New ECC scholarship honors Norris Tolson

TARBORO — Friends, family members and colleagues gathered at a recent Carolinas Gateway Partnership event to celebrate Norris Tolson for decades of public service.

A native of Pinetops, Tolson recently retired as the CGP’s president. To honor his contributions to the economic development group and the community, Edgecombe Community College has established the E. Norris Tolson Endowed Scholarship.

The Partnership secured gifts from friends, relatives and colleagues totaling more than $114,700 earmarked for the scholarship, which will benefit students enrolled in applied engineering technology, electrical systems, industrial systems and welding programs as well as short-term workforce training in welding and construction.

To be eligible, students must be residents of Edgecombe County or Nash County who are studying toward a degree, diploma or certificate. Both full-time and part-time students can apply.

Tolson grew up on a farm in Pinetops and studied agriculture at North Carolina State University. He led the Agrichemicals Marketing Division at DuPont for 28 years before retiring and returning to North Carolina, where he began a second career in state government.

He was a member of the N.C. General Assembly, followed by serving as secretary of commerce, secretary of transportation and secretary of revenue. He went on to lead the N.C. Biotechnology Center, then the Carolinas Gateway Partnership.

“I hope in my service to the world I have lived in the last 60 years that I have lived a life that matters, that I have been able to do what God wants me to do and has asked me to do,” Tolson told guests at his recent retirement celebration held at ECC.

Tolson added that he received a scholarship to attend N.C. State.

“I went through college on a scholarship because I was the next to youngest of eight kids and my family couldn’t afford college, and so a scholarship paid my way through college. I am very thankful to you. You could not have honored me with a better gift tonight. Thank you.”

Several guests gave remarks expressing gratitude to Tolson for his commitment to improve others’ lives.

“I will state the obvious: there is only one Norris Tolson, and it is an honor to know him and have worked with him in support of our community,” said ECC President Greg McLeod.

Jean Bailey, president of the ECC Foundation, also shared comments.

“All of us in this room are united by our respect for and admiration of Mr. Tolson, and we are grateful for all he has done to strengthen our community,” she said.

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