New scholarship honors Janet Morris, supports Red River Promise program

GAINESVILLE, Texas — North Central Texas College has announced the establishment of the Janet Morris Red River Promise Scholarship, a newly endowed scholarship created by Frank Morris to honor his wife's commitment to community service and educational opportunity in the Cooke County region. The endowed scholarship will support students pursuing degrees and certifications through NCTC, with priority consideration given to applicants participating in the college's Red River Promise program, which has become a model for expanding access to higher education for students from low-income backgrounds. "This scholarship reflects a long-serving family's dedication to strengthening educational opportunities in our community," said NCTC officials announcing the establishment of the Morris family's gift. The Red River Promise program, launched in partnership with local banks and community organizations, has already helped dozens of students remove financial barriers to college enrollment. By combining scholarship support, mentorship, and career pathway development, the initiative addresses workforce development needs while providing transformative educational access. Endowed scholarships like the Janet Morris scholarship ensure sustained support for future generations of students. Unlike annual scholarships funded from year-to-year donations, endowed scholarships continue in perpetuity, with investment returns providing ongoing funding for student support. "Frank Morris' decision to establish this endowed scholarship reflects his understanding of education's transformative power," Foundation representatives explained. "His generosity will benefit students for decades to come." NCTC's scholarship program has expanded significantly in recent years, supporting students across the college's 60+ academic and vocational programs. The college serves students from Cooke County and surrounding regions, with many participants in the Red River Promise program becoming first-generation college graduates who return to the region to work and contribute to community development. For information about the Janet Morris Red River Promise Scholarship or other NCTC scholarship opportunities, students and families can contact the college's Financial Aid Office at (940) 668-7731 or visit www.nctc.edu. Additional information about the Red River Promise program is available at www.nctc.edu/red-river-promise.