TIFTON — The Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence (TCFEE) is adding its 17th Academic Chair, the William and Hattie Hanna Agriculture Chair, according to a press release.

Wayne and Barbara Hanna have endowed the newest Academic Chair in honor of Wayne’s parents. Wayne, a world-renowned genetic research scientist with the UGA Cooperative Extension Service in Tifton, wants to provide opportunities for exceptional FFA high school students to learn and compete at the state and national levels in their pursuit of excellence in the field of agriculture, according to the release.

The $25,000 endowment will generate annual awards. FFA staff and exceptional students may apply each spring for grants toward achieving their aspirations.

Wayne grew up during the Great Depression depression on a farm in Flatonia, Texas. He credits the sacrifices, hard work and encouragement from his parents for much of his success. He also points to a high school FFA teacher who strongly influenced him to apply to Texas A&M University and then provided financial assistance to get Wayne started.

Wayne earned his M.S in Plant Breeding in 1967 and his Ph.D in Genetics in 1970. Over the years, he has become legendary in the development of new turf grasses, the release states. Along the way, he has become a generous patron to his school and his profession.