An Oakwood man has been named a Coca-Cola New Century Scholar, the third year in a row a Gainesville State College student has received that honor.

David V. Spencer, a computer science and communications major, was selected based on the score he earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition. He was the top scoring student in Georgia.

Mark Davis, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, made the announcement in March at the Phi Theta Kappa All-Georgia Academic Team Luncheon at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel in Athens.

The foundation and the Coca-Cola Foundation sponsor the New Scholar program and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society administers it.

The trend of Gainesville State students receiving the award isn’t lost on President Martha T. Nesbitt.

“This not only reflects on the quality of our students but also the college’s opportunities for academic and personal growth and the supportive environment provided by our faculty and staff,” Nesbitt said.

While at GSC, Spencer has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average and has served as an officer and organized fundraising efforts for clubs and organizations on campus, including Student Government Association, Sigma Chi Eta, Students in Free Enterprise and Phi Theta Kappa.

“I attribute my success to my wife, who has been so supportive,” said Spencer, also the father of one. “I am also appreciative of Dr. Nesbitt and the faculty and staff members at GSC who are always there to support me and the other students in our college careers.”

He plans to graduate from GSC in May and transfer to Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta. His goal is to use his skills in the field of network and infrastructure security and would like to work with the Department of Defense.

As a Coca-Cola New Century Scholar, Spencer will be presented with a $2,000 scholarship and plaque during the New Century Scholars Reception and Program at the American Association of Community Colleges Convention on April 11 in New Orleans.

His name also will be listed in the April 11 issue of USA Today featuring the Coca-Cola New Century Scholars and 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Scholars.