NATCHITOCHES – A Natchitoches family is supporting the Department of Psychology at Northwestern State University by creating a scholarship to benefit undergraduates pursuing a degree in psychology and/or addiction studies.
David and Jennifer Thornton created the Thornton Family Department of Psychology Scholarship with a donation of $25,000 to the NSU Foundation to be awarded in the amount of $12,500 for both the spring and fall semesters. The Thorntons worked with Shannon Hale, an instructor of psychology, to coordinate the scholarship and its criteria. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 or better grade point average.
“This is about helping as many students as we can,” Jennifer Thornton said. “We hope to help students defray expenses.”
The Thorntons have a strong relationship with NSU and have created scholarships to support students in Computer Information Systems, Nursing, Business, Fine Arts, Accounting and Criminal Justice over the last 10 years.
NSU’s Department of Psychology is part of the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development. There about 400 students in the Department, which is the second largest in the College and the fifth largest on campus
Interim Dean Dr. Neeru Deep said she is grateful for the Thorntons’ support, which will help hardworking students.
David Thornton earned a degree in Computer Information Systems at NSU in 2007. Jennifer Thornton earned an associate degree in Nursing in 2010, a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2013 and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2022.
“Jennifer and David Thornton have been instrumental in helping many students in a variety of departments. They are truly invested in NSU Students,” said NSU’s Director of Development Jill Bankston,
Students can apply for the scholarship at https://northwesternstatealumni.com/.
