CHAPEL HILL -- Minority students in the master's of business administration program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School will gain new learning opportunities -- now and well into the future -- through an endowed scholarship fund established with a $300,000 grant from the Coca-Cola Foundation.

"Scholarships help us attract talented students to our program and eliminate many of the financial barriers that prevent students from pursuing graduate studies," said Kenan-Flagler Dean Paul Fulton. "We recognize that many of our students are working part-time jobs or supporting families while they attend graduate school and feel these scholarships will help take some of the financial strain off students so they can concentrate on their degree.

"As a former corporate executive, I know the value of building long-term partnerships with the business community," Fulton added. "In working with organizations like the Coca-Cola Foundation, we are able to not only create greater access to education for students, but also offer them the skills and knowledge they need to gain a competitive edge in the business world."

The Coca-Cola Foundation has made a comprehensive commitment to advance excellence in education. Since 1990, the foundation has awarded more than $50 million to about 400 schools, colleges, universities and associations.

The foundation supports programs at colleges and universities; partnerships between higher education and elementary and secondary schools; "pipeline" programs that help students stay and advance in school; minority scholarships; teacher and faculty development; and global education that promotes international understanding; and arts education.

Kenan-Flagler offers a full range of top-ranked business education programs, including the bachelor of science in business administration, MBA, executive MBA, master of accounting, Ph.D. in business administration and executive education. The school is known for its focus on general management, a small, select student body, high-caliber teaching and an emphasis on teamwork.

News Services Contact: Liz Lucas
Kenan-Flagler Business School Contact: Cyndy Falgout, (919) 962-0148
Coca-Cola Foundation Contact: Kim Price, ( 404) 676-4942