Claire Norton, a senior at Southwestern College, was recently named the Scholar of the College during the Opening Convocation ceremony.

The Scholar of the College must have completed at least 85 credit hours and have the highest grade point average (GPA). 

Norton, a 2023 graduate of Winfield High School, is the daughter of Angela and Michael Norton, and granddaughter of Bob and Connie Gottlob and Allan and Susan Norton. She is majoring in chemistry with a certificate in Leadership. 

“Claire is a phenomenal human and an exceptional student; she pushes herself to excel at all that she endeavors,” says Tammy McEwen, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty.  “She has served as a tutor in the natural sciences for chemistry and physics. As a member of the Leadership Team, she hosted a workshop focused on effective study skills that was invaluable to those students who attended. Last spring she was chosen as a Junior Marshal for Honors Convocation and Commencement, also due to her high GPA.”

Norton is active outside of the classroom as she is involved in Leadership and Pre-Health Professionals. She is vice president of the Jinx Shelf Food Pantry and is a chemistry tutor for both general chemistry and organic chemistry.  Following graduation, Norton plans to attend pharmacy school for four years to become a pharmacist. 

Norton credits her relationships with SC faculty for her success.

“The personal relationships I have built with the faculty and their support have played a huge part in making my experience at Southwestern College great,” Norton says.  “I have received an excellent education at Southwestern because of the one-on-one interactions with my professors.”