Archive for category: Announcements

Hiltons, VA – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation will host Grammy-nominated, 2020 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year and Grand Ole Opry Stars, Sister Sadie, for the 2021 Diamonds and Denim Event.  

 Diamonds and Denim will be held Saturday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the beautiful Crooked River Farm in Hiltons, Virginia. The event, now in its third year, has raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Scott County Endowed Scholarship at Mountain Empire Community College. This year’s event will feature a dinner reception, locally sourced wine, beer and refreshments, a silent auction and entertainment.  

 More than 70 percent of all students in Scott County that choose to attend college in Virginia, attend MECC. The scholarship will provide opportunities for those students to reach their educational and career goals while lessening the financial burden of families.  

 Sister Sadie originally formed after playing a sold-out show in 2012 at the legendary Station Inn, located in Nashville, TN. In 2019, they were nominated for a Grammy for their sophomore album “Sister Sadie II” for Best Bluegrass Album. That same year, they made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry & have since been regular guests on the world-famous stage. Later that same year, they were the first all-female group to be awarded Vocal Group of The Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Following that up at IBMA 2020, the ladies repeated that win & were also named Entertainer of the Year. The band is featured in the “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit through March 2022 at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville, TN. Sister Sadie is made up of world-renowned musicians and singers Tina Adair on mandolin & vocals, Gena Britt on banjo & vocals, Hasee Ciaccio on acoustic bass, Deanie Richardson on fiddle & Jaelee Roberts on guitar & vocals.  

 Tickets are $75 per person and $150 per couple. Tickets can be purchased at www.meccfoundation.org/scevent and at the Scott County Farm Bureau office at 378 W Jackson St, Gate City, VA 24251.  

 For more information on the Scott County Endowed Scholarship or to donate to this fund, call the MECC Foundation office at 276.523.7480 or visit www.meccfoundation.org.  

 

MECC is pleased to announce that alumnus Reece Williams, class of 2016, has submitted the winning T-shirt contest design to commemorate the college’s 50^th anniversary.  

  More than half of survey respondents chose Williams’s design out of five exceptional entries. Williams, a native of Gate City, is currently employed at Thompson and Litton in Wise as a Civil Design Engineer. He graduated from MECC with an Associate Degree in General Studies and transferred to Virginia Tech, earning his Civil Engineering degree in 2019. 

 “We received numerous quality entries of varying design, and ultimately the MECC community selected a design that strongly encapsulates our 50 years of history and the beauty of our campus,” said MECC President Kristen Westover. 

Williams’ design includes a recognition of the anniversary as well as graphic of Phillips-Taylor Hall. Williams provided a description of his design concept.

“This design represents what Mountain Empire means to me, as well as many other students. I have gained so much appreciation for the beauty of our area, and it seems as though MECC was built with that in mind,” said Williams. “I remember walking to class in the mornings and I would see the wonderful architecture of Phillips-Taylor Hall with the stunning mountains in the background with a sunrise to top it all off. This would give me a sense of peace as I navigated this new stage of my life.”  

“The image captured by the zero in my design represents what a student sees when walking through the main entrance. I also included the winding road to represent the road to a better future that MECC provides, and to represent the winding roads I would travel to get to MECC,” Williams added.   

MECC will celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2022, beginning with a picnic to commemorate the college’s groundbreaking this October. Events and activities are planned throughout the year, to include a concert and gala. Williams’ drawing will be included on t-shirts and other merchandising.   

For more information on MECC’s 50^th anniversary, please contact the MECC Office of Community Relations at (276) 523-7480.   

 

Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College is honored to announce the Class of 2021, the largest graduating class in the history of the college, including 635 graduates earning 872 academic awards.

The Class of 2021 completed 343 Associate degrees – 164 Associate of Arts and Science degrees and 179 Associate of Applied Sciences degrees. Graduates earned 178 Certificates and 351 Career Studies Certificates.

“Mountain Empire Community College’s success is measured through the accomplishments of our graduates and never have we had such success,” said MECC President Kristen Westover. “I am so proud of our graduates for their perseverance in completing their goals during the challenges of a pandemic. I am also very proud of MECC’s faculty and staff who exhibited extreme flexibility and determination over the course of the last year as they ensured students were able to continue to learn, complete their coursework, and graduate.”

Graduates will be recognized with a Virtual Graduation Ceremony at the Central Drive-In Theater in Blackwood on Friday, May 14. Due to parking limitations, the ceremony is limited to graduates and their families only as well as college staff. MECC will feature the ceremony to include pre-recorded speeches by the College President, Advisory Board President, Vice Presidents, Special Guests, and Student Speakers. Refreshments will be provided. Guests are welcome to stay for the movie feature following the ceremony.

2021 Honored Student Speakers include Aleigha Cope of Jonesville and Jacob Kilgore of Coeburn. Cope is graduating Magna Cum Laude with an Associates of General Studies and Certificate of Health Sciences. She also graduated from Mountain Empire’s Dental Assisting program in December. Her parents are Robbie and Rebecca Cope, both of Jonesville. She has received the Student Diplomat and Life Campus Ministry award while at MECC. Kilgore is graduating Summa Cum Laude with two Associate of Applied Science degrees in Environmental Science and Environmental Science: Water/Wastewater Specialization and is an AIMS Scholar.  Kilgore obtained his Class 4 and Class 3 state operating license while in college and working full time.  He is currently employed by the City of Norton as a Plant Operator. 

For a complete list of the candidates for degrees, click here.

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Richmond, Virginia — In accordance with Section 23.1-307 (D) of the Code of Virginia, the State Board for Community Colleges provides notice that it will consider tuition and mandatory fee increases for Virginia’s Community Colleges, effective fall 2021, at 9 a.m. on May 20, 2021, via a virtual meeting.

The State Board will consider mandatory fee increases of between 0 percent and 1.2 percent for all undergraduate students, subject to provisions of the 2021 session of the General Assembly. The maximum potential increase equates to a tuition rate of $158.84 per credit-hour for in-state students and would result in a net annual increase of $55.20 for a student enrolling in 30 credit-hours during the academic year. The community colleges will use revenue generated from any increase in mandatory fees to pay for mandatory cost increases, contractual obligations, debt service, and proposed adjustments to student fees.

Written comments from the public will be accepted through May 19 and will be made available to the Board before action on tuition is taken. Written comments may be sent to Rose Marie Owen, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, at rmowen@vccs.edu, or they may be mailed to the attention of Rose Marie Owen at:

Office of the Chancellor

Virginia Community College System

300 Arboretum Parkway

Richmond, Virginia 23236.

 

Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College and Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing will co-host the Manufacture Your Career event, an afternoon panel discussion highlighting the manufacturing sector and the career paths it offers. 

The event will be held Tuesday, March 16 beginning at 1:30 via Zoom. A panel discussion featuring professionals in different positions within manufacturing organizations in Southwest Virginia will be held. Participants will include Leah Sawer, Chief Human Resource Officer for Real Performance Machinery, LLC, formerly Metalworx, Inc., Lisa Jones, Director-Human Resources and Safety for Hapco and Concord American Flagpole (VA, TX, MN, China), and Martha Rasnake, Senior Human Resources Advisor for General Dynamics Mission Systems. Panelists will discuss a range of topics including the types of careers available in manufacturing, soft skills sought after in the manufacturing sector, the future of manufacturing in Southwest Virginia, and more.

Students are encouraged to learn more on the growth of manufacturing, the possibility for advancement in the field, and the educational benefits an employer might provide to employees. Interested individuals should register for the event at www.mecc.edu/careerservices. Information for the Zoom Meeting will be distributed to the email address provided in the registration form.  For more information contact: Beth Boggs Kelly, Career & Transfer Counselor at bboggs@mecc.edu.

BIG STONE GAP — Mountain Empire Community College and The National Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education (EntreEd) are partnering to bring the ESTEAM Pitch Series to local middle- and high-school students.

The live virtual event will take place on Wednesday, March 17 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST. The competition encourages students in the Appalachian region to develop and pitch ideas for business development, emphasizing the development of creativity and entrepreneurial innovation.

“At EntreEd, our goal is entrepreneurship education for every student. Our vision for this ESTEAM Pitch Series is to encourage the entrepreneurial creativity of students across Appalachia. We know there are great ideas just waiting to be brought forward, and we want this ARC POWER-funded initiative to be an engaging activity that will encourage teachers and students to develop and pitch those ideas in a competitive environment. As the region begins to recover from the hardships brought on by the pandemic, there will be a great need for entrepreneurial thinking and new ideas. Let’s get started here and now,” said EntreEd’s Executive Director, Dr. Gene Coulson.

Eligible teams include middle- and high-school students within Lee, Wise, Buchanan, and Dickenson counties. To compete, a team must have a minimum of two students and a teacher identified. Instructors must declare Intent to Compete by January 31. Each competition will have two rounds. Round 1, due February 17, 2021 includes a Business Model Canvas submission and a 90-second elevator pitch. Upon internal review, 10 teams will be invited to compete in Round 2, March 17, a live pitch via Zoom to a panel of local judges. Student teams can earn up to $1,000 for their idea, and students aren’t the only winners! The three top teams will also receive $500 for their classroom.

The ESTEAM Pitch Series is an initiative of EntreEd’s Fostering Self ESTEAM in Appalachia’s Emerging Workforce project, funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. The project helps middle and high school programs in a seven-state region infuse Entrepreneurship into academic classrooms with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) initiatives. To learn more about the project and the ESTEAM Pitch Series, contact Amber Ravenscroft, ESTEAM Project Director, at aravenscroft@edvgroup.org

Appalachia — Mountain Empire Community College has partnered with the Town of Appalachia and a small business owner to help renovate one of the town’s main street storefronts.

The small business, located beside of the famous Peake Building on Appalachia’s main street,  will soon open as the new Appalachia Mercantile. Owner Tommy Adkins said the business will feature local artisan goods, coffee and snacks.

MECC’s Basic Construction class has spent the last month helping Adkins renovate the interior of the store. MECC Instructor Bryce Shular is leading the class of 15 students teaching local residents basic construction skills with a hands-on, real-world application. The class meets once a week and is based at MECC’s Center for Workforce and Innovation in Appalachia.

Shular said students have completed demolition work, painted, practiced woodworking, basic HVAC/ventilation assessment, and basic electrical work. The transformation in the building site has been remarkable. Plaster walls were removed to reveal original brick. Tin tiled high ceilings and a mezzanine space are highlights of the Mercantile.

“These are basic skills. This is stuff you need to know for life, if you own a house or do any type of construction,” said student Colby Dillon. “It feels good to do something to help the community.”

“It’s pretty nice to see something come to Appalachia” added student Aaron Duty.

Most of students are enrolled in MECC’s Associate Degree in Energy Technology and are completing the course as part of their degree program.

“I’m trying to get several of our programs involved here,” noted Shular. “Our welding fabrication class may work on some of the railing for the stairs. I try to put these students in real-life scenarios. I thought this project was great, and I would love to have many more of these projects.”

Adkins said the partnership has helped him complete renovations in a shorter time frame, and hopefully he will be able to open in the spring.  “10-15 guys are a lot better than one. They have put in a lot of hours here. They pulled 10,000 nails here in a day’s time. It would have taken me forever. This has been a good partnership,” Adkins said.

While the town has struggled economically in the last decade due to closer of several mines and businesses, Adkins is hoping for a resurgence in the community. He would recommend other business take advantage of the opportunity and consider investing in Appalachia.

“Our Main Street Association is working hard to get more businesses here. We have a motorcycle route that goes through the town, the Dragon Slayer, and we are getting around 75 motorcycles here on the weekend. We need businesses here to support that and we are trying,” said Adkins.

For more information on MECC’s Basic Construction program, contact Shular at 276-523-2400 or by email at bshular@mecc.edu.

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Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College will receive more than $782,000 to assist residents of Lee, Wise, Scott, and Dickenson Counties and the city of Norton who are interested or are currently enrolled in high demand fields and have been impacted by COVID-19. 

Governor Ralph Northam announced Friday that Virginia is allocating $30 million in federal Coronavirus Aid,  Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars as part of the new Re-Employing Virginians (REV) initiative which will provide scholarships to eligible individuals to enroll in a workforce or community college program in five essential industries, including health care, information technology, skilled trades, public safety, and early childhood education.

For a limited time, MECC students as well as those considering enrollment, who are unemployed and underemployed, are eligible for a training voucher to pay for the cost of enrolling in a high-demand workforce education program. To receive a voucher, individuals must self-certify that (1) they are a Virginia resident (2) received unemployment benefits on or after August 1, 2020 or that they are working in a part-time job with an hourly wage under $15 after losing a full-time job due to COVID-19 and (3) enroll in an eligible program before December 14, 2020. Students and interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.mecc.edu/rev.  For more information related to eligible career paths and financial assistance. 

Those enrolling at MECC choosing short-term workforce training would receive up to $1500 applied to their student account. Those choosing to pursue a career studies certificate, or an associate degree would receive up to $1,500 as a part-time student or up to $3,000 as a full-time student, which would cover the full cost of tuition for one year. 

Dr. Kristen Westover, MECC President said, “Statistics show that those with less education were hit hardest by COVID-19 job losses. This is an incredible opportunity for individuals whose jobs have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The certification process is quick and simple. For anyone who is unemployed or working part time making less than $15 an hour because of COVID-19, it is a great opportunity to receive education and training that may provide more job security in the future.” 

“If you have lost your job, or seen a reduction in your hours and paycheck, Virginia’s community colleges want to help you,” said Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. “The REV initiative offers you another way into the short-term credential and degree programs that prepare you for a high-demand career. These opportunities will be more affordable than ever before thanks to these grants, and we look forward to helping individuals and families who want to move forward, beyond the unexpected challenges posed by the pandemic.”

For more information on MECC’s REV program, please visit www.mecc.edu/rev or call MECC’s Office of Enrollment Services at 276.523.2400 ext. 474.

Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will host a virtual Home Craft Days special event this weekend, paying tribute to past craft and food vendors, music performances, and cultural demonstrations. 

A two-hour virtual program will be broadcast Friday, October 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, October 17 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The program will be available for view on www.mecc.edu/youtube/, www.facebook.com/mountainempirecollege, and Comcast Channel 6. Recordings will be available following the initial broadcast. 

The College is also pleased to share this year’s virtual festival to an even broader audience through Project Southwest, a streaming video production of Blue Ridge PBS.  Through this venue, the 49th annual HCD event will be available throughout the year, with additional footage of the traditional music and crafts you will find at the 50th anniversary of the festival in 2021. 

The 49th Home Craft Days Festival virtual program is hosted by Tyler Hughes and Todd Meade, long time Home Craft Days volunteers, and will feature new and old music performances dating back to the original Home Craft Days’ event in 1971. Current performers highlighted include the Childress Sisters, Rich Kirby, and Eric McMurray. 

Additional craft demonstrators featured in the program include Ganell Marshall, Mark Ramsey, Maurice Vanhook, and members of the Mountain Tradition Woodcarvers.  Youth re-enactors from the Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Association demonstrate 18th Century frontier games and Dr. Harriette Arrington shares a story with festival viewers. 

In addition, MECC will present the first in a series of history lectures developed by the college. The program will feature local historian Dr. Lawrence Fleenor and will focus on Chief Benge. That program will also be featured on Saturday, October 17 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the college’s youtube and facebook channel, listed above. 

MECC plans to host the 50th anniversary of the Home Craft Days Festival on campus in October 2021. The event is planned to be the biggest celebration yet. 

For more information, please contact Home Craft Days Festival Director Mike Gilley at 276-523-2400 ext. 304 or visit the festival website

Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will offer a variety of options for courses for Spring 2021, with most courses being offered online to protect the safety and welfare of students and staff. 

Programs such as Welding, Manufacturing, Commercial Driver’s Training (CDL),  Construction, HVAC and others that require face-to-face instruction will be configured for smaller class sizes to allow for social distancing. Additional cleaning and sanitizing protocols will be implemented in these classrooms. 

For students enrolled in health programs, such as Practical and Registered Nursing, Respiratory Therapy,  and others, the College will ensure that students have the necessary safety equipment (Personal Protective Equipment-PPE) to complete coursework and practicums.  

All courses will have some online content, others will be entirely online, and some will be a combination of in-person and online (hybrid offerings).   

In-person advising sessions will be held at the college to support students wanting to enroll, or who need assistance with advising and financial aid. A schedule for these sessions will be announced at a later date. 

 “The college is prepared to continue our current academic and training platforms, both online and in person, for Spring 2021. Services at the college will continue to be offered remotely to protect the safety and welfare of our students, staff and community, “ said Dr. Kristen Westover, MECC President.  

MECC will continue to support online learners, including assessment of online learning readiness, career exploration, tutoring, advising, online testing, etc. in a virtual format. In some instances, for face-to-face courses, this may require a modified schedule to address safety concerns and comply with safety requirements.   

 Online courses will be offered in various formats. Some online courses, which are synchronous offerings, are structured to meet at specific times on tools like Zoom, just like a traditional in-person class, so students can engage with their instructor and classmates together. Others offer a chance to learn material at one’s own pace to complete assignments or take exams by specific deadlines in faculty-facilitated courses, or asynchronous offerings.  

For more information regarding Spring 2021 course scheduling options, or to apply to enroll, please call 276.523.2400 or visit the MECC’s website at www.mecc.edu

Norton, Va. — The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia today announced an innovative partnership with Secure Futures to provide commercial-scale solar installations in the coalfield region that are specifically designed to employ local workers. The initiative, “Securing Solar For Southwest Virginia,” will provide affordable solar solutions for businesses, nonprofits and local governments in the seven-county region, while building local workforce skills and opportunities for well-paying jobs in the growing solar energy sector.

The announcement comes at a critical time in Southwest Virginia, which was already economically stressed from the coal industry’s decline prior to the current Covid-driven recession. Additionally, today is the first day of the annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum, where the idea for the Solar Workgroup began in 2015. Since then, the workgroup has boosted enthusiasm for solar energy in the historic coalfield region and laid the groundwork to grow solar development through public outreach, research, training and policy. Last year, eight Southwest Virginia communities achieved national recognition through SolSmart designation for their initiatives to encourage growth of the local solar market. 

The new solar partnership — an alliance of nonprofit, state government, educational and private sector entities that is unique in the Central Appalachia region — will take these efforts to the next level. The partners are working to achieve significant goals over the next three years, including the construction of 10 megawatts of solar in the coalfield region by the end of 2023, and the creation of 15 new, full-time jobs in solar construction, sales and marketing, entrepreneurship and small business development.

“Secure Futures brings innovative solutions for solar customers and a track record of excellent customer service to the partnership,” said Chelsea Barnes, New Economy Program Manager for Appalachian Voices, a co-convener of the workgroup. “We are excited to work with a team so dedicated to ensuring that the economic benefits of the solar industry come to Southwest Virginia.”

“We applaud the Solar Workgroup for seeking to bring solar jobs into the region, offering well-paying jobs in a rapidly growing industry that falls into the category of essential services in today’s pandemic environment,” said Tony Smith, CEO of Secure Futures, based in Staunton, Va. “In order to help ensure that these jobs come to Southwest Virginia, we need to work collaboratively with the incumbent electric utilities — including APCo, Old Dominion Power and Powell Valley Electric Cooperative — to apply the standards and expectations of the 2019 Electric Co-op Net Metering legislation and the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act. Key to our work will be solar Power Purchase Agreements and net metering solutions for commercial-scale customers.”

Secure Futures will provide start-up funds for Lonesome Pine Solar and hire a Southwest-Virginia-based project coordinator. Additionally, Secure Futures is awarding a $50,000 grant to Mountain Empire Community College to fund solar installation apprenticeships and faculty mentoring. Lonesome Pine Solar will employ graduates of the college’s programs and provide the installation services for the partnership’s projects. 

“Mountain Empire Community College is excited about the partnership and opportunity to bring more solar installation projects to our service region,” said Dr. Kristen Westover, president of MECC. “The partnership will provide MECC’s Energy Technology program students and graduates with incredible new hands-on opportunities in solar installation.”

Securing Solar For Southwest Virginia builds on the established partnership between Secure Futures and Lonesome Pine Solar, LLC, headquartered in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. 

“I’m pleased and honored to join this innovative business model to establish local solar power businesses where none currently exist,” said Glen “Skip” Skinner, president and manager of Lonesome Pine Solar. “In partnership with Mountain Empire Community College, Lonesome Pine Solar hopes to help students move from the academic world to applying their knowledge and skills developed to become gainfully employed in the solar industry, a new economy for Southwest Virginia.”

“This partnership directly contributes to our Clean Energy Virginia efforts. While we continue to advance the renewable energy portfolio to meet the goals outlined in the Virginia Clean Economy Act, organizations like the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia play a vital role in fostering these opportunities,” said John Warren, director of the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. “DMME is glad to be a part of this group to also identify workforce development needs and help to create new jobs in the clean energy marketplace.” 

“This innovative and strategic collaboration promises to accelerate solar development across our region and wouldn’t be possible without coordination among private sector, education, nonprofit and government partners. This partnership will provide building owners a real opportunity to leverage the advantages of solar while supporting and growing the local economy,” said Bryan Phipps, vice president and chief development officer at People Inc., a co-convener of the workgroup. 

Nonprofits, businesses and local governments interested in installing solar sign up for an initial consultation, register for an interested building owner webinar on September 30, and find more information at swvasolar.org/securing-solar. Individuals interested in potential training opportunities with Mountain Empire Community College and Lonesome Pine Solar can sign up for future announcements at the same link.

 

Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia 

The Solar Workgroup is comprised of nonprofit and community action agencies, colleges, state agencies, planning district commissions, and other interested citizens and businesses seeking to develop a renewable energy industry cluster in the coalfield counties of Virginia. The Workgroup is co-convened by the UVA-Wise Office of Economic Development & Engagement, People Inc., and Appalachian Voices, with facilitation from Dialogue + Design Associates.

 

Secure Futures, LLC

As a market and policy leader, Secure Futures builds, owns, manages and funds affordable Resilient Solar Solutions^® for hospitals, schools and businesses. The company combines state-of–the-art solar technology with an innovative business model to make commercial scale solar readily affordable in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, helping customers to realize the economic, environmental, and community benefits of solar energy.  In 2017, Secure Futures became a Certified B Corporation®.

Richmond – Mountain Empire Community College has received the prominent Gerald L. Baliles Rural Virginia Horseshoe Initiative Award from the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) to increase high school and college completion.

The award was renamed to honor the legacy of Gerald L. Baliles, the 65th governor of Virginia, a native of rural Patrick County and a forward-thinking leader. Baliles worked to ensure that all Virginians had access to education and training.

MECC’s award will support the placement of five part-time career navigators at Union High School, J.I. Burton High School, Eastside High School, Central High School, Gate City High School, Twin Springs High School, Rye Cove High School, Ridgeview High School, Lee High School and Thomas Walker High School.

Career Navigators work with high school students to prepare them for college entry, including career counseling, enrollment and financial aid assistance, and academic advising.

The Gerald L. Baliles Rural Virginia Horseshoe Initiative (RVHI) Award aimed to reduce the number of rural residents without a high school diploma from 1 in 5 to 1 in 10, and to increase the number of rural residents with an associate’s degree, diploma, or certificate from 26% to 52%.

To date, RVHI has provided more than $10 million in direct and matching funding toward achieving these goals. Significant outcomes indicate that the population of the RVHI region aged 25 and over without a high school degree has decreased by 4.2% and those with at least an associate’s degree has increased by 4.0%.

“This award will allow MECC to provide valuable career navigation services at the ten high schools across MECC’s service region, offering numerous support services to students in preparing for college and post-secondary training,” said Dr. Kristen Westover, President of Mountain Empire Community College.

There were 13 awards made by the VFCCE through a competitive application process, including MECC, Southwest Virginia Community College, and Virginia Highlands Community College.

The mission of the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education is to build student success and the Commonwealth’s future by supporting its 23 community colleges through:

• Workforce Development – Enabling students to build skills through scholarships and awards

• Coaching – Supporting adult learners, foster youth, and the youth of rural and urban regions

• Fellowships – Providing leadership development and community service opportunities

• Access & Affordability – Assisting with accessibility and basic student needs

• Accelerator Funds – Growing existing programs and developing new programs

• Flexible Funds – Fueling innovation, incubation, and advocacy

For more information, please visit www.vfcce.org.

BIG STONE GAP, Va. – Mountain Empire Community College announces the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected its unmanned aircraft systems courses for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Program, or the UAS-CTI.

The FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. To qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associates degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration or certificate in UAS. Schools must provide a curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety and federal policies concerning UAS.

With its UAS-CTI membership, MECC can assure its students that the UAS training it offers abides by FAA-mandated standards. “The FAA UAS-CTI program will ensure those trained in commercial UAS applications at MECC are receiving a program that meets FAA performance standards for faculty and instruction,” said MECC President Dr. Kristen Westover, “and that is part of MECC’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge programs that meet high industry standards.”

MECC began offering UAS classes in 2015, and currently offers a Small UAS Operations Technical Studies associate degree program and two Career Studies certificate programs in the field of Smart Farming, which is the study of how modern technology can address agricultural challenges. In addition, the college holds a 94 percent pass rate for all MECC students who take the FAA’s Small Pilot Certificate test—a credential legally required for those who wish to operate drones for commercial purposes.

MECC lead UAS instructor Fred Coeburn, who primarily developed the college’s UAS curriculum, believes that the diverse training offered by the program is one of its strongest attributes.

“Our unmanned systems training focuses on photogrammetry, mapping, infrastructure inspection, thermal plant health, and yield studies along with automated plant seeding and spraying.” Coeburn also noted that it is MECC’s priority to make sure its UAS students are trained “in all phases of mission planning, execution, data processing, equipment purchasing and systems repair.”

MECC currently offers six UAS classes, with class availability varying with each semester. For the Fall 2020 semester, there are currently three UAS classes scheduled to be offered in-person on MECC’s main campus. 

Those interested in learning more about the UAS program can visit www.mecc.edu/drone.

MECC’s Great Expectations program was awarded a $29,500 grant to provide personal computers and internet access for former foster youth enrolled in classes the 2020-2021 academic year.

Great Expectations is an initiative of the Virginia Community College System dedicated to reducing barriers to postsecondary education for former foster youth and helping them transition successfully into living independently. With the emergence of COVID-19 and the move to primarily online instruction last spring, many Great Expectations students have experienced an increased need for reliable internet access and an up-to-date personal computer or laptop.  

This grant, which was made possible through the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, is intended to alleviate financial strain on Great Expectations students and enable them to remain enrolled. Funds will be provided to purchase 20 new laptops that Great Expectations students can borrow to complete their coursework virtually. The grant will also allow Great Expectations to provide free internet access for students two months each semester.

Great Expectations will pay for one month of internet service for each enrolled Great Expectations student at the beginning of the semester, and one month of internet service after the withdraw date. Students can submit their internet bills to the GE Coach at the start of the semester.

“In these challenging times, any additional support we can offer Great Expectations students could be a tipping point towards a successful semester for them. This funding will provide invaluable access to resources that these students need. We are so grateful for the generous support from the VFCCE,” said Kari Paschetto, MECC’s Great Expectations Coach.

For more information about Great Expectations at MECC, contact Kari Paschetto, Great Expectations and Student Activities Coordinator, at kpaschetto@mecc.edu or 276-523-2400 ext. 422.

Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College is pleased to announce the college has received a $1.7M U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in completing a college degree. 

TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary for educational access and retention. The TRIO program has been in existence on MECC’s campus since 1983. More than 800,000 low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities, from sixth grade through college graduation, are served by over 3,100 programs nationally. 

“We are excited and fortunate that MECC will be able to build on the success of 37 years of impactful programming through TRIO grants,” said MECC President Kristen Westover. “The grant process is competitive, and with both a strong application and history, we were successful in ensuring the program’s continuance.”

MECC applied for and was awarded the competitive grant, one of 1,311 Colleges nationwide. The College TRIO program currently serves 175 students annually. The grant is funded for a five-year period. 

“This is an incredible opportunity to continue the success of this long standing program,” said TRIO Director Jessica Ketron. “The impact of supporting students for a 37-year span can now continue to subsequent generations and help increase college degree attainment in MECC’s service region.  This grant provides the opportunity to support students from the beginning of their college journey all the way thru to graduation.”

Mountain Empire Community College is a comprehensive two-year public college serving residents of Dickenson, Lee, Scott, Wise and the city of Norton. The college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, with 96% of students receiving federal, state, and/or scholarship financial assistance. 

For more information on TRIO programs, including registrations for TRIO services, please contact Ketron at 276.523.2400 ext. 342 or by email at jketron@mecc.edu. 

Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College recognizes the Class of 2020, including 581 graduates earning 277 Associate degrees, and 186 Certificates and 298 Career Studies Certificates. 

Graduates were recognized with a Virtual Graduation Recognition published on Friday, May 15 on the College’s website and social media accounts. 2020 graduates will be recognized at a later date.  

Students receiving honor awards for 2020 include:  

ALL-VA ACADEMIC TEAM 

Lindsey Johnson 

Brandi Osborne 

Amelia Strouth 

 

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK AWARD 

Madison Childress 

Cameron Cope 

Zoe Falin 

Amelia Strouth 

Yijia Wang 

 

COLLEGE SUCCESS PROGRAM GRADUATES 
Sarah Aguinaga 

Joules Bagienski 

April Bailey 

Chandler Brickey 

Elizabeth Carroll 

Ashley Crabtree 

Melissa Freeman 

Tanya Isbell 

Kirklyn Milgrim 

Selena Moore 

Jennifer Napier 

Gregory Seals 

Shyanne Van Heel 

Austin Wells 

Aaron Williams 

 

CHEMISTRY AWARD 

Brayden Mozingo 

Amber Sowards 

 

CIRCLE K MOVING FORWARD AWARD 

Arietta Harvey 

 

EXCEPTIONAL GRADUATE AWARDS 

Aaron Best 

Jim Clark 

Carrie Lund 

Brandi Osborne 

Amelia Strouth 

 

FAST FORWARD STUDENT OF THE YEAR 

Gregory Seals 

 

THE JAMES L. DURHAM MATHEMATICS AWARD 

Huish Ammon 
Jared Helbert 

 

JAKKAE JACKSON PHLEMBOTOMY AWARD 

Sheena Woodward 

 

LIFE CAMPUS MINISTRY  

Andrew Barrier 

Megan Lovell 

Madison Childress 

Jim Clark 

Cameron Cope 

Aleigha Cope 

Walter Feck 

Hannah Phillips 

Whitney Slemp 

 

LONESOME PINE HOSPITAL AUXILIARY AWARD 

Samantha Cupp 

 

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STUDENT AWARDS 

Administrative Support Technology 

Ann Lane 

 

Administrative Support Technology – Medical Office Specialist 

Lisa Scott 

 

Computer Networking 

Jared Sullivan 

 

Computer Software Specialist 

Danielle Lamb 

 

Health Information Management 

Phyllis McGlothlin 

 

Management 

Carrie Lund 

 

Paralegal Studies 

Aaron Best 

 

PEGGY DURHAM OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD 

Cameron Cope 

 

PHI THETA KAPPA AWARD 

Kevin Cooper 

 

STUDENT DIPLOMAT AWARD 

Aleigha Cope 

Erin Humphrey 

Frank Miano 

Emma Mullins 

Shellby Rose 

Samantha Sizemore 

Tanna Whitt 

 

STUDENT SERVICES AWARD 

TRIO ACHIEVER AWARD 

Carrie Adams 

Jim Clark 

Tanzania Earl 

Barbara Estep 

Walter Feck 

Jessica Manning 

Kirklyn Milgrim 

Gregor Seals 

Dawnna Stebbins 

Evan Swick 

Yijia Wang 

Crystal Zeppa 

 

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA’S COLLEGE AT WISE TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS 

Savannah Bowen 

Kayla Combs 

Gabriel Counts 

Autumn Elliott 

Alli Miller 

Selena Moore 

Marissa Moore 

Christian Sayers 

Kaylee Sexton 

Joshua Stidham 

Aidan Wells 

Emily Whisman 

Morgan Woliver 

 

STUDENTS EARNING WORKFORCE CREDENTIALS 

Power Lineman 

Jacob Adair 

Nathan Bailey 

Nicholas Elliot 

Joshua France 

Brenton Graham 

Anthony Jessee 

David Layne 

Alex Mullins 

Tyler Oakley 

Christian  Rogers 

Donnie Saul 

Austin Sexton 

Dylan Short 

Mason Bellamy 

Holton Carter 

Eli Craft 

Jacob Davis 

Jonathan Dye 

Jared Edens 

Tyler Gardner 

Tyler Haynes 

Johnathan Holbrook 

Tylan Jackson 

Brain Jenkins 

Calleb Meade 

Hank Middleton 

Thomas Peak 

Brandon Robinson 

Zachary Rose 

Kevin Yeary 

Bailey Baker 

Brandon Bentley 

Caleb Compton 

Brandon Crabtree 

Preston Fleming 

Joseph Maine 

Corey McNeil 

Isaiah Mullins 

Shane Neece 

Isaiah Reynolds 

Mason Sluss 

Dawson Sutherland 

 

Commercial Driver’s License 

Joe Hobbs 

Michael Lewis 

Brett Maness 

Gregory Seals Jr. 

Rodney Tritt 

Thomas Vaughn 

Bobby Whiteaker 

Caleb Dillon 

Marc Huff 

Joshua K. Rasnick 

Joshua A. Rasnick 

Hank Rogers 

 

Emergency Medical Technician Graduates 

Carter Burke 

Cole Burke 

Wendel Burke 
Ethan Kegley 

 

Certified Nursing Assistant 

Emily Daugherty 

Timothy Mullins 

Vickie Mullins 

Adriana Newman 

Geraldeen Peters 

James Stevans 

 

MAY 15, 2020 
The students whose names appear below made formal application for a degree or certificate by the date specified in the Academic Calendar. 

Associate of Arts and Sciences  
Business Administration 

Jessica Brooke Eldridge* 

Angela D. Vanzant** 

  

Associate of Arts and Sciences  

General Studies 

Carrie Ann Adams** 

Tabitha Leigh Adams 

Eden Ruth Allan* 

Hannah Victoria Austin**+ 

Jessica Jane Balthis 

Rebecca J. Boles* 

Savannah Lynn Bowen* 

Dawson Michael Boyd 

Megan Danielle Burton 

Caleb Blake Carico*** 

Tanner Joeray Charles 

Amber Cheyanne Collins* 

Allison Faith Compton 

Cameron Blake Cope 

Gabriel Addison Counts*** 

Caitlyn Paige Cox* 

Ashley Lynne Cusano***+ 

Tiffany Stacie Davis 

Sherry K. Deaton 

Melanie Lynn Dotson* 

Tanzania Tanece Earl* 

Autumn Lane Elliott* 

Ericka B. Fisher** 

Kaden Tre Fisher 

Patrick Leslie Fisher** 

Amber Jae Nicole Freeman***+ 

Noah James Garrison 

Veronica Marie Gendron** 

Ashtyn Claire Gibson***+ 

Stephanie M. Gibson 

Saylor Reece Gilly***+ 

Kelly Tatum Harvel***+ 

Nathaniel Thomas Hersel***+ 

Mitchell Blake Holbrook** 

Christa Renee Holmes*** 

Emily Grace Hurd** 

Grace Anna Marie Isbel 

Tanya Jane Isbell*** 

Keaton Allen Johnson**+ 

Hannah M. Jones 

Jacob Lee Lane 

Ariel G. Lawson** 

Owen Thalus Lawson**+ 

Summer Marie Lee 

Margo D. Lewis 

Brieann Patrice Lomax** 

Valerie Rose McConnell** 

Elizabeth Grace McReynolds***+ 

Brittany Leigh Meade* 

Alli Marie Miller** 

Kayla Nicole Moore* 

Selena Paige Moore** 

Charles Jacob Allen Mullins 

Noah Blake Mullins* 

Abigayle Renae Eldridge Nighswander** 

Ashton Faith O’Quinn** 

Chelsea Brooke Perry 

Katherine Delaney Perry***+ 

Tiffany Marie Pigott** 

Koby Orion Poff***+ 

Charity Lynn Pridemore 

Michael Jesse Pritchett 

Hannah Elizabeth Reasor**+ 

Katherine Lynn Reuille 

Ethan Lee Rhoton 

Ryan A. Roberson** 

Desiree Ann Robinson 

Elizabeth Jobil Rock** 

April Michelle Rose* 

Hollie Elsa-Beth Rose 

Elizabeth Nicole Salyers 

Christian D. Sayers* 

Kaylee Faith Sexton* 

Kaleb Andrew Sharrett 

Chloe Brooke Smith***+ 

Madison Ruth Leigh Shuler***+ 

Caleb Winston Snodgrass 

Sydney Alyssa-Renae Stapleton***+ 

Lindsay Nicole Starnes*** 

Joshua L. Stidham* 

Heather R. Storie 

Amelia Morgan Strouth***+ 

MarShara Nicole Thompson 

Kendra Nicole Maness 

Mckenzie Anne Turner* 

Andrew P. Vanhook 

Angela D. Vanzant** 

Loren Oliviah Vermillion***+ 

Yijia Wang*** 

Makayla Shyanne Ward 

Brooklyn Paige Warner 

Aidan Riley Wells*** 

Emily Nicole Whisman* 

Summer Marquette Woodard 

Christian Ray Worley***+ 

 

Associate of Arts and Sciences 

Pre-Teacher Education 

Jennifer Myma Sue Barry* 

Kayla Marie Combs** 

Cameron Blake Cope 

Nolan Alexander Lamkin 

Marissa B. Moore* 

Selena Paige Moore** 

Amber Diana Morris 

Desirae Marie Porter 

Courtney A. Smith 

Santana Lynne Vincent 

Morgan Grace Jesse Woliver** 

 

Associate of Arts and Sciences 

Science 

Lakin Danyel Castle 

Keaton Allen Johnson**+ 

 

Associate of Arts and Sciences 

Science: Engineering Specialization 

Zachary Ryan Strouth 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Administrative Support Technology 

Ann Lorraine Lane** 

Brandi Cierra Osborne* 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Administrative Support Technology – Medical Office Specialist 

Sandra Denise Collins*** 

Brandi Cierra Osborne* 

Shelli R. Roberts** 

Lisa Nicole Scott*** 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Computer-Aided Drafting/Design Technology 

John Glenn Hines III** 

Caleb I. Richardson 

Brian Gregory Pearcy** 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Computer Networking Technology 

Noah Jerry Moneyhun 

Jason M. Stine** 

Jared Lee Sullivan** 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Computer Software Specialist 

Danielle Krystal Lamb*** 

Kirklyn Patrick Milgrim*** 

Sean Andrew Owens* 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Computerized Manufacturing Technology: Electromechanical Technology Specialization 

Matthew Cole Hamilton 

Samuel Allen Powers, Jr.** 

Andrew John Price** 

Samuel Franklin Scott II 

Timothy Jared Sturgill** 

Kody Lee Whitt 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Correctional Services 

Jessica Faye Baker 

Joseph Michael Denhardt 

Titus Zachary Houston 

Lyndsey Brianna Johnson* 

Michael E. Storie** 

Austin Chase White 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Emergency Medical Services Technology 

Joshua D. Church* 

Matthew Richard Corbett* 

Tristan Anthony Craiger 

Destiny Nichole Hatfield*** 

David Patrick Kelley*** 

Taylor Brooke Moore 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Energy Technology 

Jeffrey Kyle Crumley** 

Ronald W. Gilliam* 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Energy Technology -Electrical Specialization 

Jeffrey Kyle Crumley** 

William Tyler McCarty 

Samuel Allen Powers, Jr.** 

Associate of Applied Science 

Environmental Science 

Bruce Leonard Gardner** 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Environmental Science- Water/Wastewater Specialization 

Joshua Michael Ferris** 

Richard Oliver Hatfield*** 

LeRoy A. Rice*** 

Douglas P. Towne*** 

Associate of Applied Science 

Forest Science 

Andrew Michael Barrier** 

Bruce Leonard Gardner** 

Travis W. Powers* 

Daniel Ray Townsend 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Health Information Management 

Breanna Rose Bernard*** 

Brittany Paige Cress 

Phyllis Leigh McGlothlin** 

Lisa M Milanese*** 

Brandy D. Presley* 

Kayla Danielle Thatcher 

Tonya R. Wallace** 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Management 

Jim Henry Clark** 

McKenzie Leigh Crabtree* 

Krystina Gangl*** 

Yesha Abdiel Gardner* 

Cynthia D. Herron** 

Carrie M. Lund*** 

Jennifer Marie Napier** 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Nursing 

Rachel E. Alley* 

Samantha Jo Austin** 

Andrew J. Baker** 

Rick Barrett 

Caitlin Marie Bradford 

Haley Elizabeth Brickey 

Justin Craig Browning* 

Ashley Paige Christian 

Emily Nicole Cooper 

Ashley Kaitlyn Crabtree** 

Amber Nichole Crihfield* 

Kelsey Jo Culbertson 

Samantha Hope Cupp*** 

Melodee Lynn DeBoard 

Roseanna Jolene Dickenson 

Ericka B. Fisher** 

Patrick Leslie Fisher** 

Cassie Marie Gouge** 

Katelyn Louise Hall 

Leighann Michelle Hall** 

Pamela S. Hamilton* 

Rachel Marie Hubbard* 

Fallon Nicole Jacobs* 

Amy Cayla Marie Jones 

Samantha Kaitlynn Keene 

Savahanna Faith Kern 

Ashley Brooke Longsworth 

Lauren Ashley Mabe 

Hannah Kristen Martin** 

Kayla M. Middleton 

Nathan Lee Minor** 

Stephanie L. Morris* 

April Louise Mullins 

Maryellen Rose Pauley 

Shonna D. Peterson* 

Samantha Faye Phillips 

Blaise Renee Rasnick 

Jessica L. Reed** 

Patricia Nicole Repass 

Summer Breanna Rhodes* 

Brittany S. Roberts 

Heather Renee Rose 

Camrynn Kaylor Russell 

Channa Alexis Sanders** 

Chantarae M. Shepard** 

Jeremy Lee Shepherd 

Makayla Brooke Smith 

Samantha Fae Stallard 

Toni Brooke Stamper 

Caitlin Marie Stanley* 

Brittany Ann Stapleton 

Rebecca Ann Stapleton 

Robin Renee States 

Alicia Louise Stiltner* 

Christie L. Summey 

Emily M. Trent 

Neisha N. Tuggle* 

Savannah Brooke Varney** 

Lindsay Beth Ann Vernon 

Kasey Michelle Yates 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Paralegal Studies 

Aaron Steele Best*** 

Jacqueline C. Hampton*** 

MaKayla Cheyenne Wilder 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Police Science 

Jessica Faye Baker 

Chandler Richard Brickey** 

Jacob Stephen Cantrell 

Grayson Cuel Cothron*** 

Keith E. Crabtree** 

Jared James Ray Crigger* 

Joseph Michael Denhardt 

Bobby W. Edwards*** 

Lillian Mckenize Hall  

Nathaniel Patton Herron* 

Titus Zachary Houston 

Lyndsey Brianna Johnson* 

Noah Ridge Middleton*** 

Andrew Richard Storm Sanders 

Madison Lynn Shoffner* 

Macayla Brooke Singleton 

Jason M. Stine** 

Michael E. Storie** 

Austin Chase White 

Associate of Applied Science 

Respiratory Therapy 

Brandon Patrick Armistead* 

Savannah Brooke Brooks*** 

Kaitlin Elizabeth Catterton 

Darien Chase Cottrell 

Amanda Gabrille Fisher 

Brittany S. Frazier 

Taylor G. Fuller* 

Taylor Danielle Hensley* 

Nicholas Montana Ledford* 

Harley Paige Marcum 

Caitlin Brooke Summey** 

Shyanne Tyla Van Heel** 

Davina Brooke Vanover** 

Tabitha Renee Wallace* 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Technical Studies- Welding 

Thomas J. Davis, Jr. 

Philip J. Miller*** 

Stephen Bradley Slayton 

Cody Heath Woods** 

 

Certificate 

Administrative of Justice – 

Law Enforcement Option 

Nathaniel Patton Herron* 

 

Certificate 

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration 

Jeffrey Kyle Crumley** 

 

Certificate 

Clerical Assistant 

Aaron Steele Best*** 

Kevin Ray Cooper II 

Holly Leann Jones 

Ann Lorraine Lane** 

Brandi Cierra Osborne* 

 

Certificate 

General Education 

Carrie Ann Adams** 

Tabitha Leigh Adams 

Nicole Katheryn Aguirre**+ 

Alanah Grace Aldridge***+ 

Eden Ruth Allan* 

Hannah Victoria Austin**+ 

Jessica Jane Balthis 

Caleb Alexander Barnette*+ 

Jennifer Myma Sue Barry* 

Kallie Ann Berry***+ 

Cheyenne Dean Blansett** 

Connor McNeil Blevins**+ 

Madison Danielle Bohnert*+ 

Savannah Lynn Bowen* 

Carrie Briella Boyd**+ 

Dawson Michael Boyd 

Jasmine Nicole Brewer*+ 

Emily Joy Brock**+ 

Caleb Blake Carico*** 

Hannah Brook Carter***+ 

Lakin Danyel Castle 

Roland Jonah Cochrane, Jr.***+ 

Kaylyn Brooke Collier***+ 

Amber Cheyanne Collins* 

Allison Faith Compton 

Cameron Blake Cope 

Colee Shane Cottrell**+ 

Gabriel Addison Counts*** 

James Hunter Crabtree***+ 

Ashley Lynne Cusano***+ 

Bethany Nicole Davis***+ 

Summer Leeann Dean 

Emma Elizabeth Dietz*** 

Melanie Lynn Dotson* 

Alyssa Nichole Dupree***+ 

Rebekah Ann Earwood* 

Zoe Brooke Falin** 

Bronwen Eve Fischer+ 

Emilie Nora France*+ 

Amber Jae Nicole Freeman***+ 

Kristina Leeann Garrison 

Noah James Garrison 

Veronica Marie Gendron** 

Taylor Faith Gentry***+ 

Ashtyn Claire Gibson***+ 

Matthew Seth Gibson 

Stephanie M. Gibson 

Saylor Reece Gilly***+ 

Matthew Phillip Gobble* 

Michael Scott Griffin*** 

Ambria Paula Grace Hagy***+ 

Sydney Faith Hall***+ 

Lauren Brooke Harkleroad***+ 

Ethan Chase Harris***+ 

Lakeisha Lynn Hartsock 

Kelly Tatum Harvel***+ 

Madison Brianne Head**+ 

Nathaniel Thomas Hersel***+ 

Mitchell Blake Holbrook** 

Sagan Michelle Holbrook***+ 

Akyssa Nadae Hollinger*+ 

Alexis Mattison Horton***+ 

Keaton Allen Johnson**+ 

Luke Dean Kirk+ 

Anthony Wayne Kiser, Jr.** 

Nolan Alexander Lamkin 

Jacob Lee Lane 

Ariel G. Lawson** 

Dokken Allen Gage Lawson 

Owen Thalus Lawson**+ 

Summer Marie Lee 

Jessica Gail Manring* 

Jace Andrew Mathis 

Valerie Rose McConnell** 

CheyAnn LaShay McCowan*** 

Elizabeth Grace McReynolds***+ 

Brittany Leigh Meade* 

Krista Rashay Meredith***+ 

Lucas Cole Messer***+ 

Alli Marie Miller** 

Jordan Alexis Moore*** 

Marissa B. Moore* 

Sophia Grace Morgan*** 

Amber Diana Morris 

Brayden Garreth Mozingo*** 

Wallace Mullins III**+ 

Noah Blake Mullins* 

Ashton Faith O’Quinn** 

Landon Brett Page 

Callie Nicole Perkins***+ 

Katherine Delaney Perry***+ 

Larissa Jade Phillips***+ 

Sydney Michelle Phillips**+ 

Regan Olivia Phipps**+ 

Koby Orion Poff***+ 

Desirae Marie Porter 

Bethany Michelle Powers+ 

Charity Lynn Pridemore 

Jaden Timothy Pritchard***+ 

Michael Jesse Pritchett 

Charles Trent Quinn*** 

Raegan Rianna Rasnick***+ 

Hannah Elizabeth Reasor**+ 

Curtis Lee Reece***+ 

Ethan Lee Rhoton 

Elisabeth Ann Roberts***+ 

Hollie Elsa-Beth Rose 

Matthew Eric Rowe 

Elizabeth Nicole Salyers 

Kaylee Faith Sexton* 

Kaleb Andrew Sharrett 

Madison Ruth Leigh Shuler***+ 

Chloe Brooke Smith***+ 

Courtney A. Smith 

Kara Lynn Smith***+ 

Maddison Leann Smith*** 

Summer Lauren Smith**+ 

Caleb Winston Snodgrass 

Amber Savannah Sowards***+ 

Caleb Gideon Zacharaiah Spicer*** 

Sydney Alyssa-Renae Stapleton***+ 

Kathleen Elizabeth Marie Steffey** 

Amelia Morgan Strouth***+ 

Zachary Ryan Strouth 

Skylar Jennings Sturgill*+ 

Sarah Elizabeth Sumpter***+ 

MarShara Nicole Thompson 

Kendra Nicole Maness 

Mckenzie Anne Turner* 

Tyler Jacob Underwood 

Tobin Aric Van Note II 

Loren Oliviah Vermillion***+ 

Santana Lynne Vincent 

Trevor Cayman Wagner***+ 

Joshua Thomas Max Winegar***+ 

Morgan Grace Jesse Woliver** 

Christian Ray Worley***+ 

 

Certificate 

Industrial Maintenance 

Samuel Allen Powers, Jr.** 

 

Certificate 

Legal Office Assisting 

Aaron Steele Best*** 

MaKayla Cheyenne Wilder 

 

Certificate 

Medical Office Coding & Procedures 

Yvonne J. Hiter** 

Chelsea Grace Mann*** 

Lisa Nicole Scott*** 

Kayla Danielle Thatcher 

 

Certificate 

Practical Nursing 

April Dawn Bailey** 

Mikki Ann Blessing 

Randall Scott Bradley 

William Jarred Bush 

Alyssa Faith Clark 

Faye Marie Elkins 

Barbara Alyn Estep 

Stephanie Lynn-Brooke Falin 

Kenzie LeAnn Fleming 

Candlyn Michelle Forton* 

Taylor Mckinzey Fritz* 

Nicholas Ray Guerrant** 

Rachel Leigh Higgins 

Jessica Marie Kawiecki 

Makenzie Faith Kilgore 

Kalli BreeAnne Marcum 

Tiffine Lee McMillan** 

Tasha Lynn Meadows 

Thelma Elizabeth Moore 

Ashley M. Mullins 

Brittany Renee Mullins 

Kaleigh Annabelle Mullins 

Jennifer Annette Nash 

Chasity LeAnn Phillips 

Karrie L. Powers* 

Haley Brooke Ramey 

Maggie Ruth Robinson** 

Monica Michelle Rowan 

Diana Grace Sawyer 

Olivia Tracey Sexton 

Alexis Maclae Stanley 

Deneta Marie Taylor* 

Tanna Marie Whitt** 

 

Certificate 

Welding 

Stephen Bradley Slayton 

Cody Heath Woods** 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

3-D Design 

Donald Ray Bailey 

Tyler Andrew Cole 

Audreyanna Rochelle Easterling 

Philip L Edwards 

Joseph Edward Freeman 

Dakota J. Morelock 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration 

Christian Shay Beckman 

Chandler Richard Brickey 

Robert Shane Brown 

Jeffrey Kyle Crumley 

Jon A. Pope 

Lex Alexander Reed 

Jacob Matthew Stanley 

Austin Tyler Wells 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Child Development – Infant & Toddler Option 

Kinsley Annamarie Davis 

Kymberly C. Heldreth 

Kimberly Brianna Robinette 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Computer Software Specialist – Mobile Application Development 

Danielle Krystal Lamb 

Kirklyn Patrick Milgrim 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Cybersecurity 

Jason M. Stine 

Career Studies Certificate 

Dental Assistant 

Tiffany Holli Blankenship 

Allison June Brady 

Tessa Gale-Marie Colley 

Katlyn Leann Collins 

Britney Nicole Freeman 

Hailea Shannah Marion Gilliam 

Olivia Raine Hernandez 

Nancy Glynda Marion 

Alyson Morgan 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Early Childhood Development 

Sarah Melody Aguinaga 

Kinsley Annamarie Davis 

Roselyn Marie Gilbert 

Kymberly C. Heldreth 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Electricity 

Christian Shay Beckman 

Jeremy Daniel Cosby 

Jeffrey Kyle Crumley 

Colton Glenn Eads 

Rebekah Faith Glass 

Nevin William Haines 

Graham V. Hall 

Caleb Daniel Haynes 

Brian Keith Humphrey 

Adrian Corey Mullins 

Samuel Allen Powers, Jr. 

Lex Alexander Reed 

Chase Dalton Strouth 

Austin Tyler Wells 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Emergency Medical Technician – Basic 

Matthew Richard Corbett 

Autumn Brooke Fultz+ 

Lauren Brooke Griffin 

Carrianne Michelle Hanmer Harris 

Jessica Lucinda Hart 

Kaitlyn Marie Hartsock+ 

Ciara Nicole Haynes+ 

Zachary Brandon Helbert 

Kalea Cheri Holland+ 

William Spencer Howard 

Cameron Austin Jenkins 

Alexia Grace Livesay+ 

Halee Kursten McCoskey+ 

Ira Nathaniel Middleton 

Colton Trace Mullins 

Nalani Peters 

Crystal S. Phillips 

Ethan Isaac Routt+ 

Brady Logan Tritt 

Primmel Jackson Wallace 

Tabitha Renee Wallace 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Energy Technology – Electrical Emphasis 

Jeffrey Kyle Crumley 

Samuel Allen Powers, Jr. 

Lex Alexander Reed 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Energy Technology- HVAC Emphasis 

Jeffrey Kyle Crumley 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Geographic Information Systems 

Brian Gregory Pearcy 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Health Sciences 

Dakota Cheyenne Adkins 

Samantha Jo Austin 

April Dawn Bailey 

Damon J. Ballard 

Bridget Dianne Bevins 

Angela D. Blankenship 

Callie Madison Blessing 

Madison Grace Boggs 

Caitlin Marie Bradford 

Madison Nicole Castle 

Katelyn Brooke Christian 

Toni Kay Couch 

Tiffany L. Cress 

Melissa Jo Culbertson 

Taylor Marie Darnell 

Courtney Danielle Daugherty 

Hannah Ashton Davis 

Asia Blake Dean 

Barbara Alyn Estep 

Jacob Andrew Falin 

Kenzie LeAnn Fleming 

Melissa S. Freeman 

Taylor G. Fuller 

Hailea Shannah Marion Gilliam 

Britan Abigail Gilly 

Alyssa Anne Gollaway 

Alexandrea Madison Hackney 

Kayla J. Harvey 

Hallie Paige Hembree 

Felisha S. Heranney 

Amanda D. Hopson 

Kristi Renee Hornsby 

Rachel Marie Hubbard 

Hannah Marie Hughes 

Katelyn LaShea Hurlock 

Savannah LeAnn Hylton 

Macarthur David Inbody 

Grace Anna Marie Isbel 

Autumn Marie Johnson 

Kressa Lynn Johnson 

Whitney Nichole Kelly 

Alexander Jagger Kennedy 

Jennifer A. Kennedy 

Briana Jade Kiser 

Keerston Alexus Lovell 

Tonya Renee Lundy 

Hannah Kristen Martin 

Cassandra Suzanne Masters 

Shacodi Rayne Mays 

Kierstien Sharae McCarty 

Stephanie Michelle McCoy 

Lindsay Nicole McNeil 

Marissa Leann Meade 

Tasha Lynn Meadows 

Kayla M. Middleton 

Joy MaKayla Moore 

Ashton Kristina Mullins 

Brittany Renee Mullins 

Jennifer Annette Nash 

Christy Ann Osborne 

Christopher Logan Perry 

Peyton Dale Peters 

Larissa Jade Phillips+ 

Hannah Kate Phipps 

Makayla Ashton Powers 

Carra Lee Rabon 

Evan Bryce Rasnick 

Madalyn Nicole Ratcliffe 

Jessica L. Reed 

Kimberly Denean Robinson 

Courtnee Deneice Rome 

Camrynn Kaylor Russell 

Taylor Elizabeth Salyer 

Channa Alexis Sanders 

Whitney Cheyanne Slemp 

Haley Nicole Smith 

Makayla Brooke Smith 

Tabitha Nicole Smith 

Robin Renee States 

Dawnna Joy Stebbins 

Lynzee Danielle Sturgill 

Caitlin Brooke Summey 

Alexander LonnieJo Thompson 

Angela D. Vanzant 

Savannah Brooke Varney 

Crystal A. Wagner 

Jennilyn Ava Walling 

Tiffany Grace Wampler 

Nathan A. Ward 

Mackenzie Grace Warner 

Emily Nicole Whisman 

Aaron Lowell Williams 

Kelsey Danielle Williams 

Christopher Brian Winston 

Jacob Blake Yates 

Crystal Renea Zeppa 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Law Enforcement Management & Supervision 

Steven B. Boggs 

Bobby W. Edwards 

Kelly R. Fleming 

Rusty A. Hamm 

Kyle Douglas Hayes 

Michael D. Mason 

Michael J. Salyer 

Ryan Seth Vanover 

Bradley S. Williams 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Machinery Maintenance 

Samuel Allen Powers, Jr. 

Andrew John Price 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Medical Receptionist & Transcriptionist 

Sandra Denise Collins 

Lindsey Irene Gibson 

Virginia G. Phillips 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Medical Records Technician 

Virginia G. Phillips 

Nikki Beth Scarberry 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Nursing Assistant 

Joules Lacy Bagienski 

Victoria D. Chestnut 

Alissa Ilene Belle Cleek 

Tiffany L. Cress 

Amber Nichole Crihfield 

Samantha Hope Cupp 

Taylor Marie Darnell 

Alyisa L. Edgar 

Morgan Brooke Elliott 

Tapanga LeighAnn Gillenwater 

Katelyn Louise Hall 

Bryanna Sierria Harris 

Jessica Lucinda Hart 

Taylor Rae Holmes 

Sherrie Lynn Horchak 

Amber Natasha Johnson 

Kressa Lynn Johnson 

Danielle N. Lawson 

Kayla Breanna Leonard 

Haley Morgan Light 

Tonya Renee Lundy 

Haley Noel Martin 

Ira Nathaniel Middleton 

Alyson Morgan 

Jennifer Annette Nash 

Racheal Needham 

Meagan Denise Pettey 

Rachel Evie Reid 

Grace Alexandria Rhoton 

Elisabeth Ann Roberts+ 

Travis Wayne Roberts 

Kaleb Jackson Saez 

Stephanie A. Sampson 

Channa Alexis Sanders 

Seirra S. Smith 

Summer Lauren Smith+ 

Dawnna Joy Stebbins 

Crystal A. Wagner 

Brittany Nichole Worley-Johnson 

Crystal Renea Zeppa 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Pharmacy Technician 

Cierra Alexsis Barker 

Kayla Marie Boggs 

Summer Danielle Bower 

Eden Cecilia Calton 

Raven Jade Cantrell 

Linda A. Cochran 

Rebecca E. Cochran 

Abygail Rachel Eason 

Alyisa L. Edgar 

Caitlin Lace Goins 

Michael A. Hall 

Haleigh Elizabeth Jackson 

Kellie B. Kamplain 

Robin Renee Lynthlin 

Brittany Raschae Phelps 

Karrie L. Powers 

Seirra S. Smith 

Olivia Darlene Taylor 

Sabrina Lynn Taylor  

Briana Paige Triplett 

Sydney Grace Wells 

Elizabeth R. Williams 

Jody Lynn Young 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Phlebotomy 

Carrie Ann Adams 

Darrian Hayley Addington 

Bailee McClain Anderson 

Katherine Nicole Anderson 

Kelly Lee Baker 

Summer Danielle Bower 

Megan Alyssa Call 

Elizabeth Anne Carroll 

Emily Rose Collins 

Morgan Brooke Elliott 

Maegan Gruber-Basenback 

Mary Melissa Hall 

Bryanna Sierria Harris 

Destini Collett Hicks 

Alisha Renna Kern 

Haley Morgan Light 

Robin Renee Lynthlin 

Leighandra Paige McGuire 

Chasity Hope McKinney 

Rebecca N. Pennington 

Vickie Lynn Smith 

Tori Elizabeth Stevens 

Bailee L. Trent 

Megan Paige Wagner 

Sheena M. Woodward 

Jody Lynn Young 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Small Business Management 

Cynthia D. Herron 

Amanda Grace Hughes 

Holly Leann Jones 

Carrie Marie Lund 

David Shannon Vance II 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Software Development I 

Danielle Krystal Lamb 

Marlin Frank McComas, Jr. 

Kirklyn Patrick Milgrim 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Software Development II 

Danielle Krystal Lamb 

Kirklyn Patrick Milgrim 

Sean Andrew Owens 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Water Plant Operator 

LeRoy A. Rice 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Welding Operator 

Clay Allen Barker 

Billy Bryant 

Caleb Allen Coleman 

Jacob Charles Hall 

Christopher Philip Koontz 

Hunter Garrett Parsons 

Peyton Reed Redinger 

Gregory J. Seals 

Timothy Dawson Smith 

Darin Trevor Vaughan 

Cody Heath Woods 

 

GRADUATION WITH HONORS 

 

To be eligible for graduation with honors, a student must have at least the following grade point average and complete an associate degree or certificate: 

 

*Honors (cum laude), 3.2 

**High Honors (magna cum laude), 3.5 

***Highest Honors (summa cum laude), 3.8 
+High school students 
 

Individuals have been designated in the program as honor students based on their grade point average at the completion of the semester prior to the one in which they will graduate. 

 

Individuals have been designated in the program as honor students based on their grade point average at the completion of the semester prior to the one in which they will graduate. 

 
Students wearing gold tassels are honor students. Students wearing gold stoles are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society. 

 

Students wearing red, white, & blue cords are U.S. Military Veterans. 

 

 

BIG STONE GAP, Va. – Mountain Empire Community College will offer free online courses in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and geographic information systems (GIS) during its Summer 2020 semester.

MECC, in partnership with Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development and its Community Development Block Grant program designed to bolster UAS training in Southwest Virginia, is offering full tuition assistance for its UMS 107 and GIS 210 courses during its summer semester. Students have the option to enroll in either class or both classes, and the classes will be delivered entirely online in keeping with mandated COVID-19 safety measures.  

The UMS 107 course, titled “Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Remote Pilot Ground School,” trains students in a variety of drone-related topics including FAA regulations, optimizing performance and maintenance. The course also prepares students for the FAA’s Remote Pilot Certificate, which permits drone operators to use their skills for commercial purposes. Since MECC began its UAS program in 2015, 94 percent of students who took the FAA examination received a passing score on their first attempt. Those interested in enrolling in UMS 107 can visit www.mecc.edu/drone or contact Instructor Fred Coeburn at fcoeburn@mecc.edu.  

GIS 210, titled “Understanding Geographic Data,” trains students on how to obtain and survey aerial data, and they will also become familiar with modern software tools like ESRI ArcMap (used to view and analyze geospatial data) and Google Earth. As MECC GIS Instructor Jake Gilly notes, the offering of these two courses in tandem at no cost is a benefit to MECC’s service region. “Our quickly changing world is making it more imperative that we know our surroundings and the information that defines them,” Gilly says. “Students who receive training simultaneously in drone operations and GIS will be able to keep pace with the latest technology out there.” Those interested in enrolling in GIS 210 can contact Gilly at jgilly@mecc.edu.       

Potential students wishing to enroll in either course can visit www.mecc.edu/apply and are advised to do so by June 1. For eligibility requirements regarding tuition assistance, please contact Grant Coordinator Ashvin Raj at 276-523-2400 (ext.261) or at araj@mecc.edu. 

-MECC-