New ECC scholarship honors Tolson

Friends, family and colleagues gathered at a Carolinas Gateway Partnership event recently to celebrate Norris Tolson, a lifelong public servant.

A native of Pinetops, Tolson served in numerous regional and state positions, including as president of Carolinas Gateway Partnership before stepping down. To honor his many contributions to the Partnership and the community, the E. Norris Tolson Endowed Scholarship has been established at Edgecombe Community College.

The Partnership secured gifts from friends, family 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 a resident of Edgecombe County or Nash County, enrolled full time or part time, and studying toward a degree, diploma or certificate.

Tolson grew up on a farm and studied agriculture at N.C. 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 stints serving as N.C. Secretary of Commerce, N.C. Secretary of Transportation and N.C. Secretary of Revenue. After his career in service to the state, he led the N.C. Biotechnology Center, then came aboard to helm the Carolinas Gateway Partnership.

He reflected on his career in public service at his recent retirement celebration held at ECC.

“I hope in my service to the world I have lived in the last 60 years, that I have lived a life that matters,” Tolson said in part.

He added that he attended N.C. State on a scholarship.

“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,” Tolson noted before thanking the gathered guests responsible for setting up the scholarship. “You could not have honored me with a better gift tonight, thank you.”

A number of guests at the event honored Tolson with remarks of gratitude that focused on his commitment to improving the lives of others.

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