Governor’s School is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the counties of Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson, and the City of Norton, who have a 3.0 GPA or higher. The two-week program, held annually on MECC’s campus in June, features a variety of hands-on activities in one of several subject areas selected by… Continue Reading MECC Governor’s School 2018 – June 11th – 22nd
(Left to Right) Student Amber Wallace and HIM Instructor Sabrina Ward Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College’s Health Information Management (HIM) Program has earned national accreditation with CAHIIM, the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. MECC launched its Associate Degree of Applied Science in Health Information Management Program… Continue Reading MECC Health Information Management Program Earns National Accreditation
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… Continue Reading MECC Holds 46th Annual Commencement Ceremony
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,… Continue Reading MECC Hosts 48th Annual Home Craft Days Festival
Students who have not yet enrolled for the Fall 2018 semester are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an advisor and register for classes by Tuesday, August 21. Classes begin Wednesday, August 22. New students who enroll after Tuesday, August 21 will only be enrolled in late-starting classes and MECC’s Quick Start program. To schedule… Continue Reading MECC Important Announcement: Class Registration Deadline
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… Continue Reading MECC is currently seeking participants for Spring 2020’s National Cyber League
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… Continue Reading MECC offers a free Quick Start to College class designed for individuals who have considered college, but have hesitated to enroll.
Zoom into the Fall Semester at MECC. Connect with an advisor any Tuesday via Zoom. To schedule an appointment, visit https://forms.gle/SxaTgm69wR2yF7YMA
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… Continue Reading MECC participates in the United Way of SWVA Careers Expo for Youth
MECC President Kristen Westover and UVA-Wise Chancellor Donna Henry have partnered to send a message to their campus and community: Wear Because You Care. Henry and Westover are asking residents to wear a mask, practice regular handwashing, and maintain social distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which is surging in our region. Doing… Continue Reading MECC President Kristen Westover and UVA-Wise Chancellor Donna Henry have partnered to send a message to their campus and community: Wear Because You Care.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College’s Capture the Flag team recently competed in a National Cyber League competition, ranking 60th nationally, with one member ranking in the top 15% of students. The team, which includes students Macarthur Inbody and Staci Fraley led by MECC Technology Director Ritchie Deel, is currently ranked 60th overall out of all… Continue Reading MECC Ranked 60th in National Cyber League Competition
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… Continue Reading MECC Receives $2.2M Federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant
Richmond – Mountain Empire Community College has received the prominent Gerald L. Baliles Rural Virginia Horseshoe Initiative Award from the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) to increase high school and college completion. The award was renamed to honor the legacy of Gerald L. Baliles, the 65th governor of Virginia, a native of rural… Continue Reading MECC Receives $43,200 Rural Virginia Horseshoe Initiative Award
BIG STONE GAP, Va. – Mountain Empire Community College announces the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected its unmanned aircraft systems courses for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Program, or the UAS-CTI. The FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. To qualify… Continue Reading MECC Selected for FAA Training Program
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… Continue Reading MECC Staff Producing Face Shields for Area Medical Personnel
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… Continue Reading MECC students earn five of top six scores at regional cybersecurity competition.
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… Continue Reading MECC Students Participate in Alternative Spring Break
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College and Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing will co-host the Manufacture Your Career event, an afternoon panel discussion highlighting the manufacturing sector and the career paths it offers. The event will be held Tuesday, March 16 beginning at 1:30 via Zoom. A panel discussion featuring professionals in different positions… Continue Reading MECC to Co-Host Manufacture Your Career Event
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… Continue Reading MECC to Hold Inauguration of College’s Seventh President
Big Stone Gap, VA – MECC will welcome more than 130 students to the 15th Annual Mountain Music School on campus July 22-26. MECC’s Mountain Music School is a week-long event dedicated to the preservation and continuation of Appalachian music and culture. Students from age 10 and up learn to play an instrument of their… Continue Reading MECC To Host 15th Annual Mountain Music School
Big Stone Gap, VA –Mountain Empire Community College is currently accepting applications for the 16th annual Mountain Music School, to be held at the Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia, July 26-30. MECC’s Mountain Music School is a week-long event dedicated to the preservation and continuation of Appalachian music and culture. Student’s age 10… Continue Reading MECC to Host 16th Mountain Music School
BIG STONE GAP — Mountain Empire Community College and The National Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education (EntreEd) are partnering to bring the ESTEAM Pitch Series to local middle- and high-school students. The live virtual event will take place on Wednesday, March 17 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST. The competition encourages students in the Appalachian… Continue Reading MECC to Host ESTEAM Competition for Entrepreneurial Education
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will host the first-ever Southwest Virginia Oral Health Summit, a virtual conference, on September 11 and 18. The Summit is designed for both community members and oral healthcare providers and will feature continuing education opportunities. Panelists will focus on dental health issues in rural Appalachia, including Virginia’s Medicaid expansion, links… Continue Reading MECC To Host First-Ever Southwest Virginia Oral Health Summit
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College is hosting a t-shirt design contest to celebrate the College’s upcoming 50th anniversary in 2022. MECC is seeking artwork to be used for t-shirts and marketing materials for this special milestone. The winning entry will receive a $200 cash prize and will be recognized at 50th anniversary… Continue Reading MECC To Host T-Shirt Design Contest
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will host a virtual Home Craft Days special event this weekend, paying tribute to past craft and food vendors, music performances, and cultural demonstrations. A two-hour virtual program will be broadcast Friday, October 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, October 17 at 10 a.m.… Continue Reading MECC to Host Virtual Home Craft Days Festival This Weekend
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College is partnering with Southwest Virginia, Virginia Highlands and Wytheville Community Colleges to offer a Virtual Transfer Fair on Wednesday, February 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Spring 2021 Virtual Transfer Fair will be held via Zoom teleconference. The purpose of the fair is to allow students,… Continue Reading MECC to Host Virtual Transfer Fair
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will issue an indoor mask mandate for all students, staff, and visitors on campus beginning Thursday, August 5, following CDC guidance and a mandate by the Virginia Community College System. “MECC is committed to the safety of our students, faculty, and staff in making safety-related decisions based… Continue Reading MECC to Issue Indoor Mask Mandate for Campus
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will offer Virginia G3 financial assistance this fall to eligible students seeking certifications and degrees that will lead to an in-demand job. G3 Scholarships cover tuition and fees for individuals who qualify for state financial aid, allowing students to gain the skills they need for a good… Continue Reading MECC To Offer Virginia G3 Scholarships
MECC’s Great Expectations program was awarded a $29,500 grant to provide personal computers and internet access for former foster youth enrolled in classes the 2020-2021 academic year. Great Expectations is an initiative of the Virginia Community College System dedicated to reducing barriers to postsecondary education for former foster youth and helping them transition successfully into… Continue Reading MECC to Provide Internet, Access to Laptops for Former Foster Youth
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will offer a variety of options for courses for the Fall 2020, with the majority of courses being offered online to protect the safety and welfare of students and staff. Programs such as Welding, Machining, Truck Driving, Construction, Engineering, and others that require face-to-face instruction will be configured for smaller class sizes to allow… Continue Reading MECC Will Offer Majority of Classes Online for Fall 2020
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will offer a variety of options for courses for Spring 2021, with most courses being offered online to protect the safety and welfare of students and staff. Programs such as Welding, Manufacturing, Commercial Driver’s Training (CDL), Construction, HVAC and others that require face-to-face instruction will be configured for smaller class sizes to… Continue Reading MECC Will Offer Majority of Classes Online for Spring 2021
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College’s Capture the Flag Cybersecurity team finished its season ranking 60th overall out of all Colleges and Universities in the nation and 21st in the Eastern Division. The team, which is comprised of students Macarthur Inbody and Staci Fraley, competed against 350 schools. MECC’s team ranked above larger schools in… Continue Reading MECC’s Cybersecurity Team Ranked 60th in Nation
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College has announced the 49th Annual Home Craft Days Festival will be held as a virtual video-cast celebration with on campus events cancelled in 2020 due to concerns related to COVID-19. The video-cast will feature current and past music performances, craft demonstrations, and vendor highlights. The College is adhering to… Continue Reading MECC’s Home Craft Days Goes Virtual for 2020
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… Continue Reading 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 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… Continue Reading MECC’s “Capture the Flag” (CTF) team has advanced to the final round of Radford University’s annual “RU Secure” national CTF competition.
BIG STONE GAP, Va. – Mountain Empire Community College’s “Capture the Flag” (CTF) team, comprised of cybersecurity students, has placed second out of all Virginia community colleges and 18th out of 185 teams in the nation at two recent competitive events. MECC’s CTF team for these events were students Macarthur Inbody (captain), Staci Fraley, Danielle… Continue Reading MECC’s Cybersecurity Teams Succeed on National Stage
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… Continue Reading Mountain Empire Community College to Host Trip to England, Ireland, & Scotland in 2020
BIG STONE GAP, Va. – Mountain Empire Community College will offer free online courses in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and geographic information systems (GIS) during its Summer 2020 semester. MECC, in partnership with Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development and its Community Development Block Grant program designed to bolster UAS training in Southwest Virginia,… Continue Reading Mountain Empire Community College to Offer Free Drone Operator/GIS Classes
Big 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… Continue Reading Mountain Empire Community College will hold a Career & Transfer Fair
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… Continue Reading Nominations Sought for 2019 MECC Outstanding Alumnus Award
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… Continue Reading Nominations Sought for 2020 MECC Outstanding Alumnus Award
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College is pleased to announce that Becki O’Quinn has been appointed as Business Advisor at MECC’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). MECC’s Small Business Development Center provides advising, training, and business resources for small businesses, to help grow the region’s economy. Most services are offered at no cost… Continue Reading O’Quinn Joins MECC’s Small Business Development Center
Mountain Empire Community College First Floor of Phillips – Taylor in The Goodloe Center 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Big Stone Gap, VA – Students impacted by COVID-19 now have until December 30, 2021 to apply for Re-Employing Virginians (REV) tuition assistance to attend Mountain Empire Community College. Governor Ralph Northam has extended the deadline, which was previously December 14, 2020, to appropriate $30 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES)… Continue Reading REV Funding Extended to Assist Students Enrolling at MECC
Norton, Va. — The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia today announced an innovative partnership with Secure Futures to provide commercial-scale solar installations in the coalfield region that are specifically designed to employ local workers. The initiative, “Securing Solar For Southwest Virginia,” will provide affordable solar solutions for businesses, nonprofits and local governments in the seven-county… Continue Reading Unique partnership in Appalachia will bring 10 megawatts of solar, new jobs to Southwest Virginia
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… Continue Reading Update on MECC preparations for COVID-19 outbreak
