MECC Staff Producing Face Shields for Area Medical Personnel

Jake Gilley face Shield

Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College faculty and staff have joined a regional effort by higher education institutions to help produce face shields needed by local medical personnel to protect against the COVID-19 virus.

MECC Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Instructor Jake Gilly said he has turned a corner in his home into a makeshift manufacturing center to produce the masks with two 3-D printers working simultaneously.
Gilly, who had already brought one 3-D printer to his home in order to teach classes online this semester, launched a partnership with Streamworks in Kingsport to download a face shield template and start producing the masks this week. He’s joined a regional effort by Eastman, Ballad Health, Northeast State, East Tennessee State University, UVA-Wise and others to support medical personnel through 3-D printing capabilities.  
Courtney Hay - Mask Prototype

Two other MECC staff, Kody Witt and Courtney Hay, have also joined the effort, working from home.

“We’re printing the head pieces for the face shields,” Gilly said. “We will send these to Streamworks to distribute to Ballad Health locally. It takes an hour and twenty minutes to print one, and I have two printers going right now. I was able to make 10 last night. It’s our hope that we can supply hundreds for this effort.”
Gilly noted that Prusa3D, one of the biggest 3-D print companies, has provided open source templates for 3-D printers to use.  MECC already had supplies ordered to support classroom instruction for the spring and summer. Gilly said he has shifted those supplies to produce the needed masks and is incorporating the process into his online instruction.
We want to help them get as many as we can,” said Gilly. “I’m thankful that we can help and honored to work with such great people.” 
For more information on Mountain Empire Community College or the 3-D printing program, please visit www.mecc.edu or call the MECC Office of Community Relations at 276.523.7480.

MECC Students Participate in Alternative Spring Break

Alterantive Spring Break 2020

 

Big Stone Gap, VA – Five Mountain Empire Community College students opted to spend their spring break volunteering on MECC’s second annual Alternative Spring Break trip sponsored by Student Activities.

The team traveled to Berkeley County, SC and partnered with Habitat for Humanity to work on construction of a new house for a family in need. Over the course of four days, the team worked in the ReStore retail store processing donations, put up soffit along the porch ceiling, measured and installed j channel and utility strip along the front porch, began the siding work on the front porch, and did some painting and installed shelving for the local community center.

The MECC students who participated were: Madison Childress, Cameron Cope, Zoe Falin, Amelia Strouth, and Yijia Wang. Students applied for the team during the Fall 2019 semester and were invited to participate in the service trip, which took place from March 8-13, 2020 during MECC’s Spring Break. Zoe Falin said of her experience: “Alternative Spring Break was a life-changing and eye opening experience. It taught me that giving back can be fun.” The team got to work with volunteers from Siena College and St. Louis University and learned valuable skills from the Habitat Berkeley professional construction crew.

The MECC team worked hard all week, but managed to find some time for fun activities as well. The team sampled some cuisine that many had never tried before, walked along Folly Beach, and visited a Chinese New Year lantern exhibit at the Magnolia Plantation Gardens. Cameron Cope summed up the week: “The opportunity to serve others while also learning life skills, building personal relationships, and experiencing unforgettable memories is one I’ll cherish forever.”

For more information regarding MECC’s Alternative Spring Break or other student activities, please contact Kari Paschetto, Great Expectations and Student Activities Coordinator, at 276.523.2400 ext. 422.

MECC’s “Capture the Flag” (CTF) team has advanced to the final round of Radford University’s annual “RU Secure” national CTF competition.

MECC’s “Capture the Flag” (CTF) team has advanced to the final round of Radford University’s annual “RU Secure” national CTF competition. The “redFoxes” achieved the highest score of any college or high school in the Southwest Virginia category, qualifying them for the competition’s final round per contest rules. Overall, the team finished 18th out of 185 competing teams, and they also finished ahead of all but one VCCS college. CTFs are online challenges that test teams’ ability to solve challenges that relate to the cybersecurity industry. With each challenge solved, a team acquires a “flag,” and the team with the most flags by the end of the competition is named the winner. CTFs are becoming more common throughout the country as the cybersecurity industry expands rapidly, and employers often use them as way to assess and recruit talent.

The MECC “redFoxes” are comprised of MECC students Macarthur Inbody (captain), Danielle Lamb, Noah Sturgill, Nathaniel Mullins, and Jonathan (Shane) Strong. The team is coached by Associate Professor Ritchie Deel. MECC is proud to support the “redFoxes” as they prepare for the championship round that will take place online in April (original plans to hold the competition onsite at Radford University have been amended due to national health concerns).

Update on MECC preparations for COVID-19 outbreak

Dear Mountain Empire College Community,

I want to be sure to keep you abreast of the latest news and decisions regarding COVID-19 and the potential spread of the virus. As of March 11, 2020 at 5:00 PM, there were 9 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Virginia. The Virginia Governor’s Office confirmed this morning that all 9 of those cases can be traced to a source such as foreign travel, and those infected did not contract the virus through sustained community transmission. At this time, the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management have both reported that there are no cases of sustained community transmission of COVID-19 in Virginia. The Governor has not declared an emergency. Tennessee saw its first reported case of COVID-19 on March 6th, and has less than 10 confirmed cases at this time. Kentucky also has at least 8 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

This afternoon, Northern Virginia Community College, Germanna Community College, The University of Virginia, and UVA- Wise made the difficult decisions to either suspend coursework and/or move coursework online. This is an option MECC may need to exercise in the future, and we are preparing our services and campus for this possibility. Our campus demographics do not mirror these institutions.  We are not in Northern Virginia; we do not have dorms, nor do we have a significant population of international students. We plan to continue to be hyper-vigilant in promoting COVID-19 protocols, monitor the situation and continue to plan for a disruption in courses and services with the Emergency Management Team.

While this news is not cause for panic, we must continue to be diligent in preparing for a possible regional outbreak. Please continue to prevent the spread of infectious disease through adherence to CDC infection control protocols such as handwashing, hygiene and household sanitation. This is a rapidly evolving issue. Facts about the status of the virus, what we know about it, CDC guidance on best practices and the number of people impacted are all changing hour to hour. MECC’s Administration and Emergency Management Team are monitoring the situation closely and will keep you informed via email, campus alerts, our website and social media outlets if there is a decision to change MECC operations.

 

Stay Healthy!

Kristen Westover, Ed.D.

President, Mountain Empire Community College

MECC Foundation Announces 2020 Lonesome Pine Short Story and Poetry Contest Winners

Big Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 Lonesome Pine Short Story and Poetry Contests. The Contest was held in conjunction with the 44th annual John Fox Jr. Literary Festival, held Wednesday, March 4.

2020 short story winners

Middle School Short Story

First Place: Corey Gray, Ridgeview Middle School, “The Wraith” Second Place: Olive Jeffery, Union Middle School, “The Dreaming Champion” Third Place: Leylah Hamilton, a homeschool student, “All in a Lifetime”

High School Short Story

First Place: Claire Childress, a homeschool student, “Celebrity Happiness” Second Place: Shelby Ann Peace, Union High School, “Like a Bat” Third Place: Emily Katelin Mae Hall, Central High School, “The Empress of Malatonia”

Adult Category Short Story

First Place: Donita Ratliff Kennedy, of Kingsport, “Sitting Up with the Dead” Second Place: Greg Sturgill, of Wise, “Red and Milky White” Third Place: Kelly Pilkenton, of Norton, “An Automatonomatic Fear”

2020 poetry winners

 

Middle School Poetry

First Place: Kiarah Hamilton, a home school student, “Dreams Keep You Alive” Second Place: Rachel Mullins, Ridgeview Middle School, “Infinite Imagination” Third Place: Lauren Wood, Ridgeview Middle School, “Dear Shakespeare”

High School Poetry

First Place: Emily Kaitlin Mae Hall, Central High School, “In My Wildest Dreams” Second Place: Ethen Roberts, Sullivan Central High School, “Misspelled” Third place: Noah Smith, a homeschool student, “The Men of Culloden”

Adult Poetry

First Place: McKenzie Templeton, of Gate City, “Snowflakes” Second Place: Eboni Hamilton, of Big Stone Gap, “A Deer in the Headlights” Third Place: Donna Hamilton, of Church Hill, “The Girl and the Balloon”

For more information on the MECC Foundation, please visit our website at www.meccfoundation.org.

Lonesome Pine Hospital Board To Assist MECC Nursing Students

MECC Nurse

Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to announce that the Lonesome Pine Hospital Board has provided a $6,000 gift to cover national testing fees for students enrolled in the College’s Registered Nursing program and who are employed by Ballad Health.

The program, established almost 15 years ago with the Wellmont Lonesome Pine Community Outreach Fund, has provided more than $30,000 and supported hundreds of nursing students in their efforts to obtain their licensure.

“These scholarships are a direct result of the foresight by the Lonesome Pine Hospital Board members who created this fund when Lonesome Pine Hospital joined the Wellmont Health System, and later on, Ballad Health. The goal was and is to improve the health and wellness of the people in our area. Supporting students who are employees of Ballad Health in their quest to obtain their education is critical to improving the health of our community, ” said Mike Allen, Chair of the Lonesome Pine Hospital Board.

“This is a good example of a wonderful partnership between MECC and the health providers that the college serves,” said MECC President Kristen Westover.  “These scholarships will benefit Ballad Health and MECC, but most of all, they will benefit students.  We are very grateful to our partners at Lonesome Pine Hospital for their generosity.”

For more information on MECC’s Registered Nursing program, please contact Kim Dorton, MECC’s Dean of Health Sciences, at kdorton@mecc.edu or 276.523.7456. For more information on the Mountain Empire Community College Foundation, visit www.meccfoundation.org or call 276.523.2400 ext. 466. 

Lonesome Pine Literary and Poetry contest will be contest will be moved to Friday at 4:30 p.m.

Due to today’s closure, the deadline for entries for the Lonesome Pine Literary and Poetry contest will be contest will be moved to Friday at 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.mecc.edu/jffestival.

Lonesome Pine Poetry Contest Flyer

 

MECC is currently seeking participants for Spring 2020’s National Cyber League

Cyber League Logo

Big Stone Gap- Mountain Empire Community College is looking for students to compete in the National Cyber League (NCL), an online competition that consists of a series of challenges that allow students to demonstrate their ability to identify hackers from forensic data, audit vulnerable websites, recover from ransomware attacks, and more. Students that have taken ITN 260 and ITN 261 will feel most comfortable with the material. Additional information can be found at www.nationalcyberleague.org. If interested, please contact Ritchie Deel (rdeel@mecc.edu) or Ashvin Raj (araj@mecc.edu) by March 10 so that they can register you. There are only eight slots available for this event.     

MECC announces fall semester Honor’s List & fall semester President’s List

The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College Honor’s List for the fall 2019 semester. Students are eligible for the Honor’s List if they have at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79 during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades.

 

APPALACHIA: Shaphan Fisher, Caden Gibson, Nathaniel Herron, Kobe Johnson, Samantha Sizemore, and Amber Stidham.

BEN HUR: Madison Johnson.

BIG STONE GAP: Erin Austin, Jesse Austin, Kirsten Barker, Amber Boring, Victoria Chestnut, Caitlyn Clymer, Jacob Coomer, Emma Dietz, Alyssa Dupree, Rebekah Earwood, Christina Gibson, Saylor Gilly, Jacob Goodman, Nicholas Guerrant, Lauren Harkleroad, Emily Hurd, Jacob Legg, Keerston Lovell, Billy McMillan, Tiffine McMillan, Noah Moneyhun, Samantha Owens, Madalyn Ratcliffe, Elizabeth Rock, Tiffany Seals, Crystal Sexton, Madison Shuler, and Megan Wagner.

BIRCHLEAF: Kayla Combs.

BLACKWATER: Katherine Anderson.

BRISTOL, VA: Matthew Sullivan.

CASTLEWOOD: Olivia Powers and Selena Powers.

CLINCHCO: Mary Bise, Cheyenne Blansett, and Makenzie Robinette.

CLINTWOOD: Christy Edwards, Emily Elswick, Max Fletcher, Noah Mullins, Trenton Robinson, and Tabitha Wallace.

COEBURN: Gabrielle Beverly, Connor Blevins, Mitchell Holbrook, Monica Light, Justin Palmer, Charity Pridemore, Zachary Rose, Kevin Smith, Seirra Smith, Tori Stevens, Justin Wade, and Aaron Williams.

DANTE: Anthony Kiser.

DRYDEN: Jonnie Mullins, Hannah Phillips, Hannah Reasor, and Kayla Thatcher.

DUFFIELD: Jacob Stanley, Christie Baker, Seth Berry, Matthew Gibson, Nevin Haines, Travis Harless, Ryan McDavid, Hank Middleton, Brian Pearcy, Christian Sayers, Brandon Statzer, Logan Tomlinson, Dominic Webb, and Chloe Young.

DUNGANNON: Natalie Adams, Lauren Duncan, and Mary Hensley.

EOLIA, KY: Emily Brock and Logan Sturgill.

ERMINE, KY: Joshua Ferris.

EWING: Seth Zumbrum.

FT. BLACKMORE: Bailey Butler, Taylor Darnell, and Kara Smith.

GATE CITY: Taylor Blevins, Landon Fletcher, Ashton Ford, Kadmiel Gardner, Valerie McConnell, William Painter, Lindsay Starnes, and Jonathan Strong.

HAYSI: Raegan Lamkin and Quinlan Turner.

HILTONS: Phyllis McGlothlin.

JOHNSON CITY, TN: Beckwith Callaham.

JONESVILLE: Bailee Chadwell, Caleb Coleman, Aleigha Cope, Asia Dean, Wesley Gilliam, Kalee Hibbard, Jonah Hilton, April Kolb, Aren Lambert, Michael Rutledge, and Andrew Sanders.

KINGSPORT, TN: Piper Banks, Elisabeth Roberts, and Shyanne Van Heel.

NICKELSVILLE: Amber Collins, Mckenna Dean, Mahalia Kinsler, Zachary Lane, Gerald McConnell, Frank Miano, Peyton Peters, Aubrey Powers, Victoria Quillen, Mary Ramsey, and Mackenzie Warner.

NORTON: Summer Bower, Mark Caruso, Kaden Fisher, Michael Gilliam, Ronald Gilliam, Nathaniel Herron, Elijah Lovell, Kaylei Miller, Sydney Phillips, Heather Phipps, and Jacqueline Rose.

PENNINGTON GAP: Andrew Barrier, Cameron Byington, Eden Calton, Jim Clark, Chasity Russell, Lisa Scott, and Alexander Stafford.

POUND: David Brummitte, Hannah Carter, Tanzania Earl, Bryanna Harris, and Amber Quillen.

ROSE HILL: Darien Cottrell, Brian Humphrey, and Tyler Hunley.

ST. PAUL: Brandon Armistead.

WEBER CITY: Tapanga Gillenwater, Seth Lucas, and Jamie Watts.

WISE: Buffy Bell, Emily Daugherty, Ericka Fisher, John Hines, Meghan Lovelace, Tristan Miller, Pausha Mullins, Karrie Powers, Makayla Powers, Kayla Roberts, Peyton Rogers, Jason Stine, and Loretta Wampler.

 

 

The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College President’s List for the fall 2019 semester. Students are eligible for the President’s List if they have at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.8 or higher during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades.

 

ABINGDON: Savannah Brooks.

APPALACHIA: Ethan Bowman, Madison Head, Nathaniel Mullins, Racheal Needham, Christian Worley, and Brittany Worley-Johnson.

BIG STONE GAP: Ashley Cusano, Kali Durham, Zoe Falin, Krystina Gangl, Britan Gilly, Sydney Hall, Ethan Harris, Nathaniel Hersel, Taylor Hillman, David Kelley, Christopher Koontz, Danielle Lamb, Brooke Light, Michael Martin, Krista Meredith, Lisa Milanese, Sophia Morgan, Brayden Mozingo, Larissa Phillips, Koby Poff, Sydney Stapleton, Jared Sullivan, and Trevor Wagner.

BIRCHLEAF: Raegan Rasnick.

BLACKWATER: Yvonne Hiter and Joshua Winegar.

BRISTOL, VA: Holly Jones.

CASTLEWOOD: Allison Compton.

CHURCH HILL, TN: Michaela Franklin, Ashtyn Gibson, and Brooklyn Smith.

CLINCHCO: CheyAnn McCowan.

CLINTWOOD: Kalianna Brooks, Emily Browning, Tammy Cochran, Gabriel Counts, Nicholas Cox, Bethany Davis, Hannah Flint, Carson Fuller, Dawson Hillyer, Jordan Moore, Selena Moore, Brycen Mullins, Haley Mullins, Michael Porter, Ashley Ramey, Ryan Reynolds, and Amelia Strouth.

COEBURN: Tyler Bright, Caleb Carico, Hannah Davis, Amber Freeman, Anthony Freeman, James Kilgore, Jonathan Lawson, Elizabeth McReynolds, Kirklyn Milgrim, Whitney Mooney, Katherine Perry, Kaylee Sexton, Shannon Smith, and Hope Stidham.

DANTE: Ayden Vitatoe.

DRYDEN: Colt Muncy, Brandon Smith, and Tori Travis.

DUFFIELD: Morgan Baker, Aaron Best, Savannah Bowen, Hayden Dean, Janis Garrett, Alexis Horton, Preston McElyea, Caitlin Summey, Lydia Tankersley, Darin Vaughan, and Makayla Ward.

DUNGANNON: Christopher Oaks.

EAST STONE GAP: Raven Cantrell, Hannah Carter, Staci Fraley, and Aki Godsey.

EWING: Peyton Redinger.

FT. BLACKMORE: Kert Gibson and Michael Griffin.

GATE CITY: Kasey Barber, Elizabeth Barnett, Kallie Berry, Abigail Bledsoe, Marissa Canter, Faith Church, Dylon Clark, Macy Dishner, Jason Fields, Ambria Hagy, Destiny Hatfield, Samantha Jerrell, Avery Johnson, Elizabeth Jones, Caroline Musick, Hailey Musick, Hanna Musick, Brandi Osborne, Aubrie Penley, Teresa Phillips, Madison Pierce, Kendal Quillen, Charles Quinn, Lex Reed, Luke Reed, Chloe Smith, Caleb Spicer, Makenzie Stallard, Chase Templeton, Amanda Vermillion, Loren Vermillion, and Abby Williams.

HAYSI: Brandy Presley, Kloe Rife, and Shellby Rose.

HILTONS: Carter Babb and Ava Seagle.

JONESVILLE: Jerry Allen, Madison Combs, Heriberto Donato, Sarah Graham, Jordan Hampton, Kelly Harvel, Caleb Haynes, Timothy Long, Abigail Middleton, Noah Middleton, Callie Perkins, Madison Phipps, Sarah Sumpter, Alexis Turner, Allison Wilson, and Tanya Woodard.

KEOKEE: Sheena Bloomer.

KINGSPORT, TN: Tara Adams, Breanna Bernard, and Baylie Jones.

MT. CARMEL, TN: Jonathan Compton.

NICKELSVILLE: Jared Helbert, Cynthia Herron, Amber McConnell, and Whitney White.

NORA: Amanda O’Quinn.

NORTON: Roland Cochrane, Laken Culbertson, Morgan Fawbush, Alanna Gray, Blake Hammonds, Kelsey Lawson, Lucas Messer, Maggie Moore, Zoe Niece, Jackson Orr, Kelly Pilkenton, Jaden Pritchard, Caelen Robinette, Adran Smith, Bailey Sturgill, Davina Vanover, Tammy Ward, and Aidan Wells.

PENNINGTON GAP: Alanah Aldridge, Jacob Bledsoe, Kaylee Glascoe, Noah Harber, Mary Litton, Lisa Penix, Curtis Reece, Gregory Seals, Michael Snodgrass, Matthew Spears, Jacob Whitaker, and Morgan Woliver.

POUND: Carrie Adams, Andrea Anunson, Hunter Grant, Alexa Lester, Sadra Mullins, Wallace Mullins, Christian Rose, Maddison Smith, Amber Sowards, Benjamin Stallard, Kathleen Steffey, Adrianna Sturgill, Yijia Wang, and Qing Yang. WEBER CITY: Kaylyn Collier.

WISE: Celeste Aguinaga, Nicole Aguirre, Olivia Basham, Tina Beaver, Joshua Church, Sandra Collins, Taylor Gentry, Brittany Gibson, Maegan Gruber-Basenback, Sagan Holbrook, Tyler Hopkins, Shona Josey, James Kinser, Emily Mullins, Izah Qureshi, Casey Sexton, and Noah Sturgill.

MECC offers a free Quick Start to College class designed for individuals who have considered college, but have hesitated to enroll.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College offers a free Quick Start to College class designed for individuals who have considered college, but have hesitated to enroll.

The course allows students the opportunity to obtain college credit at no cost without having to enroll for a full semester. To qualify, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

The course will include an orientation to the basics of college life at MECC. Students will be able to learn how to find offices and classes on campus, use online learning tools, and MECC email. Career counseling sessions will also be included so that students can learn more about program offerings that best fit their interests.

The course will cover computer basics including using Word and saving documents to flash drives. Students will also focus on math and English. Students will be able to freshen up on important basics that will help them take or retake the math and English placement tests.

 The Spring Quick Start program will be offered:

Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.) February 11 – March 5

  • February 11 & 13  – Orientation and Campus Information

  • February 18 & 20 – Computer Skills

  • February 25 – English Skills

  • February 27 & March 3 – Career Exploration and College Success Skills 

  • March 5 – Math Skills

For more information or to register for Quick Start, Contact Beth Boggs, Career & Transfer Counselor, bboggs@mecc.edu; 276-523-7438 or visit our website: www.mecc.edu/quickstart.

Mountain Empire Community College will hold a Career & Transfer Fair

Career & Transfer FairBig Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College will hold a Career & Transfer Fair on Wednesday, February 5 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Goodloe Center, Phillips-Taylor Hall. More than 35 representatives for regional employers and local transfer institutions will be on campus.

Attend the fair to ask questions regarding employment or transfer requirements; learn about job placement services or internships; discuss the opportunities that may be available to you; learn about your marketability; talk to employers about job openings; and speak with transfer representatives about course requirements.

Even those who are not immediately seeking employment have plenty to learn from the Career & Transfer Fair. Representatives can provide valuable insight to what employers are looking for when screening new hires. This insight can assist students and community members in refining their resumes and help them know which skills to focus on improving. Those attending are invited to bring copies of their resume and be prepared to complete job applications for those representatives that may be hiring. Transfer institutions will be available to speak to current students or recent graduates about admissions requirements and program options. 

For more information on MECC’s Career & Transfer Fair, contact Beth Boggs, Career and Transfer Counselor, at 276.523.2400 ext. 324 or bboggs@mecc.edu, or visit www.mecc.edu/career-services.

MECC Foundation to Host Lee County Endowed Scholarship Valentine’s Dinner

Big Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation and the Lee County Endowed Scholarship Committee will hold a special Valentine’s Day dinner to raise funds benefiting the Lee County Endowed Scholarship.

The Foundation has received a $30,000 match pledge for the scholarship from the Slemp Foundation. All donations, including proceeds from the dinner, will be matched up to $30,000.

The dinner will be held Friday, February 14 at 6 p.m., in the Goodloe Center at Mountain Empire Community College. There will be a silent auction, along with delicious food and beverages from North Fork Catering Company in Weber City. Wine will be available for purchase from MountainRose Vineyards and Winery in Wise. It will be an exciting event that you will not want to miss!

To purchase tickets, or serve as an event sponsor, please visit www.meccfoundation.org/lcfund or call Jeri Bledsoe, MECC Foundation Annual Fund Coordinator, at 276.523.2400 ext. 287. For more information on the MECC Foundation, call the Foundation office at 276.523.7466, or visit online at www.meccfoundation.org.

Nominations Sought for 2020 MECC Outstanding Alumnus Award

Alumni logo

Big Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College Alumni Advisory Committee is seeking nominations for the 2020 MECC Outstanding Alumnus Award, which recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to one or more areas of society, i.e., professional, academic, and personal achievements, civic service, or service to MECC.

All living MECC alumni who have completed at least one class at MECC are eligible to be nominated and considered for the award. Self-nominations are also welcome. Current members of the MECC Local Advisory and Foundation Boards of Directors, current faculty and staff of the college, and members of the MECC Alumni and Friends Advisory Committee are not eligible to receive the award.

The nomination form is available online at the MECC website, www.mecc.edu or at the MECC Foundation website, www.meccfoundation.org. There is no limit to the number of nominations that one may submit. The deadline for nominations for the 2020 Outstanding Alumnus Award is February 28, 2020.

A subcommittee of the MECC Alumni Advisory Committee will select the winner of the award and the winner will be announced at the annual Scholars’ Recognition Night banquet to be held in March.

For questions, please contact Jeri Bledsoe in the MECC Foundation office at 276-523-2400, extension 287, or at jbledsoe@mecc.edu.

-MECC FOUNDATION-

MECC Foundation to Host 44th Annual John Fox, Jr. Literary Festival & Lonesome Pine Short-Story and Poetry Contests

Big Stone Gap, VA — The MECC Foundation, in partnership with the Lonesome Pine Regional Library and the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Project, is pleased to announce the 44th annual John Fox, Jr. Literary Festival, featuring a presentation by guest author Silas House, on Wednesday, March 4 at 10 a.m. in the Goodloe Center of Phillips-Taylor Hall. 

In coordination with the festival event, the MECC Foundation will host the 33rd Annual Lonesome Pine Short Story Contest and the 16th Annual Lonesome Pine Poetry Contest. The deadline for submitting entries is Thursday, February 20 at 4:30 p.m. Entry categories include adult, high school (grades 9 through 12), and middle school (grades 5 through 8) categories.  Contest rules are available on the MECC Foundation website at www.mecc.edu/jffestivalWinners of the contest will be announced during the Literary Festival Event.

SilasSilas House is the New York Times-bestselling author of six novels, including his first, Clay’s Quilt (2001), now considered a foundational text in Appalachian literature, and his most recent, Southernmost (2018), which was long-listed for the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and won awards including the Weatherford Prize for Fiction.

House is a member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers and a former commentator for NPR’s “All Things Considered”.  His writing appears frequently in The New York Times and Salon and has been published in TimeEcotoneGarden and GunOxford American, and many other places.  House is a native of Eastern Kentucky and teaches at Berea College and in the Spalding School of Writing.

Books will be available to purchase and for author signing.  The John Fox, Jr. Festival will be followed by a reservation-only luncheon with the featured speaker at the John Fox, Jr. Museum in Big Stone Gap.  Tickets for the luncheon are $25 per person and reservations can be made by calling the MECC Foundation office at 276.523.7466.

 

For more information on the MECC Foundation, please visit our website at www.meccfoundation.org.  

-MECC Foundation-

MECC’s “Capture the Flag” (CTF) team finished 12th out of 326 competing teams in Radford University’s annual “RU Secure” CTF competition.

MECC’s “Capture the Flag” (CTF) team finished 12th out of 326 competing teams from universities and high schools across the country in Radford University’s annual “RU Secure” CTF competition. CTFs are online challenges that test teams’ ability to solve challenges that relate to the cybersecurity industry. With each challenge solved, a team acquires a “flag,” and the team with the most flags by the end of the competition is named the winner. CTFs are becoming more common throughout the country as the cybersecurity industry expands rapidly, and employers often use them as way to assess and recruit talent.

The “redFoxes” team is comprised of MECC students Macarthur Inbody (captain), Danielle Lamb, Noah Sturgill, Nathaniel Mullins, and Jonathan (Shane) Strong. The team is coached by Assistant Professor Ritchie Deel. MECC is proud to support the “redFoxes” in its quest to finish among the top seven teams (qualifying round in March 2020) so that they can earn a spot in the final round, held on Radford’s campus, in April 2020.

MECC Foundation Announces Debra Rene Greene Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Debra GreeneBig Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Debra Rene Greene Memorial Endowed Scholarship benefiting MECC students interested in careers in social work and counseling.

Debra was the daughter of Charles R. Greene and the late Mary Roberts Greene. The scholarship was created by her father, following Debra’s death in June 2019. Charles felt privileged to have witnessed the academic achievements and contributions of his daughter despite early onset kidney failure shortly after her graduation from J.J. Kelly High School in 1984.

Debra was a 29-year kidney transplant survivor having received her donor kidney from her uncle, Dennis Greene. Despite this obstacle she received her Associate Degree from Mountain Empire Community College in 1993 and her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Intermont College in 1996. She served eleven years as Guidance Counselor at the Flatwoods Job Corps in Coeburn, Virginia positively influencing many young lives as evidenced by their fond remembrance of her.

Debra was also a born-again Christian and attended Bethel Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, always offering a warm smile, a cheerful greeting, and an uplifting faith in Jesus Christ. She loved to laugh and to have others laugh with her bringing joy to their lives.

Gifts in honor of Debra can be made to the Debra Rene Greene Memorial Scholarship, Mountain Empire Community College Foundation, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA, 24219 or online at www.meccfoundation.org. Please list the scholarship name in the gift memo.

The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation supports the mission of Mountain Empire Community College by providing scholarships and funding for student success programs, professional development for faculty, and cultural programs for the community. The Foundation supports more than $300,000 in scholarships annually.

For more information regarding scholarships or to establish a scholarship, please contact the Mountain Empire Community College Foundation at 276.523.7466 or visit www.meccfoundation.org.

-MECC FOUNDATION-

Dr. Kristen Westover Fund Established at MECC

Westover Portrait Chromatics09-25-2018 proofBig Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to announce that a new fund, the President Kristen Westover Fund, has been established to provide resources for learning and professional development.  

 The Fund, established by members of Dr. Westover’s family, will be specifically used to assist with faculty, staff, and student professional development, recognition and learning tools. Dr. Westover, who has served as President of MECC since July 1, 2017, has established a Leadership Academy at MECC for staff and is developing a leadership training for students as well.  

  Additional contributions to the fund are welcome. All gifts to the President Kristen Westover Fund are fully tax-deductible. Should any funds remain after Dr. Westover’s presidency, they will be available to future presidents to use for the same purpose as indicated by the donor.   

 I am extremely appreciative to my amazingly supportive family for establishing this Fund,” said Dr. Westover. “We recognize the challenges students face in accessing and completing college, the challenges faculty face in ensuring their skills and knowledge are relevant in today’s rapidly changing environment, and the burden of the expense of funding professional development. This fund will also provide resources to help build and strengthen current and future leaders through support of the employee and student leadership programs offered by MECC.”  

 The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation supports the mission of Mountain Empire Community College by providing scholarships and funding for student success programs, professional development for faculty, and cultural programs for the community.  

 For more information regarding scholarships or to establish a scholarship, please contact the Mountain Empire Community College Foundation at 276.523.7466 or visit www.meccfoundation.org 

 

-MECC FOUNDATION- 

MECC students earn five of top six scores at regional cybersecurity competition.

Wise, VA – On Thursday, October 24, MECC cybersecurity and software development students competed in UVa-Wise’ second annual BSides Capture the Flag competition, a computer-based individual competition that tests participants ability to problem-solve with regards to information technology and security. MECC students Macarthur Inbody and Noah Sturgill were two of three competitors who tied for 1st place. In addition, Danielle Lamb, Jonathan (Shane) Strong, and Noah Moneyhun respectively earned 3rd, 4th, and 5th place out of a field of over 60 participants. MECC would like to congratulate these students and all other participating MECC students for their success and hard work during this event. Also appreciated is the dedication of MECC faculty Terri Lane and Ritchie Deel, who served as faculty mentors for this competition.

MECC Foundation Raises $100,000 to Support Scott County Students

Hiltons, VA – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation recently raised an estimated $60,000 at a special event to assist Scott County students attending MECC.

With this year’s total, the Scott County Endowed Scholarship Committee has raised more than $100,000 in two years to support the Scott County Endowed Scholarship Fund. More than 70 percent of all students in Scott County that choose to attend college in Virginia, attend MECC. This scholarship will provide opportunities for those students to reach their educational and career goals while lessening the financial burden of families.

The Scott County Endowed Scholarship Fundraiser was held at Crooked River Farm in Hiltons, featuring renowned musicians Wayne Henderson and the late Helen White as well as the Jeff Little Trio. Catering was provided by North Fork Catering in Weber City. A silent auction was also held.

Major sponsors for the event included David & Annette Templeton, owners of Crooked River Farm, and Courtesy Chevrolet. Additional sponsors include Mark & Judy Musick, Humphreys Enterprises, Jack & Martha Rhoton, New Peoples Bank, R-Mac Realty, Eastman Credit Union, Powell Valley National Bank, Komatsu, Scott County Telephone Cooperative, the Town of Gate City, Cox Tractor, Athletics Unlimited, Dr. Bill Fuller, David Jackson & Associations, CPA, Egan Construction, Aldebaran Financial Services, Otis Rhoton & Food City. 

Silent auction items were provided by Nora Blankenbecler, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Festival, Bristol Motor Speedway, CK Salon, Cattails at Meadowview, Made by Hands Flora. David J. Clapp – The Art of Photography, Lonesome Pine Country Club, Jennifer Fletcher Meade, Mendota Farms, Orchard Barn, The Meadows Restaurant, Paul Mitchell Systems, Roberts & Jones, Rush Street Grill, The Sessions Hotel and Mountain View Lodge.

For the second year, all funds raised were matched by a generous gift from the estate of Joyce Tallman. Ms. Tallman served as assistant to the president at the Southern Regional Education Board in Atlanta for more than 30 years of her 50 years with the organization. Following her death in 2018, her estate has provided more than $50,000 in funds to support Scott County students.

“We are incredibly grateful to the many supporters who made this event possible,” said Amy Greear, MECC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and MECC Foundation Executive Director. “The Scott County Endowed Scholarship will benefit Scott County students now and in the years to come. Our single purpose is to remove any financial barrier for a student to attend MECC. We want all students to be able to reach their career and educational goals in order to live and work in our region. We are closer to doing that now thanks to the generosity of this community.”

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 Receives $2.2M Federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant

Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College is pleased to announce the College has been awarded a $2.2M Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutions grant.  MECC’s Pathways to Student Success grant will support expansion of academic programs, renovation of classroom spaces, and additional student advising support.

The goal of MECC’s Title III grant is to improve student’s access to education through expansion of academic programming in the science and health science areas, offer additional classes and flexible class scheduling, and require students to participate in comprehensive, one-on-one advising. As a result, student retention and completion rates will be increased. In addition, MECC students will benefit from improved quantitative literacy skills through additional faculty training and improved technology.

“We are thrilled to be the recipient of a Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant,” said MECC President Kristen Westover. “This funding will provide resources to grow our Science and Health Science program offerings, more advisors to assist students in navigating their academic programs, and professional development opportunities and improved technology for faculty and classrooms.  The success of our students is core to everything we do at MECC, and the Title III grant will provide the College with resources that will grow our already strong programs and services for students and the community. Additionally, through the grant, we have the opportunity to leverage these resources to strengthen our endowment funds, resulting in more affordable access to higher education for the residents of our region.”

The five-year grant will enable MECC to hire four new full-time faculty members in science and health science program areas. Additionally, two laboratories will be renovated at the Big Stone Gap campus to be used in biology, anatomy, phlebotomy, and pharmacy tech courses.

Another aspect of this award allows the College to participate in an endowment challenge to increase the College’s endowment funds.  As part of the challenge, the MECC Foundation has set a goal to raise $225,000 over a five-year period, with all funds raised to be matched by the Title III grant. The funds will be used to support the goals outlined in the grant program.

“The MECC Foundation is excited to announce our goal to raise $225,000 to support students and college infrastructure improvements. The pledge match from the Strengthening Institutions Grant will result in a significant, long-term impact to our campus and our region,” said Amy Greear, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the MECC Foundation.

Founded in 1972, MECC is a two-year, comprehensive public community college serving Dickenson, Scott, Lee, and Wise Counties as well as the City of Norton in southwest Virginia. The college offers more than ninety career studies certificate and associate degree programs with majors designed for both college transfer and technical education leading directly to employment. MECC serves approximately 3,500 credit students annually and 2,400 students annually through non-credit training programs.

For more information on MECC or the Title III grant, visit the college’s website at www.mecc.edu or contact the college’s Office of Public Relations at 276.523.7480.

 

-MECC-

MECC Career & Transfer Services to hold Two Informational Fairs

MECC Career & Transfer Services will host two Informational Fairs next week. The Annual Fall Transfer Fair will be on Tuesday, October 22 and the Inaugural Program Fair will be on Wednesday, October 23.

The purpose of the Transfer Fair is to allow students and graduates the opportunity to meet with representatives from various institutions all in one afternoon. Participants can gain important information that will help aid them in making an informed transfer decision. Representatives will discuss things like program options, scholarship opportunities and requirements for transferring. Many representatives have new and exciting information about their institution to share with participants. Students are encouraged to meet with several institutions to ensure they make the best decision when it comes to their transfer education. Participants of the Transfer Fair can also enter to win door prizes.  

The Program Fair will highlight some of the programs offered at Mountain Empire Community College. Faculty members will be available to speak with individuals about the course requirements of the program, job prospects, salary ranges, and course offerings. Students can benefit from seeing the variety of programs offered here and speaking with faculty members they may not have met before to hear about options available to them. The Program Fair is timely, as it takes place two days before early enrollment for Spring 2020, so students can take the information they gain from the Program Fair and use it to help build their schedules for the Spring semester.

 For more information on transferring to further your education, contact Beth Boggs, Career & Transfer Counselor at bboggs@mecc.edu.

MECC Foundation to Host Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers in Clintwood

Clintwood, VA — The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to host Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at Clintwood’s Jettie Baker Center. 

Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the Clintwood Town Hall or the Ralph Stanley Museum in Clintwood (cash or check purchases) as well as online at www.meccfoundation.org/dcevent.  All proceeds will benefit the Mountain Empire Community College Foundation’s Dickenson County Endowed Scholarship. 

The Dickenson County Endowed Scholarship Committee is currently seeking sponsorships to support event costs. Sponsorships are $100 and up and include tickets, branding, and special recognition. For more information on becoming an event sponsor, visit www.meccfoundation.org/dcfund.  

Larry Sparks is a dedicated leader for bluegrass music and is among the most widely known and respected touring musicians in bluegrass and gospel music today. Larry began his career in the mid-1960s as a guitarist with the Stanley Brothers and later became lead vocalist for Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. Larry went on to form his own band in 1969, The Lonesome Ramblers. He has recorded and toured with his band for nearly 50 years, releasing over 60 albums and delighting countless fans with his soulful vocals and unparalleled musicianship.

Larry’s hits include John Deere Tractor, A Face in the Crowd, Tennessee 1949, Blue Virginia Blues, I Just Want to Thank You Lord. Love of the Mountains, Goodbye Little Darlin, You Could Have Called, Tribute to Hank Williams, Green Pastures in the Sky and more. He has performed on such world famous venues as the Grand Ole Opry, Austin City Limits television show on PBS. Song of the Mountains on PBS. He has toured the United States, Canada, and Japan.

Larry has been recognized as the International Bluegrass Music Associations Male Vocalist of the Year. He was awarded Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year with his album Larry Sparks 40 featuring several artists such as Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs, Tom T. Hall and many more.

Larry has been inducted into The International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame, and the George D. Hays Hall of Fame, Founder of The Grand Ole Opry.

For more information on the MECC Foundation and the Dickenson County Scholarship, visit www.meccfoundation.org.

MECC Hosts 48th Annual Home Craft Days Festival

Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College will once again welcome thousands of visitors to the campus this fall for the 48th Annual Home Craft Days Festival held Oct. 18-20.

Celebrating the rich music, culture, and artistry of Southwest Virginia, the Home Craft Days Festival features two full days of concerts, craft vendors, and demonstrations of weaving, pottery making, grist milling, wood crafting, basket weaving, broom making, quilting, tatting and more.

Heading this year’s free Friday night concert are the Tommy Bledsoe, Rich Kirby, Tyler Hughes, and Todd Meade; Alice Gerrard and Kay Justice; and John McCutcheon. The concert will begin at 6 p.m. in MECC’s Phillips-Taylor Hall Goodloe Center.

According to festival coordinator Mike Gilley, “This annual festival is a homecoming, a chance for family and friends to gather and share our cultural heritage. We are excited to showcase the best of the region’s music, crafts, and food!”

Craft and food vendors will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s music schedule includes featured performers: Scott County Jam, Wise County Jam, Rich Kirby and Nate Polly, Danny Whited and Friends, Todd Meade and Family, Jack Wright, Jim Lloyd, Angie DeBord, Town Branch Bluegrass, Brandon Maggard, Empty Bottle String Band with the Center Stage Cloggers, Right Fork Ramblers, Kelsey Rae, The Childress Family, The Sheets Family, Joy Blair, Stone Mountain Serenaders with the Center Stage Cloggers, Popular Hill Reunion, Travis Kern, Richard Phillips and Friends, Crooked Road Ramblers, Thistle Dew, and Sigean.

Sunday’s performers include: Tyler Hughes and Todd Meade, Ms. Elli’s String Band, Doug Dorschug and Pam Randolph, MECC String Band, Glenn Roberts, The High Tops, Jack Beck, High Test Grass, John Haywood, Tommy Bledsoe, Bill McCall and Southern Country, Oscar Harris and Heather Pace, Willie Dodson and Saro Lynch, The String Dippers, My New Favorites, Smith Family Singers, Rita Quillen, Scott County Boys.

Admission is FREE to all the festival events. MECC is located on US Route 23 just south of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Parking and shuttles for the festival will be offered at five locations in Big Stone Gap. Shuttle rides are $1 per person at boarding. Locations include:

·         Union High School (formerly Powell Valley High School) – Front Parking Lot

·         Curbside, Wood Ave, in Front of Food City

·         Curbside, Municipal Parking Lot behind Post Office/Federal Building

·         Country Inn

·         Comfort Inn

For more information on the event, including a detailed schedule of vendors and musicians, visit the Home Craft Days website at www.homecraftdays.org.

MECC Announces Summer Semester Honor’s, Merit & President’s List

MECC announces summer semester Honor’s List

The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College Honor’s List for the summer 2019 semester.  Students are eligible for the Honor’s List if they have at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79 during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades. 

BIG STONE GAP:  Michael E. Storie 

CASTLEWOOD:  Anthony Scott Jessee, Jr.  

CLINTWOOD:  Ashley M Mullins.  

DUFFIELD:  Jessica Faye Baker. 

GATE CITY:  Yesha Abdiel Gardner and Aaron Scott Williams.  

JONESVILLE:  Cindy Louise Hawkes, Destini Collett Hicks, and Bethany Suzanne Ward. 

NORA:  Tiffany Marie Pigott. 

PENNINGTON GAP:  Nathan Gregory Bailey and Mary Melissa Hall. 

ST. PAUL: Marissa B. Moore.

STONEGA:  April Dawn Bailey. 

MECC announces summer semester Merit List

The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College Merit List for the summer 2019 semester. Students are eligible for the Merit List if they have at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.2 to 3.49 during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades, and part-time students who have between 6-11 credits and a GPA of 3.2 or higher during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades.

ABINGDON: Savannah Brooke Brooks and Kyle Douglas Hayes.

APPALACHIA: Shaphan Robert Fisher, Tanner Branson Hall, Nathaniel Patton, Mary T. Meade, Chantarae M. Shepard, Cameo Reese Smith, Brook Grace Wheatley, and Christian Ray Worley.

BEN HUR: Anthony Paul Swindall.

BIG STONE GAP: Kathy Davidson Austin, Alexis Jade Barker, Cierra Alexsis Barker, Kirsten McKayla Barker, Steven B. Boggs, Kailen Shaunta Brewer, Cheyenne Grace Burke, Caitlyn Mercedes Elizabeth Clymer, Cody Allen Cox, Alivia Gwenn Davidson, Mary Elizabeth Douglas, Kali Marie Durham, Aaron Earwood, Micah Nicole Elkins, Joseph Edward Freeman, Noah James Garrison, Christina Nicole Gibson, Saylor Reece Gilly, Jacob Nathaniell Goodman, Andrea Michelle Gross, Christopher Hoyt Hall, Saniah Jordan Hamilton, Benjamin Palmer Hersel, Amanda D. Hopson, Hannah Nicole Houston, David Patrick Kelley, Whitney Nichole Kelly, Aleah Abigail Litton, Tiffine Lee McMillan, Lisa M Milanese, Jada Britt Mullins, Jenna Kay Mullins, Nicholas Page Napier, Brandon Riley Newton, Koby Orion Poff, Colby Brian Renfro, Devin M. Robinette, Rahlyja Evan Thomas, Bailee L. Trent, Haven Raye White, Emalee Alexzandera Williams, and Sheena M. Woodward.

BIRCHLEAF: Kayla Marie Combs, Bobby W. Edwards, and Kayla Renee Mullins.

BLACKWATER: Joshua Thomas Max Winegar.

BRISTOL, VA: Michael D. Mason, Alyssia Lynn Moss, and Robin Renee States.

CALHOUN, GA: Erik Lamar Henson.

CASTLEWOOD: Nathaniel Lee Hardin.

CHURCH HILL, TN: Ethan David Billips.

CLINCHCO: Elizabeth Ann Brichant, Haley Faith Collins, and Nicholas Drew Mullins.

CLINTWOOD: Amber Nichole Crihfield, Haylee Chanel Dotson, Philip L. Edwards, Kelly R. Fleming, Mckenzie Alyce Hall, Mason Reiley Kendrick, Andrea Leeann Mullins, Ashton Faith O’Quinn, Kayleigh Ann Phipps, Travis W. Powers, Ryan E. Reynolds, Derick R. Robinson, Michael J. Salyer, Abigail Leah Stanley, and Kody Lee Whitt.

COEBURN: Adam Benjamin Couch, Natalee Jane Courtney, Lyndsey Brianna Fuller, Lacey Jade Holbrook, Hannah Marie Hughes, Andrea Brooke Kilgore, James Jacob Kilgore, Ariel G. Lawson, Olivia Anne Meade, Hunter Cole Stanley, Hope Danielle Stidham, and Justin T. Wade.

DRYDEN: Shelby Lynn Bowen, Chyanne Paige Bridges, Roseanna Jolene Dickenson, and Emily Cherish Smith.

DUFFIELD: Savannah Lynn Bowen, Myranda lee Brown, Veronica Marie Canto, Colton Glenn Eads, Trinidy Bella Estep, Jocelyn Bailey Fields, ,Jacob Isaac Gutierrez, Ammon Huish, Alexia Grace Livesay, Ryan Edward McDavid, Cieara Jean Allison Osborne, Jonathon Allen Parsons, Brittini Gail Potter, Ethan Lee Rhoton, Caitlin Brooke Summey, Lydia Ann Tankersley, and Jennilyn Ava Walling.

DUNGANNON: Christopher Alain Oaks.

EAST STONE GAP: Evan Bryce Rasnick.

EWING: Sarah Jessica Long.

FERRUM: Michaela Marie Bentley.

FT. BLACKMORE: Rhianna Fae Payne.

GATE CITY: April Ann Bull, Natasha Kendra Caldwell, Rachel Nicole Dingus, Stephanie Lynn-Brooke Falin, ,Hannah Grace Fields, Wendy LeeAnn Fields, Tonya M. Gamble, Eric Matthew Hutchinson, Kressa Lynn Johnson, Teresa Mariea Phillips, Lex Alexander Reed, Rachel Evie Reid, Makenzie Brooke Stallard, and Samantha Fae Stallard.

HAYSI: Joseph M. Boyd, Joseph Ethan Church, Felicia Renea Johnson, Alexandria Marin Perrigan, and Cody Heath Woods.

HILTONS: Dylon Eldridge Clark, Erica Paige Gardner, Jacob Charles Hall, and Mckenzie Anne Turner.

JONESVILLE: Kelley J. Aldridge, Ryan Austen Bales, Brenton Owen Cornett, Samantha Hope Cupp, David Christian Currie, Jacob Allen Eldridge, Cecilia Carol Flanary, Logan Evan Fleenor, Robert B. Harber, Rachel Leigh Higgins, Ethan Cole Kilgore, Aren Michelle Lambert, Danielle N. Lawson, Charles James Marcum, Kayla Nicole Moore, Kaitlyn Ruth Robinette, Alicia Louise Stiltner, Mackenzie Alexis Wright, and Tyler Bryan Yeary.

KEOKEE: Madison Cheyann Collins and Joseph Michael Denhardt.

KINGSPORT, TN: Tara Suzanne Adams, Sarah Elaine Hawkins, Calee sierra Hill, Hailey G. Langrel, and Shyanne Tyla Van Heel.

MARION: Rusty A. Hamm.

MCCLURE: Ashley R. Knoskie.

MENDOTA: Alesha Brooke Carrier.

MOUNT CARMEL, TN: Toni Brooke Stamper.

NICKELSVILLE: Corey Dean Blodgett, Jeffrey Blake Gray, Cynthia D Herron, Richard Chase Hughes, Macarthur David Inbody, Peyton Dale Peters, Cory Albert Powers, and William Jacob Smith.

NORA: Amanda Nicole O’Quinn.

NORTH CHESTERFIELD: Linwood Dabbs, Jr. and Douglas P. Towne.

NORTON: Summer Danielle Bower, Cassie Marie Carroll, Mark Anthony Caruso, Alexandra Paige Childers, Shakira Alise Cooney, Harlie Rose Crawford, Laken Marie Culbertson, Jastanie Lydia Darnell, Dwight Arayat Catablan Dixon, Morgan Brooke Fawbush, Michael Brian Gilliam, Joshua Ian Greene, Dajine Brock Hale, Autumn A. Hill, Elora Jade Hutchinson, Alexia Ann Ingle, Beylee Elizabeth Jenkins, Savahanna Faith Kern, Cadence Janise Lagow, Ethan Cole Milam, Maggie L. Moore, Zoe Jane Niece, Shamiyeh Dejshawn Noel, Elizabeth Grace Owens, Olivia Rose Owens, Shealin Acacia Pruitt, Stacy Lynn Robinson, Dasanye Cheyenne Smith, Verona Marie Swindall, Davina Brooke Vanover, Ashlyn Rochelle Wermann, Caleb Jennings Williams, and McKenzie Brooke Williams.

PENNINGTON GAP: Danielle Haven Elizabeth Barnett, Helen Robin Louise Barnett, Andrew Michael Barrier, Christian Shay Beckman, Jacob William Bledsoe, Larissa Jean Crider, Kenley Paige Eisenmenger, Zane Edward Eisenmenger, Kaitlyn Marie Hartsock, Peggie Grace Laws, Emma Katherine Poe, Curtis Lee Reece, Tristan Noah Ruppel, Alexia LeShae Stafford, Dawnna Joy Stebbins, and Austin Tyler Wells.

POQUOSON: Brandon Tyler Kelley.

POUND: Carrie Ann Adams, Andrew J. Baker, Samantha Paige Bevins, Kali Renee Bowman, Keith E. Crabtree, Benjamin Justin Hamilton, Bryanna Sierria Harris, Sadra Lynn Mullins, Alexis Leigh Anne Presley, Ashley Lynn Riley, Elias Carlos Rose, Aaron Chase Salyers, Garrett Dalton Shortt, Julien Chase Sturgill, and Yija Wang.

ROSE HILL: Rylee Elizabeth Cope, Amy Will DiVirgilio, Hunter Jalyn Graham, and Tanna Marie Whitt.

ST. PAUL: Makia Nichole Phillips.

WEBER CITY: Alissa Ilene Belle Cleek.

WISE: David Benjamin Adams, Celeste C. Aguinaga, Brianna Gabrielle Aldridge, Tina Starr Beaver, Madison Elizabeth Chandler, Sandra Denise Collins, Christopher David Conner, Isiah Luke Cox, Tiffany L. Cress, Melissa Jo Culbertson, Sidney A. Flanary, Jr., Aiden Brock Fultz, Victoria Elizabeth Gilliam, Arietta LeRae Harvey, John Glenn Hines III, Christa Renee Holmes, Brent Daniel Jessee, Nicholas Montana Ledford, Braeden Morrison Mullins, Morgan Alexander Mullins, Olivia Grace Mullins, Justin Payne Sexton, Jason M. Stine, Michael Clay Turner, Ryan Seth Vanover, and Bradley S. Williams.

MECC announces summer semester President’s List

The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College President’s List for the summer 2019 semester. Students are eligible for the President’s List if they have at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.8 or higher during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades.

BIG STONE GAP: Joshua A. France and Leighandra Paige McGuire

CASTLEWOOD: David Allen Layne.

CLINCHCO: Brandi Dawn Baker.

COEBURN: Amanda L Bartley.

DUFFIELD: Michelle Denise Berry, Aaron Blake Carter, and Caitlyn Paige Cox.

DUNGANNON: Donnie Ray Saul.

GATE CITY: Nicholas Patton Elliott.

JONESVILLE: Jacob Russell Adair and Christopher Tyler Oakley.

NORTON: Kayla J. Harvey.

PENNINGTON GAP: Jacob Andrew Gailey and Whitney Alexandra Lane.

POUND: Brenton Noah Graham, Samuel Allen Powers, Jr., Dylan Avery Short, and Jody Lynn Young.

WISE: Powers,Karrie L. Powers, Christian Taylor Rogers, and Austin X. Sexton.

MECC Offers Old Time Music and Dance Classes for Fall Semester 2019

Big Stone Gap, VA — Mountain Empire Community College will offer several music classes for credit and non-credit courses for the Fall 2019 semester.

For students who do not want college credit for the course, but want to learn string instruments, non-credit classes are available for a fee of $150.00 for a three-hour weekly class for sixteen weeks. Students, ages 10 and older, can learn to play Appalachian dulcimer, autoharp, clawhammer banjo, upright bass, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin for less than $3.15 per hour. Classes start on Monday, August 28 and end on Tuesday, December 10.

Mondays:
• Beginning Rhythm Guitar (Beginning), 5-7:45 PM, Cathy Qualls, Main Campus;
• Beginning Lead Guitar (Intermediate), 6-8:45 PM, Cathy Qualls, Main Campus;
• Guitar Theory and Practice I (Intermediate), 2-4:45 PM, Chris Rose, Main Campus;
• Guitar Theory and Practice II (Advanced), 6-8:45 PM, Chris Rose, Main Campus;
• Old Time String Band (Advanced) 6-8:45 PM, Todd Meade, Gate City High School;
• Upright Bass (Beginning), 6-8:45 PM, Todd Meade, Gate City High School;
Tuesdays:
• Beginning Mandolin (Beginning), 6-8:45 PM, Jeff Dickenson, Main Campus;
• Jazz Chord Guitar (Advanced), 6-8:45 PM, Steve Souther, Main Campus;
Wednesdays:
• Beginning Appalachian Dulcimer (Beginning), 1-3:45 PM, Mike Gilley, Main Campus;
• Beginning Autoharp (Beginning), 1-3:45 PM, Mike Gilley, Main Campus;
• Beginning Fiddle (Beginning), 1-3:45 PM, Joanna Osteen, Main Campus;
• Old Time Folk Dance (Beginning), 5-6 PM, Tyler Hughes, Center for Workforce Innovation Appalachia;
• Blues Guitar (Advanced), 6-8:45 PM, Chris Rose, Main Campus;
• Upright Bass (Beginning), 6-8:45 PM, Bill Smith, Main Campus;
Thursdays:
• Building and Playing an Electric Guitar (Beginning), 2-4:45 PM, Chris Rose, Main Campus;
• Clawhammer Banjo (Beginning), 6-8:45 PM, Tyler Hughes, Main Campus;
• Old Time Sting Band (Intermediate), 6-8:45 PM, Tyler Hughes, Main Campus;

For more information or to register, contact Mike Gilley at 276. 523.7468.

MECC & Slemp Foundation Partner to Help Blackjewel Families

BlackJewel Miner Picture

BIG STONE GAP – Mountain Empire Community College and the Slemp Foundation are partnering to assist families impacted by the Blackjewel mine closures with tuition and college expense assistance. Qualifying families living in Lee and Wise County are encouraged to visit www.mecc.edu/blackjewel to submit their contact information. An MECC representative will work with individuals to determine qualification and potential available assistance.

MECC has assisted several Blackjewel employees and family members with enrollment and retraining needs. The Slemp Foundation has donated $20,000 to further provide for families impacted by the mining closure to be used to pay for tuition, books, and other college-related needs.

For more information, please contact MECC Dean of Student Services Lelia Bradshaw at 276.523.2400 ext. 288.

MECC and EntreEd partner to bring entrepreneurial training to local K-12 educators.

Mountain Empire Community College and EntreEd4

Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College and the National Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education (EntreEd) recently partnered to deliver a hands-on workshop for local K-12 educators to learn about, experience, and integrate entrepreneurship education into their classrooms this upcoming school year.

A total of 16 educators, ranging from school principals to classroom teachers, joined the team at Mountain Empire Community College’s campus to engage in a day of learning.

The workshop was facilitated by Amber Ravenscroft, Program Manager of the America’s Entrepreneurial Schools initiative and Manager of Innovation for The EdVenture Group. The training featured sessions on entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurship infusion in the classroom, with hands-on activities for educators to take back to their students.

Teachers participated in creativity challenges, learned strategies to foster entrepreneurial mindsets both within themselves and with their students, and explored best practices in infusing entrepreneurship into core academic subject areas.

Mountain Empire Community College and EntreEd3The workshop concluded with a design thinking workshop, where participants designed entrepreneurship projects for their school or classroom. Schools in attendance will be eligible to receive their America’s Entrepreneurial School designation, which recognizes any K-12 school that provides entrepreneurship education to every student, every year.

“[The training] expanded my ideas of the use of entrepreneurship ideas in the classroom,” said attendee Vicki Snodgrass. Educators walked away with tangible resources and actionable strategies to begin implementing upon the school year’s start this August. “It’s the first time I’ve actually enjoyed a workshop in a very long time,” added attendee Jessica Trent.

Attending the workshop were Robert Underwood, St. Paul Elementary; Lisa Addington-Mason, Wise Primary School; Angela Greear, Central High School; Barbara Hass, Coeburn Primary; Holly Tucker, L.F. Addington Middle School; Jared Coffey, Eastside High School; Kelly Foster, J.W. Adams Combined School; Kara Adkins, Coeburn Middle School; Vicky Welch, Union Middle School; Jodie Bowen, Wise County Career-Technical Center; Kim Mabe, Union High School; Allie Brickey, Union Primary School; Jacqueline Pauley, Flatwoods Elementary School; Vicki Snodgrass, Thomas Walker High School; Jessica Trent, Thomas Walker High School; and Jolene Lambert, Jonesville Middle School.

Mountain Empire Community College and EntreEd1The partnership between Mountain Empire Community College and EntreEd is part of a three-year, Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant which was funded in 2016. Wrapping up in August 2019, the grant has provided entrepreneurship experiences to over 45,000 Appalachian students throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The project is a collaborative partnership between EntreEd, The National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), The EdVenture Group, and the National Center for Resource Development and eight local community colleges throughout the region. 

MECC To Hold Open House for Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia

Appalachia — Mountain Empire Community College will hold an open house for the Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia, 3965 Kent Junction Road Appalachia, on Saturday, August 3 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Open House event is part of the annual Appalachia Railroad Days Festival. Visitors will be able to tour the facility, which now houses MECC’s Power Lineman and CDL programs. Future programs will include smart farming, culinary and service training, as well as dental assisting. The open house will also feature a special “Meet Your Teacher” event from 2 to 3 p.m., with former teachers at Appalachia Elementary School available to meet with their students. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, please contact the MECC Office of Community Relations at 276.523.7480 or visit www.mecc.edu

MECC Foundation to Host “Diamonds and Denim” Event Supporting Scott County Scholarships

The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to present “Diamonds and Denim,” an evening of elegance and entertainment featuring the music of the Jeff Little Trio and Wayne Henderson, at the beautiful Crooked River Lodge in Hiltons, Va., Saturday, August 24.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Scott County Endowed Scholarship Fund, supporting Scott County students who wish to further their education and skill level at Mountain Empire Community College. Continued financial support is needed to assist students with tuition, book, and attendance costs.

The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. and includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, wine, beer, concert entertainment and a silent auction. Guests are encouraged to wear their diamonds and denim for this relaxed, semi-formal evening event. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets for the event are $65 or $125 per couple and may be purchased online at www.meccfoundation.org/scevent or at Farm Bureau Insurance located in Gate City, VA.

The Scott County Endowed Scholarship Committee is currently seeking sponsorships to support event costs. Sponsorships range from $500 to $5000 and include tickets, branding, and special recognition. For more information on becoming an event sponsor, visit www.meccfoundation.org/scfund.

Jeff Little Trio

With few exceptions, the piano does not play a prominent part in Appalachian or Americana music, and is rarely the lead instrument. But Jeff Little is an exception – and a remarkable one. His distinctive two-handed style, much influenced by the   mountain flat-picked guitar tradition, is breathtaking in its speed, precision and clarity. He has performed at the Smithsonian Institution, the National Folk Festival, Merlefest and has been featured on National Public Radio and PBS. In 2014, Jeff was inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame. He is a full-time faculty member and artist in residence at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC.

Wayne HendersonWayne Henderson’s top-notch finger-picking is a source of great pleasure and pride to his friends, family and neighbors in Grayson County, Virginia. His guitar playing has also been enjoyed at Carnegie Hall, in three national tours of Masters of the Steel-String Guitar, and in seven nations in Asia. In addition to his reputation as a guitarist, Henderson is a luthier of great renown. He is a recipient of a 1995 National Heritage Award presented by the National Endowment for the Arts. He produces about 20 instruments a year, mostly guitars; he is almost as well-known for the mandolins he has made.

Crooked River Lodge is located on a 200-acre estate along the Holston River close to Seven Shoals in Hiltons, Virginia. This enchanted estate includes rolling hay fields, over a mile of river frontage, oak forests and open glades.  The view is spectacular down an open valley with Clinch Mountain on one side, rocky cliffs along the river on the other side and beautiful meadows and hay fields between. A restored 1823 timber frame lodge towers above the valley below. The power and magnetism of the river delight the eye and pull you in while the forest and glades make the outside world fall away. The heart of Crooked River is the circa-1823 Ohio Grist Mill that serves as the concert venue, featuring 12×12 oak beams and majestic lighting.  

For more information on the event, please contact the MECC Foundation at 276.523.7466 or visit the Foundation’s website at www.meccfoundation.org.

 

-MECC FOUNDATION-

 

MECC Holds 46th Annual Commencement Ceremony

Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College  held its 46th commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10 at 6 p.m. at the Big Stone Gap campus. 

The Class of 2019 includes 570 graduates. MECC awarded 118 Associate of Arts & Sciences degrees, 182 Associate of Applied Science degrees, and 147 Certificates and 271 Career Studies Certificates. 

Graduates participating in the commencement were welcomed by MECC Local Advisory Board President Rodney Baker. Dr. Kristen Westover, MECC President, introduced the featured student speakers for the commencement ceremony, which included Kara Mullins and Vicki Pearcy. These student speakers were chosen because of their exceptional academic performance and unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges during their college career. 

Kara Mullins, of Big Stone Gap, is graduating Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree in Science and General Studies. She is a dual enrollment student at Union High School, where she has been named the Salutatorian of the 2019 Class. She is a member of the Lady Bears Basketball Team. She plans to attend UVA-Wise in the fall and will major in Chemistry. Kara is the daughter of Lisa and Greg Mullins.  

Vicki Pearcy, of Duffield, is graduating Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administrative Support Technology. Vicki has been the Assistant Registrar at Mountain Empire Community College since October 2018. She is married to Eddie Pearcy and has two sons, Adam and wife Ashlyn, and Brian. She is the daughter of Patricia Berry and the late Billy Berry. Vicki’s speech tonight is dedicated in loving memory of her father. 

In addition to the graduation ceremony, MECC hosts an Awards Night event honoring graduates and current students who have displayed exceptional academic and leadership qualities during the 2018-19 academic year. This year’s honorees include: 

ALL-VA ACADEMIC TEAM 

Erin McCracken 

 

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK AWARD 

Kylee Bundy 

Alex Haley 

Tanner Lawson 

Caleb Richardson 

Cameo Smith 

COLLEGE SUCCESS PROGRAM GRADUATES 
Michelle Berry………………Column Break………………Aaron Brummit 
Elizabeth Carroll 

Christopher Chandler 

Brittany Christian 

Caitlyn Clymer 

Cody Cox 

Kelsey Dean 

Skylar Fleming 

Melanie Harber 

John Hines III 

Kierra Knight 

Mark Lane 

Jonathan Large 

Adam Lyons 

Haley Mathes 

Stephen McCoy 

Selena Moore 

Kris Rowe 

Shamber Schenck 

Melissa Skeens 

Anthony Swindall 

DeidraWallace 

 

CHEMISTRY AWARD 

Julianna Morris 

Kara Mullins 

EXCEPTIONAL GRADUATE AWARDS 

Madison Childress 

Kenzie Crusenberry 

Christian Hale 

Melanie Harber 

Jazmine May 

Brandon Pridemore 

Tracy Reece 

Cameo Smith 

Joshua Winston 

 

EXPLORATIONS ARTS COMPETITION AWARDS 

Drawing 

Celeste Aguinaga 

Walter Brummett 

Fiction 

Cody Cox 

Anthony Swindall 

Painting 

Alexis Barber 

Chelsey Stapleton 

Yijia Wang 

Poetry 

Dillion Mabe 

Anthony Swindall 

Photography (B&W) 

Kevin Cooper 

Photography (Color) 

Walter Brummett 

Kevin Cooper 

 

FAST FORWARD STUDENT OF THE YEAR 

Ashley Knoskie 

 

THE JAKKAE JACKSON EXCELLENCE IN PHLEBOTOMY AWARD 

Shirley McCoy 

Jack Wallace 

 

THE JAMES L. DURHAM MATHEMATICS AWARD 

Kevin Stanley 

 

LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIP 

Melanie Harber 

LONESOME PINE HOSPITAL AUXILIARY AWARD 

Kenzie Crusenberry 

 

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STUDENT AWARDS 

Administrative Support Technology 

Vicki Pearcy 

Computer Networking 

Devan Summers 

Computer Software Specialist 

Adam Lyons 

Health Information Management 

Robin Richards 

Management 

Jazmine May 

Paralegal Studies 

Ginger Krovich 

PEGGY DURHAM 

OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD 

Cameo Smith 

 

PHI THETA KAPPA AWARD 

Erin McCracken 

SCOTT COUNTY HORIZON’S LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AWARD 

Frances Ramsey 

Jonathon Ramsey 

SPECIAL SERVICES AWARD 

Mikki Blessing 

Kylee Bundy 

Amanda Fleming 

Kipp Kiser 

Lori Mullins 

Cameo Smith 

Yijia Wang 

STUDENT DIPLOMAT AWARD 

April Bailey 

Jacob Goodman 

STUDENT SERVICES AWARD 

Caleb Richardson 

STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA 

Jerry Allen 

Steven Boyd 

Tyler Shuler 

Primmel Wallace 

 

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA’S COLLEGE AT WISE TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS 

Cody Cox 

Haylee Dotson 

Rebekah Earwood 

Hannah Gilly 

Hallie Hembree 

Elexis Holbrook 

Jonathan Large 

Victoria Manis 

Cameo Smith 

Kevin Stanley 

 

Candidates for Degrees  
May 10, 2019 

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  

General Studies 

Sarah Danielle Adkins** 

Eden Ruth Allan* 

Sarah Lynn Allen 

Nickolas Blake Arney***+ 

Nickolas Elijah Arquette 

Audrey Elise Baker 

Sierra Jade Baker**+ 

Jonathan K. Blackwell* 

Tyler Kevin Blake Bright** 

Brynna LeShea Bundy*** 

Kylee Arden Bundy*** 

Carter Steven Burke 

Brittany Nicole Christian** 

Justin Ray Clark* 

Caitlyn Mercedes Elizabeth Clymer** 

Jessica Brooke Cooper 

Alec Daelen Couch* 

Timothy Chandler Counts 

Cody Allen Cox** 

Kaitlyn Shay Cox***+ 

Dylan Czar Dahley 

Hunter Lee Davis* 

Mekyah Varshaun Davis 

Olivia Claire Dishner* 

Haylee Chanel Dotson* 

Jacob Hunter Dotson** 

Britni Elizabeth Early 

Rebekah Ann Earwood** 

Zoe S. Fleming 

Jacob Tanner Fox* 

Jonathon Caleb Fraley 

Katelyn Brooke France 

Erica Paige Gardner 

Cameron Christopher Gill* 

Audrey Louise Gilliam**+ 

Christian Lucas Allen Hale 

Alex Clifton Haley* 

Tanner Branson Hall* 

Samantha Nicole Hampton***+ 

Melanie R. Harber** 

Skylar Blake Hillman 

Elexis Marie Holbrook 

Ethan Cole Kilgore* 

Kimberly Caycee Kindle* 

Kierra Dominique Knight*** 

Jonathan Douglas Large*** 

Tanner Cole Lawson* 

Logan Alexander Lester 

Timothy Noah Long*** 

Cameron Paige Lovelace 

Carly D. Maine 

Victoria Gail Manis 

Kaeli Rosse McKinney***+ 

Anna Morgan Meade 

Autumn Lane Meade***+ 

Lindsey Hannah Meade* 

Melissa Danielle Meade** 

Ryan Gabriel Messer* 

Darrell Allen Mullins* 

Kara Rashae Mullins***+ 

Kristopher Jordan Mullins 

Noah Blake Mullins* 

Tyler Sampson Oakes 

Connor Allen Pendergraft** 

Katalin Ann Perry*** 

Jackson Reece Porter** 

Brandi DeAnn Potts 

Brandon Ray Pridemore 

Katherine Grace Pridemore** 

Payton Yancy Pyne** 

Jonathon Brett Ramsey 

Cynthia Christine Ratcliffe 

Brianna Vada Rife 

Ashley Lynn Riley** 

Joshua D. Rivers** 

Daniel Roberson 

Katherine Elizabeth Roberts 

Baylee Madison Robinette** 

Madison Briana Rowe***+ 

Jayme Leigh Salyers*** 

Austin Matthew Schlobohm** 

Kassidy Hope Sharpe* 

Tyler Campbell Shuler*** 

Noah Reed Slemp 

Cameo Reese Smith* 

Cameron Wayne Smith 

Ryland Glenn Smith 

Gayce May Snyder*** 

Hunter Cole Stanley** 

Chelsey Jo Stapleton 

Ciara Marie Staudinger* 

Dalton Aaron Strouth 

Anthony Paul Swindall** 

Bethany Nicole Turner 

Karli Faith Underwood* 

Kelvin Luan Vo***+ 

Deidra Ann Wallace*** 

Bethany Suzanne Ward** 

Rachel Alexis Ward* 

Donna Lynn Winebarger 

Ariel Hope Worley* 

 

Associate of Arts and Sciences 

General Studies – Software Engineering Specialization 

Jonathan Douglas Large*** 

Kevin Franklin Stanley** 

 

Page Break 

Associate of Arts and Sciences 

Pre-Teacher Education 

Brynna LeShea Bundy*** 

Haylee Chanel Dotson* 

Alexis Paige Flanary* 

Christian Lucas Allen Hale 

Crystal Rose Yeary 

 

Associate of Arts and Sciences 

Science 

Hannah Brooke Gilly 

Kara Rashae Mullins***+ 

Cameo Reese Smith* 

Gayce May Snyder*** 

Kelvin Luan Vo***+ 

 

Associate of Arts and Sciences 

Science: Engineering Specialization 

Cory Alan Carlton** 

Dalton Kevin Mullins** 

Alexander O’Neal Pritchard*** 

Jordan Marshall Wampler** 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Accounting 

Tracy Lynn Reece 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Administrative Support Technology 

Brandi Nicole Bundy* 

Leanna Nadine Eldridge** 

Arietta LeRae Harvey 

Sarah Danielle Lane 

Elizabeth Nicole Lester 

Vicki Denise Pearcy*** 

Shelli R. Roberts** 

Vicki Marie Rutledge* 

Associate of Applied Science 

Administrative Support Technology – Medical Office Specialist 

Sarah Danielle Lane 

Elizabeth Nicole Lester 

Erin Lynn McCracken** 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Computer-Aided Drafting/Design Technology 

Bethany Suzanne Ward** 

Associate of Applied Science 

Computer Networking Technology 

Joshua Ian Greene 

Devan James Summers* 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Computer Software Specialist 

Tori Shea Gibson** 

Mark Anthony Lane*** 

Adam S. Lyons*** 

Charles Howard Smith 

Derek Dewayne Vanover*** 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Computerized Manufacturing Technology: Electromechanical Technology Specialization 

Thomas Ray Adkins* 

Chance Bryson Blakely*** 

Christopher Dillon Chandler*** 

Zachary Howard Davidson** 

Caleb Clayton Johnson* 

Joshua Isaac Ledford* 

Patrick Jackson Osborne, Jr. 

Cody Nathaniel Smith*** 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Correctional Services 

Mark Anthony Caruso*** 

Adam Benjamin Couch** 

Christen Michelle Edmonds 

Cindy Louise Hawkes 

Stephenson Jones*** 

Brett Kimberly Newton** 

Nicholas David Williams* 

Joshua Kenneth Winston** 

Logan Nathaniel Yose 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Emergency Medical Services Technology 

Samantha Renee Miller 

Ruth Michelle Rutherford* 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Energy Technology 

Aaron Michael Brummitt*** 

Randall Edward Amos Lawson 

Curt Aaron Rose*** 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Energy Technology: Electrical Specialization 

Steven W. Boyd 

Aaron Michael Brummitt*** 

Randall Edward Amos Lawson 

Curt Aaron Rose*** 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Environmental Science 

Matthew Blake Owens* 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Environmental Science- Water/Wastewater Specialization 

Samantha Lynn Johnson* 

Jeffery K. Morgan 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Forest Science 

Matthew Blake Owens* 

Maria D. Powers* 

Cory Michael Stanley 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Health Information Management 

Jeanna Hope Finch* 

Amanda Morgan Harber** 

Keyleigh Shae Mullins** 

Sierra Devan Mullins** 

Robin A. Richards* 

Tabitha Thompson** 

Kerri Lee Tompkins* 

Courtney Rose Wilson 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Management 

Jazmine Lee May*** 

Rebekah Allison Moore 

Tracy Lynn Reece 

Stacy Lynn Robinson*** 

Britney Nicole Stephens 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Nursing 

Ashley Brooke Adams 

Cori Elizabeth Baker* 

Shannon K. Ball 

Shamerine Nichole Barber 

Rebacca Alice Barnett 

Maggie Lee Begley 

Taylor Leigh Bowman*

Chelsea Lynn Brickey* 

Bradley Austin Brooks 

Coty Michael Brummette* 

Nichole Ann Cantrell* 

Allison Caitlin Christian 

Samantha Lea Clark 

Verity Abigail Victoria Collingsworth* 

Tamela D. Collins 

Karla Kree-Ann Cox 

Kenzie Marie Crusenberry*** 

Lindsey Lauren Haley  Dickenson 

Autumn Suzanne Dotson 

Kayla Denise Edwards* 

Julia Summer Eldridge 

Candace A. Flanary* 

Jamie Donald Lee Gilbert* 

Alexis Maggie Gillenwater 

Janet L. Grabowski** 

Morganne Danielle Helbert 

Alexis Jade Helms 

Brooklyn Nikkole Hensley* 

Matthias M. Hettwer*** 

Mark Ryan Hubbard II 

Samantha Nicole Hurd 

Ashley Lashea Jackson 

Chelsea Leeann Jones 

Berlin T. Justice 

Katherine R. Kegley* 

Taylor N. Lefevers 

Dakota Cheyenne Lewis 

Autumn Nicole Logsdon 

Hannah M. Maness 

Kristal L. Miles 

Kendra Brooke Nash* 

Chelsea Monique Osborne 

Jerry Austin Perrigan* 

Emma Katherine Poe** 

April N. Powers 

Frances D. Ramsey** 

Jonathon Brett Ramsey 

Rebecca Rayburn 

Ashley Lynn Riley** 

Brittany Michelle Robinette* 

Candace Nicole Sanders 

Adrienne Danielle Scardo 

Brittany N. Shirks 

Dylan Anthony Smith* 

Megan Lacy Smith 

Stacie S. Smith 

Sarah B. Sturgill 

Tracy Lee Sturgill 

Ashley Rae Taylor 

Amanda L. Thacker 

Christopher W. Wampler 

Joshua David Webb 

Montica Lee Yates 

Emily Rose Yeary* 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Paralegal Studies 

Carolyn Sue Bentoski 

Chelsea R. Caruso 

Heather Nicole Combs* 

Jessica L. Culbertson 

Nathan Michael Godsey 

Ginger A. Krovich** 

Associate of Applied Science 

Police Science 

Mark Anthony Caruso*** 

Curtis Allen Edwards* 

Cindy Louise Hawkes 

Mark David Jones** 

Stephenson Jones*** 

Joshua Kenneth Winston** 

Logan Nathaniel Yose 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Respiratory Therapy 

Laken Karissa Austin* 

Brittany Lee Baker 

Summer Raine Corbin*** 

Kayla Marie Dunivan** 

Caitlyn Marie Green** 

Tia Vermillion Jenkins 

Molly Alexis McDaniel 

Nicole Leigh Owens 

Alexa-Caroline Elizabeth Sexton** 

Jocie Mariah Stacey* 

Amelia Megan Stockard* 

 

Associate of Applied Science 

Technical Studies- Welding 

Philip L. Edwards*** 

Justin Wayne Elkins 

Brian Keith Humphrey* 

Randy W. Kennedy 

John Elliott Mullins 

 

Certificate 

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration 

Randall Edward Amos Lawson 

 

Certificate 

Clerical Assistant 

Brandi Nicole Bundy* 

Sarah Danielle Lane 

Elizabeth Nicole Lester 

Shelli R. Roberts** 

Vicki Marie Rutledge* 

Brittany Nichole Worley-Johnson 

 

Certificate 

General Education 

Tiffany Helen Nicole Aldridge*+ 

Sarah Lynn Allen 

Nickolas Blake Arney***+ 

Nickolas Elijah Arquette 

Sierra Jade Baker**+ 

Paloma A. Barongan**+ 

Evan Louis Blanton***+ 

Tyler Kevin Blake Bright** 

Alexandria Paige Carroll+ 

Brittany Nicole Christian** 

Justin Ray Clark* 

Caitlyn Mercedes Elizabeth Clymer** 

Bryson Cole Cothron 

Alec Daelen Couch* 

Kaitlyn Shay Cox***+ 

Hunter Lee Davis* 

Olivia Claire Dishner* 

Megan Brooke Dockery***+ 

Matthew Allen Dupree***+ 

Alexis Paige Flanary* 

Erica Paige Gardner 

Audrey Louise Gilliam**+ 

Hannah Brooke Gilly 

Haley Elizabeth Hammonds***+ 

Samantha Nicole Hampton***+ 

Kelsey Lauren Harper 

Elexis Marie Holbrook 

Matthew James Holding**+ 

Emily Grace Hurd*+ 

Autumn Marie Johnson**+ 

Jordan Alexis Jones**+ 

Emmitt Mufasa Kellogg 

Logan Cade Lagow**+ 

Kaylyn Marie Laws 

Summer Marie Lee 

Belinda G. Levy** 

Timothy Noah Long*** 

Victoria Gail Manis 

Makayla Jay Martinez**+ 

Grace Elizabeth McCowan** 

Kaeli Rosse McKinney***+ 

Autumn Lane Meade***+ 

Ryan Gabriel Messer* 

Selena Paige Moore** 

Dalton Kevin Mullins** 

Darrell Allen Mullins* 

Haley Kathryn Mullins+ 

Jarred W. Mullins 

Kara Rashae Mullins***+ 

Noah Blake Mullins* 

Connor Allen Pendergraft** 

Brooklyn Diane Porter***+ 

Jackson Reece Porter** 

Katherine Grace Pridemore** 

David Austin Quillen**+ 

Haley Katherine Quillen*+ 

Bryson Patrick Roberson**+ 

Madison Briana Rowe***+ 

Carlene Elisabeth Salyers***+ 

Christian D. Sayers* 

Austin Matthew Schlobohm** 

Karissa Anne Seiber*+ 

Tyler Campbell Shuler*** 

Victoria Grace Sizemore*+ 

Noah Reed Slemp 

Cameo Reese Smith* 

Kevin Franklin Stanley** 

Jillian Hope Taylor**+ 

Gracie Elizabeth Villiard***+ 

Deidra Ann Wallace*** 

Lauren Marie Webb***+ 

Aidan Riley Wells***+ 

Caleb Jennings Williams***+ 

 

Certificate 

Industrial Maintenance 

Thomas Ray Adkins* 

Christopher Dillon Chandler*** 

Zachary Howard Davidson** 

Caleb Clayton Johnson* 

Cody Nathaniel Smith*** 

 

Certificate 

Legal Office Assisting 

Erin Lynn McCracken** 

 

Certificate 

Medical Office Coding & Procedures 

Tina Starr Beaver*** 

Christina Diana Cox** 

Amanda Morgan Harber** 

Rebecca Leann Lane* 

Ashley L. Mauk* 

Janet I. Moore*** 

Charlotte Gay Mullins* 

Keyleigh Shae Mullins** 

Sierra Devan Mullins** 

Kayla Danielle Thatcher 

Kerri Lee Tompkins* 

 

Certificate 

Practical Nursing 

Dakota Cheyenne Adkins 

Brandi Dawn Baker 

Amanda L. Bartley 

Michelle Denise Berry** 

Alice Rose Carroll* 

Brittany Renee Clayton* 

Rachel Ann Crago 

Stephannie Marie Franklin 

Kristin J. Hall 

Kayla J. Harvey* 

Savannah Lee Jessee 

Amia Marie Lawson* 

Andrew Ryan Meade 

Christy Ann Osborne* 

Kaitlin Reanne Osborne* 

Amira Dawn Perrigan* 

Candace Hope Ramey 

Olivia Tracey Sexton 

Ashley Morgan Sloan 

Janessa Leann Smith 

Alexis Maclae Stanley 

Courtney Jayde Sutherland 

Crystal Renea Zeppa 

 

Certificate 

Welding 

Philip L. Edwards*** 

Justin Wayne Elkins 

Logan Seth Fletcher*** 

Randy W. Kennedy 

John Elliott Mullins 

Career Studies Certificate 

3-D Design 

Daniel S. Cress 

David Mark Grider 

John Glenn Hines III 

Brian Gregory Pearcy 

Caleb I. Richardson 

Kenneth Dalton Sturgill 

Bethany Suzanne Ward 

Career Studies Certificate 

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration 

Billy Junior Austin II 

Dustin M. Buckles 

Brett M. Fields 

Randall Edward Amos Lawson 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Child Development: Infant & Toddler Option 

Melissa Jean Rhoten 

Kimberly Brianna Robinette 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Computer Software Specialist: Mobile Application Development 

Sean Andrew Owens 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Construction 

Sean C. Ratliff 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Cybersecurity 

Jimmy Garland Carico 

Austin Harley Gross 

Roland G. Lovern, Jr. 

James Matthew McCarty 

Beckett Alexander Osborne 

Melissa Lorane Skeens 

Derek Cleve Viers 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Early Childhood Development 

Nikki Elaine Baldwin 

Alyssa Grace Perry 

Kimberly Brianna Robinette 

Ashley Morgan Sloan 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Electricity 

Aaron Michael Brummitt 

Ronald W. Gilliam 

Cody Allen Joseph 

Randall Edward Amos Lawson 

Curt Aaron Rose 

Brandon R. White 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Emergency Medical Technician – Basic 

Rebekah Rena Christian 

Tyler Scott Dingus 

Audrey LaWanna Dotson 

Margaret Hope Farmer 

Lakin Marie Hope Fritz 

Derrek Bryon Harris 

Robin Renee Lynthlin 

Kaylee Marie Murphy 

Emilie Dorthea Perdue 

Angela Faith Price 

Shelby Jean Roberts 

Mikaeya Faith Williams 

Darrien Cole Yeary 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Emergency Medical Technician- Advanced 

Matthew Richard Corbett 

Tristan Anthony Craiger 

Destiny Nichole Hatfield 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Energy Technology- Electrical Emphasis 

Aaron Michael Brummitt 

Joseph Edward Freeman 

Ronald W. Gilliam 

Randall Edward Amos Lawson 

Curt Aaron Rose 

Brandon R. White 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Energy Technology- HVAC Emphasis 

Aaron Michael Brummitt 

Ronald W. Gilliam 

Randall Edward Amos Lawson 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Forestry 

Maria D. Powers 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Geographic Information Systems 

Alyson Marie Bergamini 

Susan Mary Brundage 

Mark Anthony Caruso 

Austin Drake Counts 

Jerry Justin Elkins 

Eddie D. Parsons 

Caleb I. Richardson 

Garrett Dalton Shortt 

Bethany Suzanne Ward 

Connor Matthew Wilson 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Health Sciences 

Sarah Elaine Adkins 

Rachaelle Elizabeth Bailey 

Brandi Dawn Baker 

Shamerine Nichole Barber 

Tabatha Brooke Barker 

Rebacca Alice Barnett 

Chelsea Brooke Begley 

Maggie Lee Begley 

Matthew Erin Shayne Bellamy 

Alysia Rachee Benfield 

Aimee Michelle Bishop 

Tiffany Holli Blankenship 

Randall Scott Bradley 

Nichole Ann Cantrell 

Bobbi R. Carroll 

Austin Joe Tyler Caudill 

Allison Caitlin Christian 

Ashley Paige Christian 

Justin Ray Clark 

Emily Rose Collins 

Darien Chase Cottrell 

Morgan Andrea Cox 

Tyler Blake Craft 

Amber Nichole Crihfield 

Whitney Michelle Cross 

Samantha Hope Cupp 

Melissa Marie Cuykendall 

Kelsey Lauren Hope Dean 

Tabitha Lynn Earwood 

Christy Michelle Edwards 

Kayla Denise Edwards 

Morgan Brooke Elliott 

Hannah Niah Fee 

Caleigh Alyssa Fletcher 

Candlyn Michelle Forton 

Lindsey Erin George 

Leighann Michelle Hamilton 

Natalie Athnel Hamilton 

Destiny Nichole Hatfield 

Skylar Blake Hillman 

Madison Louise Hopkins 

Michael Trevor Horner 

Makayla L. Hubbard 

Kaitlyn Grace Jessee 

Chelsea Leeann Jones 

Kimberly L. Jones 

Katherine R. Kegley 

Kara Blake Kennedy 

Amber Marie Kern 

Joycelyn Kimble 

Tyra Latisha Lamb 

Tiffany Lynn Lawson 

Taylor N. Lefevers 

Nancy A. Leftwich 

Autumn Nicole Logsdon 

Timothy Noah Long 

Ashley Brooke Longsworth 

Megan Lorraine Lovell 

Isharah Elise Lundy 

Rachel Anne McCowan 

Alexandrea Eaden Meade 

Samantha Zellar Meade 

Kalyn Nicole Middleton 

Kristal L. Miles 

Alexis Sierra Mullins 

Andrea Leeann Mullins 

April Louise Mullins 

Autumn Nichole Mullins 

Kaleigh Annabelle Mullins 

Gerri LaShae O’Quinn 

Sadra Marie Owens 

Emily Denise Parker 

Amira Dawn Perrigan 

Jerry Austin Perrigan 

Katalin Ann Perry 

Haylee Jay Ann Phillips 

Samantha Faye Phillips 

Ashley Nicole Phipps 

William Logan Poston 

April N. Powers 

Anna Grace Proctor 

Candace Hope Ramey 

Rebecca Rayburn 

Patricia Nicole Repass 

Ashley Lynn Riley 

Brittany Michelle Robinette 

April Michelle Rose 

Briana Rachelle Rose 

Candace Nicole Sanders 

Olivia Tracey Sexton 

Noah Reed Slemp 

Dylan Anthony Smith 

Katherine Shiann Stacey 

Samantha Fae Stallard 

Caitlin Marie Stanley 

Brittany Ann Stapleton 

Chelsey Jo Stapleton 

James A. Stevans 

Tracy Lee Sturgill 

Hope LaShae Tankersley 

Courtney B. Thompson 

Primmel Jackson Wallace 

Brooklyn Paige Warner 

Haven Raye White 

Amanda Dawn Wright 

Emily Rose Yeary 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Law Enforcement Management & Supervision 

Mark Anthony Caruso 

Zachary Grant Clifton 

Gary Wayne Coleman 

Grayson Cuel Cothron 

Stanley D. Lampert 

Jackie M. Mullins 

Justin L. Mullins 

Mark A. Payne 

Raymond T. Perkins 

Curtis B. Tate, Jr. 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Medical Receptionist & Transcriptionist 

Abigail Faye Quillen 

Carrie Ann Quillen 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Medical Records Technician 

Kevin Ray Cooper 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Old Time Music 

Madison A. Childress 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Pharmacy Technician 

Carrie Louise Anderkin 

Cierra Alexsis Barker 

Madison Lynette Bishop 

Elizabeth Anne Carroll 

Brittany LeeAnn Christian 

Lindsay Nicole Dean  

Vanessa Ann Falin 

Abigail Grace Farmer 

Crystal D. Farmer 

Adriana Danielle Fonseca 

Laura Marie Gardner 

Abigail Brooke Gentry 

Sarah Elizabeth Jessee 

Kressa Lynn Johnson 

Brittany Nicole Kennedy 

Haley Morgan Light 

Jennifer Nicole Moore 

Lisa L. Pridemore 

Ashante Nichelle Zander 

Career Studies Certificate 

Phlebotomy 

Carrie Louise Anderkin 

Samantha Jo Austin 

Autumn Brooke Bolling 

Rebecca Lynn Bush 

Misti Dannielle Collins 

Nancy Dale Cox 

Austin Fred Davis, Jr. 

Amber Nicole Fleenor 

Caleigh Alyssa Fletcher 

Laura Marie Gardner 

Mindy L. Hale 

Breanna Kathleen Hensley 

Haley Nicole Isom 

Brooke Nichole Jefferson 

Kaitlyn Grace Jessee 

Erica A. Kennedy 

Emily Ann Lawson 

Tiffany Lynn Lawson 

Haley Breanna Mathes 

Shirley Diane McCoy 

Abigail Faye Quillen 

Kris Samuel Rowe 

Shamber Nicole Schenck 

Gracia Elizabeth Staton 

Alisha Carolyn Taylor 

Melissa A. Tritt 

Crystal A. Wagner 

Primmel Jackson Wallace 

Sydney Grace Wells 

Anna M. Williams 

Career Studies Certificate 

Small Business Management 

Jim Henry Clark 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Software Development I 

Tori Shea Gibson 

Mark Anthony Lane 

Adam S. Lyons 

Sean Andrew Owens 

Charles Howard Smith 

Derek Dewayne Vanover 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Software Development II 

Tori Shea Gibson 

Mark Anthony Lane 

Adam S. Lyons 

Charles Howard Smith 

Derek Dewayne Vanover 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Water Plant Operator 

Jeremy Thomas Long 

LeRoy A. Rice, Jr. 

Zachariah S. Stern 

Douglas P. Towne 

 

Career Studies Certificate 

Welding Operator 

Shannon Dwayne Bishop, Jr. 

Nathaniel Loren Clasby 

Justin Wayne Elkins 

Skylar Hunter Fleming 

Logan Seth Fletcher 

Evan Alexander Jones 

Randy W. Kennedy 

Stephen Austin McCoy 

John Andrew Moore 

Dennis Paul Anthony Mullins 

John Elliott Mullins 

Robert Acie Mullins 

Tia Marie Pennington 

Austin Chase Ramsey 

Austin Tyler Reed 

Stephen Bradley Slayton 

Quincy Howard Thompson 

 

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. 
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. 

 

WORKFORCE CREDENTIALS 
The students whose names appear below have completed a workforce credential program. 

Commercial Driver’s License 

Taylor Douglas Alsup 

Christopher Ryan Anderson 

James Lee Bass 

Michael James Branham 

Austin Tyler Brown 

Levi Joseph Castle 

Anthony Paul Clark 

Adam Corey Dutton 

Bryn Alexandra Genco 

Trevor Layne Hamm 

Cory Ryan Hensley 

Nathan Ryan Hill 

John Ethan Hillman 

Bradley Kevin Holmes 

William Thomas Jones 

Ethan Scot Kegley 

Nathaniel Drake Kennedy 

Payton Lee Chandon McGraw 

Justin Michael Miles 

Ronal Peyton Minor 

Noah K. Moore 

Isaac Nash Rasnick 

Sean C. Ratliff 

Aaron Carter Rose 

John David Snodgrass, Jr. 

Gauge Lee Stiltner 

Bailey S. Thomas 

Jakob D. Thompson 

Josh Shane Wells 

Chantry Coy Williams 

 

Emergency Medical Technician 

Alva Clay Langley, Jr. 

Katherine Lynn Reuille 

William Adam Reuille 

 

Nursing Assistant 

Toni Dawn Anderson 

Madison Brooke Carter 

Lisa Ann Gilliam 

Sandra Kay Green 

Emilee Brooke Justus 

Kip Sutherland Kiser 

Lori Jane Mullins 

Kristen Nicole Stallard 

Meloney Elise Swinney 

Chassity Rebecca Lynn Tarpley 

Dollie M. Thompson 

Alexis Grace Todd 

Amanda Marie Vanover 

 

Power Lineman 

Taylor Douglas Alsup 

Christopher Ryan Anderson 

Michael James Branham 

Austin Tyler Brown 

Levi Joseph Castle 

Anthony Paul Clark 

Adam Corey Dutton 

Bryn Alexandra Genco 

Trevor Layne Hamm 

Cory Ryan Hensley 

Nathan Ryan Hill 

John Ethan Hillman 

Bradley Kevin Holmes 

William Thomas Jones 

Ethan Scot Kegley 

Nathaniel Drake Kennedy 

Payton Lee Chandon McGraw 

Justin Michael Miles 

Ronal Peyton Minor 

Noah K. Moore 

Isaac Nash Rasnick 

Sean C. Ratliff 

Aaron Carter Rose 

John David Snodgrass, Jr. 

Gauge Lee Stiltner 

Bailey S. Thomas 

Jakob D. Thompson 

Josh Shane Wells 

Chantry Coy Williams 

(SHRM) Announced the Presentation to MECC’s Business & Information Technology Division

Big Stone Gap, VA— The Southwest Virginia Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management announced the presentation of a Belk Gift Card to Mountain Empire Community College’s Business & Information Technology Division, enabling the Division to purchase MECC Business Graduates with needed job interview attire.

“This gift is a chance for our next generation of business leaders to put a positive step forward toward their first jobs in our region,” said Valerie Lee, President at the Southwest Virginia Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management.

Positive Interview Attire

Mrs. Lee states that many graduates entering the job market are stressed enough with the initial interview. Let’s put them at ease and give them a positive step toward getting that first job by providing them with appropriate interview attire. SWVA SHRM and MECC, who is awarding 668 individuals on May 10th, recently committed to helping as many students as possible take that next step from college to the workforce. These organizations would like to remind everyone that the rule of thumb for interview attire is one step up from that company’s day-to-day dress code. For a professional position, this means a suit and tie, dress pants and a nice blouse, or a dress. If an interview attire should be business casual, wear slacks and a button-down shirt or blouse. For the non-professional, casual dress codes include khakis and a polo or blouse. Jackets always dress up casual attire. Clothing that is flashy, too bright, or risky might not result in a successful interview. SWVA SHRM would like to thank the Norton VEC Employers Advisory Committee and all the business professionals who participated in the March 28th Results Driven Leadership Employer Conference, whose conference proceeds provided the funding for this support.

Founded in 1984, the Southwest Virginia Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management is the local chapter of SHRM National. Our group seeks to provide area human resource professionals and business leaders with useful information, education and energizing discussions related to the HR field. For more information on this organization, please visit www.swva.shrm.org.

Big prizes and golfing fun on tap at Auto World – MECC Golf Classic on May 17th to provide scholarships at MECC

Big Stone Gap – One lucky golfer will go home with a $500 prize, and other great prizes will be awarded, as well, at the Auto World – MECC Golf Classic on Friday, May 17, at Lonesome Pine Country Club to benefit scholarships at Mountain Empire Community College.

All players hitting a hole-in-one on Hole #10 will win a 2019 Jeep Renegade sponsored by Auto World of Big Stone Gap. There is also a prize of $1,000 for hitting to within 12 inches of the pin on Hole #10. If more than one player accomplishes this feat, the prize money will be divided among the winners.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9:15 a.m. The tournament will be Captain’s Choice and will feature two flights and two places. There will be “most accurate drive” and “closest to the pin” prizes.

The entry fee of $100 per person includes a continental breakfast, golf shirt, cart and green fees, luncheon, goodie bag of snacks, most accurate drive and closest to the pin contests, and entrance into the drawing for the $500 cash prize to be given away at the end of the tournament. Golfers must be present to win the cash prize. Shirts for the tournament are sponsored by Glass Machinery & Excavation, Inc. of Jonesville, Virginia.

A delicious lunch will be served following the tournament. During that time, golfers may bid on unique and interesting items including art, sports memorabilia, and spa packages during the live auction. There will also be a silent auction which will begin during the continental breakfast and continue throughout the event.

Tournament Sponsorship is available at four levels – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum for financial support in the amounts of $500, $1,000, and $2,500, and $5,000 and above respectively. All tournament sponsors will receive a complimentary team(s) and will be recognized during the tournament welcome and in the printed materials for the tournament.

Other sponsorships are available. Please visit the MECC Foundation website at www.meccfoundation.org for more information, to become a sponsor, or to register a team. 

Registrations may also be faxed to 276-523-7485, e-mailed to Jeri Bledsoe at jbledsoe@mecc.edu, or completed by phone at 276-523-2400, extension 287.

Individuals or businesses who would like to sponsor the tournament, provide an item for the auction, or receive more information may contact Jeri Bledsoe, Tournament Coordinator, by telephone or e-mail as indicated in the previous paragraph.

 

-MECC Foundation-

Belcher Named 2019 MECC Alumna of the Year

Big Stone Gap — Alicia Belcher, a resident of St. Paul and math teacher at Ridgeview High School, has been named MECC’s 2019 Alumna of the Year.

Belcher, a 2014 Summa Cum Laude graduate of MECC, earned an Associate’s Degree in Pre-Teacher Education. She began at MECC as a non-traditional college student, enrolling as a single mother in her thirties with only a high school education. After graduating from MECC, Belcher graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2015 from UVA-Wise, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Concentration in Mathematics and Teaching Endorsements in PK-12, Special Education, Middle School Mathematics, and High School Mathematics.

In 2017, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Aurora University, earning a Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education. She is currently in the dissertation sequence at Northcentral University where she will earn her PhD in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Teaching in late 2019. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA in her graduate work.

Belcher currently teaches mathematics at Ridgeview High School in Dickenson County where she assists more than 40 at-risk youth earn high school diplomas. She is also an employee of UVA-Wise Upward Bound Program where she teaches at-risk youth in several mathematics classes and heads up several STEM projects.

Belcher formerly worked for nearly 12 years with local non-profit agencies serving at-risk youth, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and the local homeless population. Additionally, she is a GLOBE certified instructor in the areas of atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and pedosphere.

Previous years outstanding Alumni of the Year winners include, Dr. Patricia Vanhook, Faculty, East Tennessee State University; Dr. Amanda Graham, Online Instructor, Kaplan University; and Rohini Sampooman Swaminathan, United Nations Institute for Training and Research. For more information, contact the MECC Foundation at 276.523.7466 or visit www.meccfoundation.org.

-MECC Foundation-

MECC Accepting Applications for Phlebotomy Cohort

Big Stone Gap, VA — Mountain Empire Community College is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2019 Phlebotomy cohort. Students interested in completing this two-semester, 25 credit program are encouraged to apply online at www.mecc.edu/forms. 

The deadline to apply for the next phlebotomy cohort at MECC is July 15. Students who need to complete pre-requisite courses for the cohort must enroll for the Summer 2019 semester which begins this June. 

MECC is pleased to announce the following students are completing the requirements for a Career Studies Certificate in Phlebotomy. The Spring 2019 Phlebotomy cohort graduates are: 

Abigail Quillen, Tiffany Lawson, Misti Collins, Autumn Bolling, Shirley McCoy, Shamber Schenck, Sydney Wells, Rebecca Bush, Alisha Taylor, Gracia Staton, Sam Rowe, Haley Mathes. Not pictured: Kaitlyn Jessee 

For more information on MECC’s Phlebotomy program or other health science programs, contact Sarah ClarkstonHealth Sciences Advisor at 276-523-7456 or by email at sclarkston@mecc.edu. 

-MECC- 

Mountain Empire Community College to Host Trip to England, Ireland, & Scotland in 2020

Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will lead an international travel excursion to England, Ireland, & Scotland in May 2020. The trip is open to students and community members. This 10-day trip will feature stops in London, Dublin, Edinburgh and visits to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, St. Andrews and much more. The majority of expenses (lodging, airfare, and most meals) are included. This is an amazing opportunity to travel abroad with a group at a low cost! Scholarships are available for students who have at least a 3.0 GPA and 12 credit hours completed. Additional scholarships are available for students who reside in Dickenson County. Payment plans are available. For more information, or to enroll, visit www.mecc.edu/travel or call Amy Greear, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, at 276.523.2400 ext. 740.

 

 

MECC Foundation to Honor the Late Dr. Brownie and Barbara Polly at annual Hall of Honor Gala event

Dr. Brownie and Barbara Polly Big Stone Gap, VA – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation will honor the late Dr. Brownie Edward Polly, Jr. and Barbara Creasy Polly at the annual Hall of Honor Gala on Saturday evening, April 13, 2019.

The gala theme is “Bow Ties and Broadway,” and proceeds from the event will create the Dr. Brownie and Barbara Polly Cultural and Humanities Endowment at MECC, which will support student and community events that promote the preservation and continuation of Southwest Virginia’s unique cultural heritage while also exposing the region to varied cultural and historical mediums. Events will include the John Fox, Jr. Literary Festival, MECC’s Mountain Music School, the Home Craft Days Festival, the Slemp Art Gallery, programming specifically for student and community veterans, as well as other guest speakers that will contribute to the enrichment of students and varying audiences. In addition, the endowment will support scholarships for students enrolling in music or arts-related coursework.

Mistress of Ceremonies for the Hall of Honor Gala will be noted Big Stone Gap author, Adriana Trigiani.
The evening will begin with a reception in the Slemp Commons of Phillips-Taylor Hall at 6 p.m., followed by a full-course buffet dinner in the Goodloe Center at 6:45 p.m. A short recognition program will follow dinner and precede the musical entertainment of the evening, a concert by John and Mary K Wilson.

The Pollys will be recognized for their leadership and service to the region in cultural and civic affairs in Big Stone Gap and in Southwest Virginia. As a member of the Big Stone Gap Music Study Club, Barbara was instrumental in the production of annual Broadway musicals utilizing only local talent. In 1964, she became involved in the new outdoor musical drama in Big Stone Gap based on John fox, Jr.’s novel, “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine.” She played the lead role of June Tolliver for the first five seasons. That began a lifelong relationship with the drama and its parent organization, Lonesome Pine Arts and Crafts. In 1970, when John Fox, Jr.’s sister passed away at the family home in Big Stone Gap, Barbara negotiated the purchase of the home and created the John Fox, Jr. House and Museum. To help pay the mortgage and defray expenses, the Fox House went into the dining business with Barbara and other volunteers providing private dinners.

In 1967, after failed attempts by others to charter a Cub Scout pack, Barbara successfully helped to re-charter a Cub Scout pack in Big Stone Gap. She remained involved in scouting for 18 years as a Den Mother and a scouting leader, eventually receiving the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award in scouting. The Cub Scout pack continues today.

Barbara was certified to teach high school, and in 1977 she returned to teaching at Powell Valley High School, where she taught English and instructed the One Act Play team for the next two years. She left teaching and began selling real estate, eventually becoming a broker. She was Realtor of the Year in 1999 for the Southwest Virginia Association of Realtors.

Brownie was Valedictorian of his Big Stone Gap High School graduating class, and was quarterback of the football team. He was a founding board member of Lonesome Pine Hospital, and was inducted into the inaugural class of the Three Star Wellmont Hall of Fame in 2001. He was named to the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia in 1970, and also served on the boards of Clinch Valley College (now UVa-Wise) and Mountain Empire Community College. He also served on the board of directors of the Wise County Mental Health Association and was a member of the Big Stone Gap Kiwanis Club for 68 years, serving as President, and being named Kiwanian of the Year. In his later years, he enjoyed delivering meals for Meals on Wheels. He coached Little League Baseball and Peanut Football. He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Big Stone Gap, serving on a number of committees. In addition, he served the people of Wise County for 42 years in his dental practice.

Brownie was an avid sports fan, golfer, and bird hunter. He was a diehard University of Tennessee football fan and Cincinnati Reds baseball fan. He also enjoyed grouse hunting on Black Mountain. He was a past president of Lonesome Pine Country Club.

Gala tickets and event sponsorship opportunities are available. Please call or e-mail Jeri Bledsoe in the MECC Foundation office, 276-523-2400, extension 287, jbledsoe@mecc.edu, or visit the MECC Foundation website online at http://www.meccfoundation.org/mecc-foundation-gala/. Tickets are $75 each. Sponsorships start at $500.

If you have questions, or need additional information about the event, please contact Jeri Bledsoe in the MECC Foundation Office at 276-523-2400, extension 287, or by e-mail at jbledsoe@mecc.edu.

 

MECC Students Participate in Alternative Spring Break

alt spring breakBig Stone Gap, VA – Five Mountain Empire Community College students went from hitting the books to hitting nails on MECC’s first annual Alternative Spring Break service trip sponsored by MECC Student Activities.
The team traveled to Greensboro, NC and partnered with Habitat for Humanity to rehab an existing Habitat house. Over the course of five days, the team demoed the existing interior, tore down and replaced siding, and demoed and replaced the entire front porch.
The MECC students who participated were: Kylee Bundy, Alex Haley, Tanner Lawson, Caleb Richardson, and Cameo Smith. Students applied for the team during the Fall 2018 semester and were invited to participate in the service trip, which took place from March 3-9, 2019, during MECC’s Spring Break. The team got to work with volunteers from Eastern University in Philadelphia, PA and learned valuable skills from the Habitat Greensboro professional construction crew.
The MECC team worked hard all week, but managed to find some time for fun as well. The team sampled some cuisine that many had never tried before, participated in an escape room game (and escaped with barely a minute to spare), and got to attend an ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament game.
For more information regarding MECC’s Alternative Spring Break or other student activities, please contact Kari Paschetto, Great Expectations and Student Activities Coordinator, at 276.523.2400 ext. 422.
Photo caption:
Final Day: The final day of work! L-R from back – Caleb Richardson, Tanner Lawson, Alex Haley, Kemper Edwards, Cameo Smith, Kylee Bundy, Kari Paschetto, Shawn Singer (Habitat Greensboro), Tandy Brown (Habitat Greensboro)
-MECC-

MECC Donates Biology Kits to Local High Schools

Lee High School

Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College recently donated fifteen biology labs kits to local dual enrollment high school biology classes to provide students with hands-on experiments to enhance their learning experience.

MECC Biology Assistant Professor Dr. Stacy Adams said she was inspired to donate the equipment during a visit to one of the MECC general biology classes being taught at a local high school. She learned it is sometimes difficult for instructors to purchase supplies for the required laboratory component of sciences courses and she wanted to help.

“Serendipity must have prevailed,” said Adams. “The MECC bookstore provided fifteen biology lab kits to the MECC biology department soon after my visit. For me, the next step I would take was a no-brainer; it only made sense to pay it forward by offering these kits to our local high schools where the

Gate City High School

MECC General Biology I and II courses (BIO 101 and BIO 102) are being taught.”

The kits, which include all the materials needed to conduct eighteen different experiments, from general laboratory safety to ecological interactions, were recently presented to teachers Ashley Burke at Gate City High School, Amanda Horton at Lee High School, and Denise Carter at Thomas Walker High School.  Five kits went to each school. Adams said the kits were a hit with students immediately.

Adams noted that according to a survey of science students completed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, students learn concepts better in the hands-on laboratory setting. The students at each local high school where the kits were presented wanted to start working on the experiments immediately.

“This donation is just one of the many ways that MECC supports its surrounding communities and embodies the slogan, MECC Proud” said Adams.

Thomas Walker High School

MECC To Host Quick Start to College Course

Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College offers a free Quick Start to College class designed for individuals who have considered college, but have hesitated to enroll.

The course allows students the opportunity to obtain college credit at no cost without having to enroll for a full semester. To qualify, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

The course will include an orientation to the basics of college life at MECC. Students will be able to learn how to find offices and classes on campus, use online learning tools, and MECC email. Career counseling sessions will also be included so that students can learn more about program offerings that best fit their interests.

The course will cover computer basics including using Word and saving documents to flash drives. Students will also focus on math and English. Students will be able to freshen up on important basics that will help them take or retake the math and English placement tests.

 The Spring Quick Start program will be offered:

Monday & Wednesday afternoons (11:05 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.) February 4 – February 27

    • February 4 & 6 – Orientation and Campus Information
    • February 11 – English Skills
    • February 13 – Math Skills
    • February 18 & 20- Computer Skills
    • February 25 & 27 – Career Exploration & College Success Skills.

For more information or to register for Quick Start, Contact Beth Boggs, Career & Transfer Counselor, bboggs@mecc.edu; 276-523-7438 or visit our website: www.mecc.edu/quickstart.

-MECC-

 

MECC Offers Quick Start to College

Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College offers a free Quick Start to College class designed for individuals who have considered college, but have hesitated to enroll.

The course allows students the opportunity to obtain college credit at no cost without having to enroll for a full semester. To qualify, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

The course will include an orientation to the basics of college life at MECC. Students will be able to learn how to find offices and classes on campus, use online learning tools, and MECC email. Career counseling sessions will also be included so that students can learn more about program offerings that best fit their interests.

The course will cover computer basics including using Word and saving documents to flash drives. Students will also focus on math and English. Students will be able to freshen up on important basics that will help them take or retake the math and English placement tests.

 The Spring Quick Start program will be offered:

Monday & Wednesday afternoons (11:05 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.) February 4 – February 27

    • February 4 & 6 – Orientation and Campus Information
    • February 11 – English Skills
    • February 13 – Math Skills
    • February 18 & 20- Computer Skills
    • February 25 & 27 – Career Exploration & College Success Skills.

For more information or to register for Quick Start, Contact Beth Boggs, Career & Transfer Counselor, bboggs@mecc.edu; 276-523-7438 or visit our website: www.mecc.edu/quickstart.

-MECC-

 

MECC To Host Transfer & Career Fair

Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College will hold a Career & Transfer Fair on Tuesday, February 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Goodloe Center, Phillips-Taylor Hall. More than 35 representatives for regional employers and local transfer institutions will be on campus.

Attend the fair to ask questions regarding employment or transfer requirements; learn about job placement services or internships; discuss the opportunities that may be available to you; learn about your marketability; talk to employers about job openings; and speak with transfer representatives about course requirements.

Even those who are not immediately seeking employment have plenty to learn from the Career & Transfer Fair. Representatives can provide valuable insight to what employers are looking for when screening new hires. This insight can assist students and community members in refining their resumes and help them know which skills to focus on improving. Those attending are invited to bring copies of their resume and be prepared to complete job applications for those representatives that may be hiring. Transfer institutions will be available to speak to current students or recent graduates about admissions requirements and program options.  

For more information on MECC’s Career & Transfer Fair, contact Beth Boggs, Career and Transfer Counselor, at 276.523.2400 ext. 324 or bboggs@mecc.edu, or visit www.mecc.edu/career-services

-MECC-

MECC Announces Honor’s List for the Fall 2018 Semester

The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College Honor’s List for the fall 2018 semester. Students are eligible for the Honor’s List if they have at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79 during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades.

 

APPALACHIA: Peyton Hylton and Camrynn Russell.

BEN HUR: Verona Swindall.

BIG STONE GAP: Amber Boring, Caitlyn Clymer, Bryson Cothron, Matthew Dupree, Kaylee Garrison, Audrey Gilliam, Jacob Goodman, Christopher Hall, Cassidy Holcomb, Lonijonli Kern, Tanner Lawson, Elizabeth Lester, Megan Lovell, Michael Martin, Kaeli McKinney, Autumn Meade, Alli Miller, Sean Owens, Larissa Phillips, David Quillen, Austin Schlobohm, and Alicia Wynn.

CAMERON, NC: Matthew Green.

CASTLEWOOD: Jessica Maples and Hannah Maxfield.

CLINCHCO: Nicole Owens and Makayla Smith.

CLINTWOOD: Vanessa Blevins, Nikole Counts, Jacob Dotson, John Dotson, Curtis Edwards, Emily Elswick, Miana Fleming, Kayla Little, Selena Moore, Noah Mullins, Ronnie Robbins, Kerri Tompkins, and Eric Watkins.

COEBURN: Laken Austin, Amanda Bartley, Cassidy Farmer, Logan Greear, James McCarty, Lindsey Meade, Kirklyn Milgrim, Sierra Mullins, Darrian Richardson, Nathan Sanders, Vickie Smith, Hunter Stanley, and Kendra Stanley.

DUFFIELD: Michelle Berry, Shannon Bishop, Caleb Dillon, Caleigh Fletcher, Grace Isbel, Cieara Posey, Madison Rowe, and Rufus Williams.

DUNGANNON: Abigail Farmer.

FT. BLACKMORE: Teara Austin.

GATE CITY: Brittany Baker, April Bull, Stephanie Falin, Alexis Flanary, Yesha Gardner, Tia Jenkins, Sarah Jessee, Jennifer Moore, William Painter, Austin Reed, and Joshua Winston.

HAYSI: Sarah Adkins, Lindsey Wood, and Cody Woods.

HILTONS: Amelia Stockard.

JONESVILLE: Jeffrey Crumley, Cindy Hawkes, Ashlyn Lee, Kendra Maness, Kalli Marcum, Jackson Porter, Jeffrey Rowlett, Bethany Ward, and Tanya Woodard.

KINGSPORT, TN: Alexa-Caroline Sexton and Heather Sigmon.

NICKELSVILLE: Whitney Hufnagle and Cameron Smith.

NORTON: Paloma Barongan, Autumn Bolling, Cassie Carroll, Christopher Castle, Joshua Greene, Brittany Kennedy, Logan Lagow, Caitlynn Maggard, Regan Phipps, Bryson Roberson, Julia Sturgill, Emily Trent, Davina Vanover, and Aidan Wells.

PENNINGTON GAP: Katherine Anderson, Andrew Barrier, Jim Clark, Joshua Clark, Alex Haley, and Noah Harber.

POUND: Samantha Austin, Destiney Barnett, Michael Branham, Skylar Fleming, Emily Hobbs, Adrian Mullins, Garrett Shortt, Benjamin Stallard, Chase Strouth, and Derek Vanover.

ROSE HILL: Hallie Hembree.

ST. PAUL: Brandon Armistead, Grace McCowan, and Melissa Meade.

WEBER CITY: Katherine Roberts.

 

MECC announces fall semester Merit List

The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College Merit List for the fall 2018 semester. Students are eligible for the Merit List if they have at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.2 to 3.49 during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades, and part-time students who have between 6-11 credits and a GPA of 3.2 or higher during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades.

APPALACHIA: Thomas Adkins , Chelsea Ashley, Ethan Bowman, Zoe Brooks, Teagan Carter, Abigail Hall, Faith Hamblin, Christopher Holmes, Caleb Johnson, Amia Lawson, Leigh-Anne McDaniel, Kassidy Mullins, Kris Rowe, Samantha Sizemore, Victoria Sizemore, Cameo Smith, Gayce Snyder, Megan Snyder, and Christian Worley.

BEN HUR: Jacklyn Hall, Christopher Short, Jamie Stapleton, and Anthony Swindall.

BIG STONE GAP: Hannah Austin, Greyson Baker, Sierra Baker, Alexis Barker, Clay Barker, James Baugh, Evan Blanton, Rachel Blanton, Dominick Brooks, Lauren Bryant, Madison Childress, Justin Clark, Joseph Collins, Cody Cox, Ashley Cusano, Steven Davis, Abbi Dickenson, Aaron Earwood, Rebekah Earwood, Jacob Falin, Zoe Falin, Adrianna Fields, Brett Fields, Tori Gibson, Saylor Gilly, Connor Giza, Andrew Goodman, Ethan Harris, Olivia Harvey, Nathaniel Hersel, Matthew Holding, Emily Hurd, Emily Hylton, Haley Isom, Tyra Lamb, Owen Lawson, Randall Lawson, Keerston Lovell, Brandi Matheison, Hallyce McCoo, Emily Meade, Kenneth Meade, Krista Meredith, Lisa Milanese, Noah Moneyhun, Jeffery Morgan, Brayden Mozingo, Ashlyn Mullins, Caroline Mullins, Luke Needham, Beckett Osborne, Madison Pease, Hunter Phillips, Koby Poff, Haley Quillen, Kirsten Record, Melissa Rhoten, James Richardson, Devin Robinette, Benjamin Roman, Jessica Seabright, Cassandra Shelton, Noah Slemp, Whitney Slemp, Wes Smith, Rylie Spears, Rebecca Stapleton, Sydney Stapleton, Devan Summers, Emily Thomas, and Rebecca Perry.

BIRCHLEAF: Jeromy Fletcher, Colby Hackney, Raegan Rasnick, and Camdyn Sykes.

BLACKWATER: Victoria Manis, Rebekah Moore, and Joshua Winegar.

BREAKS: Hunter Fleming.

BRISTOL, VA: Madisson Lawson, Cameron Lovelace, Zachary Rice, and Alisha Taylor.

CALHOUN, GA: Erik Henson and Jeremy Long.

CASTLEWOOD: Allison Compton, Sydney Laney, and Shenia Sifford.

CHESTERFIELD: Richard Hatfield.

CHURCH HILL, TN: Sarah Adkins, Ashley Baggatta, and Lauren Dockery.

CLINCHCO: Mary Bise, Cheyenne Blansett, Amber Hill, CheyAnn McCowan, and Christian Sayers.

CLINTWOOD: Harold Abshire, Heather Baker, Jennifer Barry, Caitlin Bradford, Kalianna Brooks, Justin Browning, Dakota Cantrell, Savannah Clark, Gabriel Counts, James Crabtree, Amber Crihfield, Bethany Davis, Christy Edwards, Philip Edwards, Zoe Fleming, Max Fletcher, Tiffany French, Dawson Hillyer, Jordan Moore, Amy Mullins, Brycen Mullins, Dalton Mullins, Harley Mullins, John Mullins, Madison Mullin, Ashton O’Quinn, Cassidy O’Quinn, Ashley Phipps, William Poston, Trenton Robinson, Katie Stanley, Samantha Stanley, Bailey Thomas, David Vance, Tonya Wallace, Kody Whitt, and Amanda Willis.

COEBURN: Emily Adams, Joseph Anderson, Kayla Barnette, Connor Blevins, Spencer Boggs, Carrie Boyd, Clara Brown, Ashley Christian, Adam Clark, Adam Couch, Misty Counts, Timothy Counts, Lindsay Dean, Amber Freeman, Kiarra Gibson, Austin Gross, Christian Hale, Mindy Hale, Tammy Hale, Wendy Hill, Fallon Jacobs, Austin Jenkins, Kayley Johnson, James Kilgore, Ariel Lawson, Dalton Lawson, Halee Lawson, Elizabeth McReynolds, Nathan Minor, Julianna Morris, Katherine Perry, Madison Powers, Brandon Pridemore, Lisa

Pridemore, Austin Ramsey, Daniel Roberson, Daniel Rose, Ruth Rutherford, Gerald Salyer, Hannah Salyers, Stephanie Santos, Kaylee Sexton, Caitlin Stanley, Hope Stidham, Joshua Stidham, Megan Vandyke, Aaron Williams, Tiffany Woods, and Jolie Zosky.

DANTE: Anthony Kiser, Brett Newton, Isaac Rasnick, Lauren Rasnick, and Ayden Vitatoe.

DRYDEN: Jordan Arnold, Austin Caudill, Kevin Cooper, Destiny Fee, Hannah Fee, Randy Kennedy, Ryan Messer, Baylee Robinette, Brittany Stapleton, and Jennifer Ward.

DUFFIELD: Damon Ballard, Jesse Barnette, Chelsea Begley, Alexis Bledsoe, Savannah Bowen, Alisha Burchfield, Dennis Carden, Christian Caudill, Krista Collins, Christina Cox, Britni Early, Isaiah Fritz, Tyler Hammonds, Savanna Hass, Rachel Hubbard, Ammon Huish, Autumn Johnson, William Love, Haley Mathes, Marlin McComas, Preston McElyea, Faith Miles, Brian Pearcy, Vicki Pearcy, Ethan Rhoton, Sarah Shuler, Ethan Sloan, Makenna Smith, Tyler Starnes, Lydia Tankersley, Tyler Williams, Connor Wilson, and Cheyanne Wolf.

DUNGANNON: Joanna Begley, Lauryn McCoy, and Kirstin Stansberry.

EAST STONE GAP: Tiffany Colvard and Jacob Fox.

EOLIA, KY: Prince Miranda.

EWING: Isaac Allen, Rachel Engle, and Destiny Hatfield.

FT. BLACKMORE: Summer Dean, Michael Griffin, John Hillman, Abigail Quillen, Kari Rhoton, and Kara Smith.

GATE CITY: Joules Bagienski, Jeremy Benjamin, Callie Blessing, Christopher Chandler, Olivia Dishner, Autumn Elliott, Vanessa Falin, Jason Fields, Katelyn Hall, Ashley Mauk, Skylar McNutt, Regina Meade, Marah Mullins, Emma Odle, Teresa Phillips, Brady Porter, Johnny Ramsey, Rachel Reid, Patricia Repass, Kaleb Saez, Elizabeth Salyers, Channa Sanders, Haley Smith, Lindsay Starnes, Deneta Taylor, and Jakob Thompson.

GLEN ALLEN: Toby Bryant.

HARROGATE, TN: Dennis Sandefur.

HAYSI: Amanda Fleming, Taylor Fuller, Raegan Lamkin, Stefanie Mullins, Kloe Rife, Alexis Souleyrette, Matney Sutherland, and Hayli Wright.

HILTONS: Dylon Clark, Noah Jones, Brianna Rife, and Mckenzie Turner.

JENKINS, KY: Matthew Corbett.

JOHNSON CITY, TN: Zachrey Carter.

JONESVILLE: Taylor Alsup, Olivia Baker, Ryan Bales, Benjamin Bowles, Taylor Bowles, Jasmine Brewer, Cortny Carder, Elizabeth Carroll, Alyssa Clark, Tanner Cope, Shawn Daniels, Mackenzie Davis, Asia Dean, Bronwen Fischer, Cassie Flinders, Dewayne Garrett, Sarah Graham, Jordan Hampton, Melanie Harber, Brandi Herrell, Sydnie Hines, Haileigh Hounshell, Miranda Howard, Morgan Jessee, Ethan Kilgore, Hannah Martin, Abigail Middleton, Justin Miles, Ronald Minor, Mikenzie Mooneyhan, Kayla Moore, Zackary Moore, Kimberly Muncy, Bailey Nash, Tonya Nash, Abigayle Nighswander, Connor Pendergraft, Callie Perkins, Canaan Phillips, Gage Pittman, Taylor Province, Vicki Rutledge, Kaleb Sharrett, Shauna Vowell, Kayla Weston, Emily Wilder, and Darrien Yeary.

KEOKEE: Nancy Cox, Leah Lane, and Emily Whisman.

KINGSPORT, TN: Piper Banks, Gracie Bass, Kenneth Essick, Madison Grizzle, Jocie Hunley, Mark Jones, Isharah Lundy, and Shyanne Van Heel.

LEBANON: Jacqueline Hampton.

McCLURE: Clinton Counts.

MECHANICSVILLE: LeRoy Rice.

NICKELSVILLE: Steven Boyd, Lakin Castle, Levi Castle, Kenzie Crusenberry, Joshua Daugherty, Jared Helbert, Sherrie Horchak, Ethan Kegley, Corbin Kilgore, Carol Larson, and Mackenzie Warner.

NORA: Tonya Lundy, Crystal McCoy, Tiffany Pigott, and Mckenzie Sproles.

NORTH CHESTERFIELD: Douglas Towne.

NORTON: Allison Baker, Caleb Barnette, Madison Bohnert, Summer Bower, Abreena Burchfield, James Campbell, Ethan Cates, Roland Cochrane, Wendy Cooke, Ashley Crabtree, Tyler Craft, Daniel Cress, Landon Elkins, Morgan Fawbush, Lillian Hall, Nathaniel Herron, Autumn Hill, Akyssa Hollinger, Beylee Jenkins, Amy Jones, Alexander Kennedy, Savahanna Kern, Kaitlyn Laney, Kammee Lindsey, Makayla Martinez, Shacodi Mays, Harper McCall, Markie Miller, Brayden Mullins, Sydney Mullins, Elizabeth Owens, Sydney Phillips, Andrew Price, Jaden Pritchard, Summer Rhodes, Shelli Roberts, Caelen Robinette, Stacy Robinson, Jeremy Shepherd, Dasanye Smith, Ryland Smith, Trinity Smith, Sadiki Steele, Bailey Sturgill, Lauren Webb, Hannah Wells, Josh Wells, Caleb Williams, and Maggie Williams.

PENNINGTON GAP: Timothy Smith, Alanah Aldridge, Haley Anderson, Brandi Bundy, Gracie Calton, Misti Collins, Tonya Counts, Larissa Crider, Brianna Deirth, Kenley Eisenmenger, Walker Feck, Letcher Jackson, Mary Litton, Ashley Longsworth, Shannon McQueen, Robert Parker, Katherine Pridemore, Kandace Quillen, Curtis Reece, Tracy Reece, Cassie Rogers, Matthew Rowe, Hailey Saylor, Michael Snodgrass, Dawnna Stebbins, Austin Wells, Andrew Williams, Morgan Woliver, and Angie Zhang.

POUND: TJordan Bishop, Ethan Bolling, Nickolas Britton, Hannah Carter, Autumn Frazier, Tara Gibson, Hunter Grant, Elijah Hayes, Alexa Lester, Janet Moore, Dylan Mullins, Hannah Mullins, Olivia Mullins, Olivia Mullins, Maria Powers, Amber Quillen, Ashley Riley, Carlene Salyers, Maranda Strouth, Olivia Strouth, Katelyn Sturgill, Matthew Sturgill, and Skylar Sturgill.

RAPHINE: Michelle Basham.

ROANOKE: Shane Roberts.

ROSE HILL: Robin Cottrell, Taylor Hensley, Pamela Hurst, Morgan Rouse, and Tammy Thomas.

ST. CHARLES: Jalaina Jessee and Erika Wilson.

ST. PAUL: Matthew Bellamy, Nancy Leftwich, Belinda Levy, Rachel McCowan, Carissa Mullins, Edward Ward, and Vegas Weigle.

SURGOINSVILLE, TN: Rick Barrett.

TRUSSVILLE, AL: Hollis Prosser.

WEBER CITY: Cori Baker, Megan Burton, Brooke-Lynn Cooper, Tapanga Gillenwater, Katalin Perry, and Isaac Stapleton.

WHITESBURG, KY: Savannah Day.

WISE: Olivia Basham, Madison Beller, Rebecca Bush, Dustin Carter, Emma Chandler, Anthony Clark, Constance Collins, Eden Collins, Christopher Conner, William Darnell, Monica Darter, Andrew Deel, Reagan Dotson, Adam Dutton, Sidney Flanary, Chloe Gonzalez-Prince, Michaela Hall, Cassandra Hamilton, Leighann Hamilton, Jordan Harrison, Nathan Hill, Thomas Hillman, Tyler Hopkins, Athena Horne, Madeline Hubbard, Bryan Jones, Stephenson Jones, Patrick Labong, Nicholas Ledford, Roland Lovern, Shirley McCo, Kayleigh McNew, Tristan Miller, Courtney Miniard, Thelma Moore, Alexis Mullins, Amanda Murphy, Alexander Pritchard, Nickolas Ramey, Natalie Rhodes, Kimberly Robinette, Aaron Rose, Saidee Sexton, Macey Sheppard, Connor Short, Elle Smith, Chassay Stafford, Timothy Sturgill, Clara Taylor, Jillian Taylor, Joshua Tille, Jordan Wampler, Rachel Ward, Alexander Wheatley, and Austin Yeary.

 

MECC announces fall semester President’s List

The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College President’s List for the fall 2018 semester. Students are eligible for the President’s List if they have at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.8 or higher during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades.

ABINGDON: Savannah Brooks.

APPALACHIA: Brittany Christian, Jason Johnson, Nathaniel Mullins, Shamber Schenck, and Brittany Worley-Johnson.

BEAVERDAM: Zachariah Stern.

BIG STONE GAP: Nikki Baldwin, Jacob Coomer, Jerry Elkins, Krystina Gangl, Samantha Hampton, Lauren Harkleroad, Alissa Hatfield, John Head, Amanda Hopson, Titus Houston, David Kelley, Danielle Lamb, Kara Mullins, Madison Shuler, John Snodgrass, Jared Sullivan, and Kelvin Vo.

BIRCHLEAF: Kayla Combs.

BLACKWATER: Jennifer Napier.

CLINCHCO: Angela Carico.

CLINTWOOD: Tammy Cochran, Kayla Dunivan, Bryn Genco, Jonathan Large, Travis Powers, Cynthia Ratcliffe, Tiffany Rose, Amelia Strouth, Haley Sykes, Kaley Sykes, and Deidra Wallace.

COEBURN: Christopher Anderson, Tyler Bright, Caleb Carico, Lyndsey Fuller, John Kilgore, Sheila Slemp, Kevin Smith, Savannah Varney, and Megan Wheatley.

DRYDEN: Trevor Hamm and Tyler Shuler.

DUFFIELD: Aaron Best, Rebekah Bush, Veronica Canto, Miranda Gilbert, Deana Haines, Zachary Hammonds, Cory Hensley, Mark Lane, Sarah Lane, Adam Lyons, Joshua Rivers, Kassidy Sharpe, Cody Smith, Kevin Stanley, and Caitlin Summey.

ERMINE, KY: Joshua Ferris.

GATE CITY: Melinda Babb, Kylee Bundy, Courtney Cassell, Zachary Davidson, Nathan Godsey, Brandi Osborne, Melissa Skeens, and Angela Vanzant.

HAYSI: Candlyn Forton, Brandy Presley, Gauge Stiltner, and Jacob Yates.

HILTONS: Chelsea Mann and Phyllis McGlothlin.

JONESVILLE: Jerry Allen, Nickolas Arney, Kaitlyn Cox, Samantha Cupp, Amanda Harber, Kelly Harvel, Caleb Haynes, Evan Jones, Ginger Krovich, Joshua Ledford, Timothy Long, Noah Middleton, William Miles, Amber Morris, and Katharine Wall.

KINGSPORT, TN: Breanna Bernard, Jessica Castle, Kierra Knight, and Heather Overbay.

LEBANON: Austin Brown.

MOUNT CARMEL, TN: Nathaniel Kennedy.

NICKELSVILLE: Jeremy Herron.

NORTON: Lydia Blair-James, Mark Caruso, Tyler Dingus, Megan Dockery, Savana Edwards, Haley Hammonds, Tiffany Lawson, Curt Rose, Mary Stuedemann, Sydney Wells, Caleb Williams, and Chantry Williams.

PENNINGTON GAP: Brynna Bundy, Leanna Eldridge, Bradley Holmes, Noah Moore, Lisa Scott, and Ricky Starrett.

POUND: Carrie Adams, Marissa Bolling, Christopher Cantrell, Heather Cox, D’Anna Cvetnich, Justin Elkins, Melissa Freeman, Bethani Kiser, Payton McGraw, Brittany Meade, Keyleigh Mullins, Samuel Powers, Elijah Stallard, and Ashley Vanover.

ROSE HILL: Summer Corbin, Caitlyn Green, and Brian Humphrey.

ST. PAUL: Erik Jones and Jasmyne Turner.

STONEGA: April Bailey.

VIRGINIA BEACH: Dona Inzerillo.

WISE: Jackson Baker, Tina Beaver, Aaron Brummitt, Sandra Collins, Kelsey Dean, Jazmine Fannin, Lillian Hall, Skylar Hillman, Erin McCracken, Heather Phipps, Brooklyn Porter, Kayla Powers, Nathaniel Ramey, Ethan Salyer, Emma Snodgrass, Gabe Stafford, Noah Sturgill, and Tiffany Wampler.

MECC Receives Go Virginia Grant Recommendation to Support Smart Farming Training

Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College is pleased to announce the GO Virginia Region One Council’s recent approval of a $310,371.84 grant to establish Smart Farming at the Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia (CWIA).

Located in the Town of Appalachia in the former Appalachia Elementary School, the CWIA will be a satellite training facility to enable Mountain Empire Community College to expand many of its existing programs, as well as launch several new programs. The GO Virginia funding request will support MECC and its partners to establish the Smart Farming program, focused on using drone technology for agricultural purposes, which will allow the College to expand their Unmanned Systems program.

The concept of “Smart Farming” involves the use of technology to improve farming techniques, increase yields, and maximize profits. The program will involve a two-step process of data collection using drone technology and data analysis using the new Agricultural Science Laboratory. The addition of the Smart Farming courses will enable MECC to develop the first Unmanned Aerial Systems Associate Degree program in the Virginia Community College System and the only such program in Region One.

As part of the Smart Farming program, the College will establish the first Agricultural Science Lab in the region to provide space and resources to analyze data collected by the UMS program. MECC projects that the establishment of the program will create new jobs in the agriculture industry and increase production and profits for existing farmers in the region.

Mountain Empire Community College President, Dr. Kristen Westover stated, “Mountain Empire Community College is honored and excited about the GO Virginia Region One funding opportunity to support the development and creation of new workforce training programs in smart farming and agriculture technology. These funds will support MECC in developing entrepreneurial offerings, purchasing equipment and developing coursework, programming and other new and innovative learning opportunities to enhance the workforce development offerings at the Center for Workforce & Innovation of Appalachia.”

“The Region One Council is pleased to recommend to the State Board the innovative project put forth by Mountain Empire Community College, which addresses specifically one of our industry targets, Food and Beverage Manufacturing”, said Mike Quillen, chair of the Region One Council. “This project will also provide insight to Region One’s other targeted industries through advancement of drone technology and training. Additionally, the project brings revitalization to the Town of Appalachia, repurposing a vacated educational facility to continuing use and providing certification in a rapidly growing sector.”

The Mountain Empire Community College proposal will be submitted to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for further evaluation. The GO Virginia State Board will review the project at their March 12, 2019 meeting. The GO Virginia Region One Council accepts applications for Per Capita Grant funding on a rolling basis.

The Virginia Initiative for Growth and Opportunity in each Region (GO Virginia) was initiated by the Virginia Business Higher Education Council (VBHEC) and the Council on Virginia’s Future to foster private-sector growth and job creation through state incentives for regional collaboration by business, education, and government. Recognizing the harsh effect of deep federal budget cuts on a Virginia economy that is overly dependent on public-sector jobs, business leaders formed the GO Virginia campaign to work for regional cooperation on private-sector growth, job creation, and career readiness.

GO Virginia Region One covers the 13 counties in the three planning districts that represent Southwest Virginia. The Region One Council is mostly made up of private sector business leaders and some members of the public sector and higher education. The University of Virginia’s College at Wise serves as the support organization for the Region One Council.

-MECC-

 

Nominations Sought for 2019 MECC Outstanding Alumnus Award

Nominations Sought for 2019 MECC Outstanding Alumnus Award

The Mountain Empire Community College Alumni Advisory Committee is seeking nominations for the 2019 MECC Outstanding Alumnus Award, which recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to one or more areas of society, i.e., professional, academic, and personal achievements, civic service, or service to MECC.

All living MECC alumni who have completed at least one class at MECC are eligible to be nominated and considered for the award. Self-nominations are also welcome. Current members of the MECC Local Advisory and Foundation Boards of Directors, current faculty and staff of the college, and members of the MECC Alumni and Friends Advisory Committee are not eligible to receive the award.

The nomination form is available online at the MECC website, www.mecc.edu or at the MECC Foundation website, www.meccfoundation.org. There is no limit to the number of nominations that one may submit. The deadline for nominations for the 2019 Outstanding Alumnus Award is February 15, 2019.

A subcommittee of the MECC Alumni Advisory Committee will select the winner of the award and the winner will be announced at the annual Scholars’ Recognition Night banquet to be held in the March 2019.

For questions, please contact Jeri Bledsoe in the MECC Foundation office at 276-523-2400, extension 287, or at jbledsoe@mecc.edu.

MECC participates in the United Way of SWVA Careers Expo for Youth

Mountain Empire Community College recently participated in the United Way of SWVA Careers Expo for Youth held at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Abingdon on September 25 and 26. More than 4,000 students participated in the event. The college was represented by Health Science Recruiter and Retention Specialist Sarah Clarkston, CTE Recruiter Vicki Pearcy, and MECC Recruiter Todd Clendenon and EMS Instructor Michael Cross. Pictured is Cross with two student attendees.

MECC to Hold Inauguration of College’s Seventh President

Mountain Empire Community College will host the Inauguration of the college’s seventh president, Dr. Kristen Westover, on Friday, October 19 at 10:30 a.m.
The ceremony will take place in MECC’s Phillips-Taylor Hall Goodloe Center. A reception will immediately follow the inauguration in the Slemp Commons. Invited guests, students, and members of the public are asked to RSVP their attendance at www.mecc.edu/inauguration.
Those that cannot attend are encouraged to view a live stream of the inauguration from MECC’s Facebook page, @mountainempirecollege. The ceremony will also be broadcast on Wise County’s Public Access Channel 6 on Comcast Cable.
The inauguration event will be held in coordination with the college’s annual Home Craft Days Festival. A free concert celebrating the festival and inauguration will be held Friday, October 19 at 6 p.m. in the Goodloe Center featuring Wayne Henderson & Helen White, John McCutcheon, and Joe Newberry & Mike Compton. 
As a high school dropout who obtained her GED and held numerous labor-intensive positions before finding the courage to seek education, Dr. Kristen Westover first gained a love and appreciation for the community college mission through her own life-changing experience at Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas. There she experienced an education delivered through support, encouragement and high expectations, quickly recognizing her passion and purpose are grounded in creating those same experiences for others, particularly those who may not have a history of positive educational opportunities.
Dr. Westover began her educational career over 25 years ago, serving as a high school math and computer science teacher and middle school coach. After 10 years in the high school setting, she seized the opportunity to serve as a faculty member at Colby Community College, her alma matter. After teaching at the college level for a few years, she shifted into administrative work, serving as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at the same college. Dr. Westover also served at the Kansas Board of Regents, where she was the Director of Technical Programs and Curriculum, and as the Program Coordinator for the national initiatives leadership team for the Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin.
Having spent most of her life in a rural setting, Dr. Westover felt a connection to the people of Southwest Virginia during her first visit to the region in 2013. She made the connection official when she agreed to serve as Mountain Empire Community College’s seventh president in July of 2017. She came to Mountain Empire from Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, Virginia where she served for six years as the Vice President for Academic and Student Development Services.
Dr. Westover holds an A.S. from Colby Community College, a B.S. in mathematics and a M.S. in instructional technology from Fort Hays State University, and an Ed.D. in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Westover and her husband Mark live in Lee County Virginia. They both love animals and enjoy everything Southwest Virginia has to offer, including motorcycling, golf, hiking, music and art.
For more information on Mountain Empire Community College, or the inauguration ceremony, visit the college’s website at www.mecc.edu or www.mecc.edu/inauguration or call 276.523.2400.