The MECC Foundation has opened a new scholarship in memory of longtime MECC Foundation and MECC Advisory Board Member Bob Isaac. Isaac passed away August 14, 2021. Bob Isaac was one of Mountain Empire Community College’s strongest supporters for over three decades. He was elected to the MECC Foundation Board of Directors in 1982 and served on… Continue Reading MECC Foundation Announces Robert and Dorothy S. Isaac Scholarship
Big Stone Gap — Roger Daugherty, a longtime MECC Foundation Board member and the originator of the Buccaneer Scholarship Fund, has been named the MECC 2021 Hall of Honor Recipient. For the second year, MECC’s Annual Hall of Honor Gala was cancelled due to concerns of COVID-19 spread in the region. However, Daugherty is being… Continue Reading MECC Foundation Announces Scholarship Honoring Roger Daugherty
After careful consideration, the MECC Foundation is postponing our August 28 Scott County Endowed Scholarship event until spring 2022. With a spike in COVID cases in our area, the CDC designating our service region as having a high or substantially high transmission risk, and respecting our regional health care system, the MECC Foundation feels it is best to… Continue Reading MECC Foundation is postponing August 28 Scott County Endowed Scholarship event until spring 2022
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… Continue Reading MECC Foundation Raises $100,000 to Support Scott County Students
Big Stone Gap — Members of the Slemp Foundation have provided a matching gift to the Mountain Empire Community College Foundation in support of the newly established Appalachia Alumni Endowed Scholarship at Mountain Empire Community College. The Appalachia Alumni Association raised more than $5,000 to support a scholarship for Union High School students at MECC.… Continue Reading MECC Foundation Receives Matching Grant for Appalachia Alumni Endowed Scholarship
Big Stone Gap, VA —The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is seeking nominees for the 2021 Outstanding Alumnus Award. The award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to one or more areas of society, i.e., professional, academic, or personal achievements, civic service, or service to MECC. All living MECC alumni who have completed at least one class at MECC… Continue Reading MECC Foundation Seeking Outstanding Alumnus
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,… Continue Reading MECC Foundation to Host “Diamonds and Denim” Event Supporting Scott County Scholarships
Big Stone Gap, VA — The MECC Foundation is pleased to announce the 42nd annual John Fox, Jr. Literary Festival, featuring a presentation by guest author Sharyn McCrumb, on Wednesday, March 21 at 10 a.m.in the Goodloe Center of Phillips-Taylor Hall. In coordination with the festival event, the MECC Foundation will host the 31st Annual… Continue Reading MECC Foundation to Host 42nd 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… Continue Reading 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 is pleased to announce the 47th annual John Fox, Jr. Literary Festival, featuring New York Times bestselling author Silas House, Wednesday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. The festival is free and open to the public. In coordination with the festival event, the MECC Foundation will… Continue Reading MECC Foundation to Host 47th Annual John Fox, Jr. Literary Festival: Featuring NY Times Best Selling Author Silas House
Big Stone Gap, VA — The MECC Foundation is pleased to announce the 48th annual John Fox, Jr. Literary Festival. The event will feature authors Adriana Trigiani and Barbara Kingsolver, Wednesday, April 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. The festival is free and open to the public. In coordination with the festival event, the MECC… Continue Reading MECC Foundation to Host 48th Annual John Fox, Jr. Literary Festival Featuring the Origin Project with Barbara Kingsolver and Adriana Trigiani
Hiltons, VA – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation will host Grammy-nominated, 2020 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year and Grand Ole Opry Stars, Sister Sadie, for the 2021 Diamonds and Denim Event. Diamonds and Denim will be held Saturday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the beautiful Crooked River Farm in… Continue Reading MECC Foundation To Host Annual Scott County Scholarship Fundraiser
Hiltons, VA – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation will host Grammy-nominated, 2021 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year and Grand Ole Opry Stars, Sister Sadie, for the 2022 Diamonds and Denim Event. Diamonds and Denim will be held Saturday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the beautiful Crooked River Farm in… Continue Reading MECC Foundation To Host Annual Scott County Scholarship Fundraiser
Big Stone Gap — One lucky golfer will go home with a $500 cash prize, and other great prizes will be awarded, as well, at the Auto World – MECC Golf Classic on Friday, June 4, at Lonesome Pine Country Club with proceeds benefitting the scholarship program at Mountain Empire Community College. All players hitting… Continue Reading MECC Foundation to Host Auto World – MECC Golf Classic
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… Continue Reading MECC Foundation to Host Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers in Clintwood
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,… Continue Reading MECC Foundation to Host Lee County Endowed Scholarship Valentine’s Dinner
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
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College will host the college’s annual Home Craft Days Festival, October 21-23, featuring the unique music, crafts, food, and artistry of the Appalachian region. The 51st Home Craft Days Festival will feature two full days of concerts, craft vendors, and demonstrations of weaving, pottery making, grist milling,… Continue Reading MECC Hosts 51st 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
MECC is making a few changes to our Home Craft Days annual Friday night reception and Saturday morning Donor Recognition Breakfast in light of COVID-19 concerns. The annual donor breakfast has been cancelled due to COVID 19 spread and the inability to host the early morning event outdoors. However, the Friday night reception will be… Continue Reading MECC is making a few changes to our Home Craft Days annual Friday night reception and Saturday morning Donor Recognition Breakfast in light of COVID-19 concerns.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will kick off its 50th anniversary celebration on Friday, October 1 with a picnic commemorating the initial groundbreaking of the Big Stone Gap campus. The picnic, to be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Phillips Taylor Hall’s Goodloe Center, will feature a special video highlighting the… Continue Reading MECC Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Celebration
BIG STONE GAP, Va. – Mountain Empire Community College has been accredited jointly by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (or CAE-CD). The accreditation is awarded only to U.S. four-year and two-year colleges that demonstrate a proven ability to deliver… Continue Reading MECC Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the NSA, Homeland Security
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.
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 — Police officers are trained to serve in multiple roles – as law enforcement personnel, counselors, and supervisors. However, most law enforcement training programs do not devote the time to train officers on how to serve as effective leaders within their organization and community. Nearly 20 years ago, Mountain Empire Community… Continue Reading MECC Professor Robert England recognized the need to develop stronger leadership skills in new and veteran law enforcement officers.
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 – Mountain Empire Community College has received a $439,669 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) grant to provide training and support services for individuals identified as in recovery from addiction. Project Amelioration Expansion, or Am-Ex, will build on an existing Project Amelioration grant which has provided free… Continue Reading MECC Receives Appalachian Regional Commission Grant To Support Individuals Recovering from Substance Use Disorder
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College has received a $887,676 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to create and deliver a career studies certificate program in Health Information Technology (HIT) Data Analytics. The HIT Data Analytics program is designed for health professionals… Continue Reading MECC Receives Federal Grant to launch Health Information Technology Data Analytics Certificate Program
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College (MECC), in coordination with Komatsu and its manufacturing facility in Duffield, Virginia, will launch a new precision machining program thanks to a $419,732 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. The grant, which was announced in October 2022, will also provide for the expansion of the… Continue Reading MECC Receives Grant for New Machining Program, Expansion of CDL Training
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
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College is proud to announce that student Fallon Fox has been named the 2022 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar for Virginia. Fallon was the top scoring student in the All-USA Academic Team Competition for the Commonwealth. This special award, which includes a $1,250 scholarship is sponsored by the… Continue Reading MECC Student Fallon Fox Earns Top Score, National Scholarship
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… 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
