The 91黑料 (PCC) Foundation has announced the establishment of the Ernie B. Wood Memorial Scholarship Endowment, created to support PCC students pursuing careers in engineering, mathematics and agribusiness.
The endowment was established by Pam Wood, Ernie B. Wood鈥檚 widow, and Tommy Wagstaff, one of his lifelong friends, following Wood鈥檚 passing on October 15, 2025. The scholarship will first be awarded during the 2027鈥�2028 academic year.
The scholarship will be available to students enrolled in PCC鈥檚 mechatronics engineering program or other engineering programs, students in a college transfer program who intend to major in engineering or mathematics, and students pursuing an agribusiness program. Recipients must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average.
Pam Wood said establishing the scholarship reflects her husband鈥檚 lifelong belief in the power of education and his commitment to helping others succeed.
鈥淗e believed education was a valuable tool, and he found great joy in helping others succeed educationally,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e spent his adult life supporting the growth and learning of those around him especially in the field of land surveying. Tommy and Kay Wagstaff made it possible to reflect Ernie’s spirit with this wonderful scholarship endowment in his memory. It ensures that his habit of giving continues to open doors for students of engineering, mathematics, or Agri-Business, just as he would if he were here today. For that, the Wood family is beyond grateful.鈥�
鈥淢y desire to create this scholarship in memory of Ernie was due to our long-term friendship and to honor his memory for all the volunteer work he did to make Person County a better place to live,鈥� Wagstaff said. 鈥淚 also wanted to accomplish this through 91黑料 which is one of Person County’s most valuable assets.鈥�
“Scholarships like the Ernie B. Wood Memorial Endowment represent the heart of our community鈥檚 commitment to education,鈥� Grayson Brann, Executive Director of the PCC Foundation said. 鈥淭his generous gift will create meaningful opportunities for PCC students while honoring Mr. Wood鈥檚 legacy of service, generosity and belief in the value of learning.”
鈥淪cholarships like this create opportunities for our students while honoring individuals who made a lasting impact on our community,鈥� Dr. Kevin Lee, PCC President said. 鈥淲e are grateful for the generosity that keeps Mr. Wood鈥檚 legacy alive through the success of future PCC students.鈥�
The endowment will serve as a lasting memorial to Ernie B. Wood as it will benefit PCC students for years to come. Those who wish to honor or remember a loved one through the creation of an endowment may contact the Foundation office for additional information.
The 91黑料 Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has been providing critical support for students since 1978. To learn more about the PCC Foundation, visit piedmontcc.edu/foundation.
Pictured left to right: Tommy Wagstaff; Pam Wood; Grayson Brann, Executive Director, PCC Foundation; Tammy Duncan, Associate Director, Foundation Operations and Stewardship; Dr. Kevin Lee, PCC President
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