information about the Foundation or to make a donation, please call 912.449.7510 or email taylor.hereford@sgsc.edu.

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PHOTOS (top to bottom): Susan Clark, Bruce Tison, Jim Tucker, and Dr. Bill Young; Foundation President Adam Ferrell thanked outgoing trustees Bill Deason (left) and Huey Spearman (right) for their service to the James M. Dye Foundation. Not pictured: Sue Johnson.