SSCC awards Joyce Fender Family Scholarship to Angela Sheppard
Dr. Nicole Roades, SSCC president (left) and Jenny Hilterbran, daughter of the late Joyce Fender (right) present the 2026-27 Joyce Fender Family Scholarship to SSCC student Angela Sheppard (center).
By Elizabeth Burkard
Director of Marketing
Southern State Community College
The Southern State Community College Foundation has announced Angela Sheppard as the recipient of the Joyce Fender Family Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year.
Sheppard is a first-generation college student and single mother. She earned her Practical Nursing certificate from Southern State in 2021 and currently works as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She is now pursuing an accounting degree with the goal of combining her healthcare and financial expertise to become a nurse auditor. She hopes to work in auditing for a hospital, an insurance company, or a government agency.
Sheppard stated in her application, “My goal is to use my education to build a stable career that will allow me to better support my family and continue growing professionally.”
Joyce Magee Fender was an innovator in the world of business and an inspiration to many who knew her. This $2,000 Joyce Fender Family Scholarship is awarded to a single parent with a minimum GPA of 2.6, who is pursuing a business major, with preference given to students of Highland County.
"We are proud to partner with Southern State and are pleased to support a deserving student like Angela as she continues her educational journey," said Jenny Hilterbran, daughter of the late Joyce Fender.
“On behalf of Southern State, I am proud to congratulate Angela on this well-deserved honor,” said Dr. Nicole Roades, SSCC President. “She is an outstanding recipient of this award, and I am confident she will carry forward Joyce’s legacy through her achievements. The Joyce Fender Family Scholarship has long been a cherished part of our Foundation. Its selection criteria are intentionally meaningful, and I know Jenny and her family are deeply committed to choosing a recipient who reflects Joyce’s character and values.”
To learn more about SSCC Foundation scholarship opportunities, please visit www.sscc.edu/financialaid/scholarships.shtml. For more information on the stewardship role of the SSCC Foundation, please visit www.sscc.edu/about/foundation.shtml.