Archive for category: Announcements

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 announces summer semester Merit List

The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College Merit List for the summer 2022 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: Matthew Turner and Timothy Widener.

APPALACHIA: Madison Ballard, Mason DeBoard, Dylan Grubb, Ricky Hamilton, Davis Miller, Harper Miller, Destiny Stidham, and Isabella Williams. 

BEE: Heather Owens.

BIG ROCK: Patricia McCoy.

BIG STONE GAP: Natasha Bowen, Emili Brooks, Christopher Chandler, Hannah Childress, Sophia Childress, Candace Christian, Kaylin Collins, Tamarah Davis, Jaiden Estep, Kiley Fannon, Angela Garrett, Kaylee Garrison, Preston Grimes, Chelsey Herron, Joshua Honeycutt, Kendall Lomax, Elizabeth Lovell, Jordan Mabe, Cheyenne Mitchell, Brayden Mosier, Destiny Pruitt, Hope Pruitt, Bryan Rambo, Trinity Stewart, Brennan Strong, Melinda Sullins, Mikhael Tabor, Alexis Tucker, Ashton Valdez, Jacob Villiard, and Carter Wells.

BIRCHLEAF: Jasmine Helton.

BLACKWATER: Katelyn Hobbs.

BLUEFIELD: Channing Mooney and Jonathan Tibbs.

BRISTOL: Katelin Sullivan.

CASTLEWOOD: Nathaniel Hardin, Katie Kilgore, Darla Mullins, and Mackenzie Slemp.

CEDAR BLUFF: Daniel Marney.

CHILHOWIE: Jason Shepherd.

CHURCH HILL, TN: Kevin Price.

CLINCHCO: Kristen Fleming, Kassidy Rasnick, and Kayla Taylor.   

CLINTWOOD: Julia Mcfall, Amy Mullins, Colten Mullins, Lakin Phipps, Kevin Rose, Madison Shortt, Ethan Smith, Trevor Smith, Abigail Stanley, and Savannah Zetino.

CLOSPLINT, KY: Amber Kelly.

COEBURN: Kayla Barnette, Hallie Blevins, Abbie Crutchfield, Adam Ketron, Amanda Love, Kadence Mullis, Taylor Owens, Tyler Ramos, Kayla Rose, Isaiah Sexton, Melanie Stevens, and Alexis Stidham.

DANTE: Rebecca Powers.

DRYDEN: Gavin Bledsoe, Gabriel Chester, Randy Kennedy, Kenneth Meade, Caitlyn Mitchell, Haylee Tignor, Mckenize Tyree, and Larry Yose.

DUFFIELD: Emilee Carlson, Dale Edwards, Randall Gunter, Kiarah Hamilton, Leylah Hamilton, Anna McCarthy, Preston McElyea, Oliver O’Hara, Grace Rhoton, Aaron Russell, Lindsey Seay, Kaleigh Sloan, Carson Stephens, and Sara Vincent.

EAST STONE GAP: Wesley Harris.

ELIZABETHTON, TN: Jonathan Pleasant.

EWING: Chelsea Wiggins.

FAIRMOUNT, GA: Kevin King.

FRONT ROYAL: Matthew Blacklock.

GALAX: Jeremiah Criner. 

GATE CITY: Megan Atwell, Jason Cox, Hannah Davidson, Amanda Faulkner, Anna-Grace Fraley, Madison Lane, Mariah Lane, Abigail McCully, Jonathan McDivitt, Scarlet Mcdivitt , Charles Oaks, Courtney Strong, Lauryn Thomas, and Sarah White.

HAYSI: Hunter Souleyrette, Lauren Woods, and Daniel Yates. 

HILTONS: Lydia Repko. 

JONESVILLE: Kelley Aldridge, Crystal Clawson, Alex Dean, Heriberto Donato, Billie Fleenor, Emma Fortner, Jordan Hampton, Brittany Jarnagin, Emma Morris, Michael Munsey, Madelyn Myers, Isabella Schwartz, Verda Skidmore, Jacob Stewart, Sara Thomas, Shonda Vaughn, and Chloe Willis. 

KINGSPORT, TN: Joseph Redmon and Ryan Mumpower.

MARION: Mariah Medina. 

McCLURE: Amy Thacker.

NICKELSVILLE: Amanda Compton and Corey Blodgett.

NORTON: Cameron Absher, Madison Adair, Shasta Adams, Carter Addison, Emily Campbell, David Castle, Madison Cox, Blake Hammonds, Michael Mullins, Maleeah Peters, Elizabeth Reynolds, Makayla Robinson, Jacqueline Rose, Christen Stallard, Victoria Stewart, Kylee Sturgill, and Jacey Taylor.

PENNINGTON GAP: Joshua Bishop, Parker Edgar, Lexie Fritz, Kristy Kilbourne, Cera Kimberlin, Preston McKnight, Rhett Robbins, Rebekah Tabor, Kelsie Vandergriff, Willow Wilder, and Austin Wells.   

PINEY FLATS, TN: Kayla Nichols. 

POUND: Logan Boggs, Vidhya Boggs, Drake Brock, Randall Carter, Joshua Hayes, Bethani Kiser, Ashley Moore, and Lindsey Strange.

POUNDING MILL: Brian Triplett. 

PULASKI: Kaitlin Smith.

ROSE HILL: Rachel Glass, Hunter Graham, Britney Hensley, Zander Lowe, Danton Saylor, and Shannon Saylor.

ROWE: Joseph Boyd.

ST. PAUL: Zoe Gullett and Anna Robinson.

TAZEWELL: Michelle Alley.

VANSANT: Andrea Oquinn.

WEBER CITY: Brooke-Lynn Cooper, Abbigale Hammonds, and Matthew Stewart. 

WINCHESTER: Jay Perry. 

WISE: Keely Balthis , Buffy Bell, Peyton Bennett, Nathan Carter, Angela Clark, Kenley Eisenmenger, JoAnna Hayes, Jacob Hughes, Veronica Hylton, Tyler Kegley, Emily Kirk, Grace Ludwikowski, Austin Miller, Courtney Miniard, Aaron Mullins, Melody Mullins, Waleed Pathan, Ethan Presley, Raven Rhodes, Billy Sparks, Nicole Sturgill, Brandon Turner, Ashleigh Wampler, and Stephanie Whitfield.

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 2022 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:  Mark Thompson and Gracee Mabe.      

CLINTWOOD:  Dustin Hammons and Jonathan Isom.

COEBURN:  Jacob Greear and Sadie Hammond. 

DRYDEN:  Christopher Arnold, Tanner Begley, and Joseph Parsons.   

ST. CHARLES: Emily Webb.

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 2022 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: Brendan Kern, Dakota Parsons, Fallon Fox, and Michael Hughes.

CASTLEWOOD: Peyton Couch and Hunter Hicks.

CLINTWOOD: Matthew Boggs and Kelly McPeek. 

COEBURN: Kathryn Justice, Hayden Lawson, Konstance Miller, and Chloe Powers.          

DRYDEN: Haley Skidmore.

DUFFIELD: Courtney Napier.

GATE CITY: Francisco Cabrera, Isaac Quillen, Luke Reed, and Hiram Ward.       

HAYSI: Ashton Counts.

JONESVILLE: Brennon Chance.              

MARTINSVILLE: Mandy Muse..             

NORA: Troy Mullins.

NORTON: Kelsey Lawson 

PENNINGTON GAP: Keaston Bishop and Zane Eisenmenger.

ROSE HILL: Justin Pittman.

ST. PAUL: Christopher Carlos.

WISE: Alysa Crabtree, Matthew Rasnick, and Cody Thacker. 

Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College is pleased to announce that four of the college’s applied engineering degree programs have been awarded national accreditation from the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).

ATMAE is recognized as a premier accreditor of technology programs in colleges, universities, and technical institutes. Accreditation ensures that MECC’s programs meet current industry standards. Accreditation also affirms that MECC students are prepared to enter the workforce in their perspective fields. Finally, accreditation provides MECC staff opportunities to engage in professional development that builds on their current knowledge and practice in management, technology, and applied engineering.

The following MECC degree options were accredited by ATMAE for four years:

• Computer Aided Drafting & Design Technology
• Applied Sciences in Technical Studies, Welding
• Computer Manufacturing Technology, Electromechanical Technology
• Computer Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Electronics

A team of ATMAE representatives visited MECC in fall 2015 to review MECC’s degree program standards, staff teaching practices, and student learning resources. Based on a two-day in-person review and submitted documentation of program curriculum and industry partnerships, the college received notification of the accreditation award in December 2015.

“ATMAE is a third-party validation of our applied engineering programs that is recognized on a national level. It is important for our programs to be nationally accredited by the industry because it demonstrates that our curriculum is up to date and meets the requirements of today’s employer,” said Tommy Clements, Dean of Applied Science and Technology.  

MECC’s Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology program introduces students to architectural and mechanical design preparing them to work in mechanical, architectural, structural steel, and civil engineering drafting and design fields. MECC students utilize CADD operations extensively, along with Micro-Station PC, AutoCAD, and 3D software.

MECC’s Applied Science in Welding trains students with the skills necessary to enter employment as apprentice welders in the manufacturing, construction, and mining fields. Course work includes a strong emphasis in welding technology with related courses in computer applications, quality control, teamwork, and communication.

MECC’s Computerized Manufacturing Technology, Electromechanical Technology Specialization program trains students in electrical, electronic, and mechanical components of manufacturing systems. Emphasis is on programmable logic controllers, motor controls, piping systems, process controls, and valves and related components. Computer skills and teamwork are also emphasized. Developed in cooperation with Eastman Chemical Company, the program enables qualified students to secure an apprenticeship with Eastman Chemical Company while completing their degree program.

The Computerized Manufacturing Technology Industrial Electronics Specialization program is designed to prepare students for
employment as electronic technicians, electronic equipment repairers, quality assurance technicians, computer repair technicians, process control technicians, engineering technicians and manufacturing technicians. While the primary emphasis of the degree focuses on the industrial and manufacturing areas, many graduates find employment in the health and service sectors as electronic or computer technicians. Course work includes a strong emphasis in the computer technology field including how to interface, upgrade, and repair computer related equipment and systems.

For more information on ATMAE accreditation, visit www.ATMAE.org. For more information on MECC’s applied engineering programs, contact Tommy Clements, Dean of Applied Sciences and Technology at 276.523.2400 ext. 431 or visit www.mecc.edu/programs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Big Stone Gap, VA — Mountain Empire Community College is mourning the loss of a longtime employee, Sue Ella Boatright-Wells. Sue Ella served as the college’s Dean of Workforce Development.

Sue Ella was a dedicated community servant. She was a member and past chair of the Scott County Rotary Club and was a board member for Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Round the Mountain, and Pro Art. She served on the Southwest Virginia Leadership Academy Steering Committee, Crooked Road Traditional Music Education Program, Papa Joe Smiddy Festival Committee, and the Community Advisory Committee for WMMT Radio at Appalshop. In 2015, she was awarded the Virginia Community College System Community Service Award by VCCS Chancellor Glenn DuBois.

“She loved Mountain Empire Community College and was the driving force behind both Home Craft Days and the Mountain Music School,” said MECC President Dr. Scott Hamilton. “Her leadership and guidance helped these important college events grow and prosper.”

The Home Craft Days Festival, held annually the third weekend in October, has served as an integral part of MECC’s longstanding commitment to promoting and preserving the rich musical and cultural heritage of Southwest Virginia. Established in 1972, the festival features more than 200 musicians and artisans from throughout Southwest Virginia, East Tennessee, and Eastern Kentucky and draws at least 10,000 visitors to the MECC campus.

Through her interactions with musicians throughout the region, Boatright-Wells established the MECC’s Mountain Music School in 2004. This unique educational program offers opportunities for students age ten and older to experience traditional Appalachian old-time music in a fun, enriching, and supportive environment.

Sue Ella, along with friend Ron Short, developed the school to address a growing concern that traditional mountain music was not being passed down to the youth of Southwest Virginia. Today, the school has grown to include more than 170 students, many of whom travel from throughout the country and even internationally to participate. Sue Ella was able to see the conclusion of her beloved Mountain Music School last Friday and the final concert, dedicated to her, was live-streamed so she could watch from home.

To further expand traditional music education in Southwest Virginia, Boatright-Wells worked with school divisions throughout the region to establish the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program. The after-school program has allowed hundreds of students to learn the music, traditions, and heritage of our mountain culture.

“Sue Ella has been a venerable member of the chief workforce officers group for years, offering both history and perspective to us all,” said Virginia Community College System Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development Services Dr. Craig Herndon. “She was admired for her knowledge and for her kindness. She also had a passion for serving her community. This was clear in her zest for workforce development as well in her tireless work to support and promote the richness and beauty of Appalachian culture.”

A scholarship has been established honoring Sue Ella Boatright-Wells’ legacy which will support scholarships for Mountain Music School students. For more information, or to donate, please contact the MECC Foundation at 276.523.2400 ext. 466 or visit www.meccfoundation.org.

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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

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.

Mountain Empire Community College has been notified that an employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee is self-isolated, according to CDC and local public health guidelines. Contact tracing is being coordinated through the local health department in conjunction with the college. Those persons who may have come into close contact with the positive case are notified directly by the Health Department and given further instructions to prevent the spread.

MECC will continue with previously scheduled classes and classes will continue as they have this semester.  There is no change to the staff schedules and access to the campus as a part of this notification.

As part the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) requirements for all colleges and universities, Mountain Empire Community College is required to send this initial Emergency Notification to students and employees of a positive COVID-19 case(s) on campus. 

With the increase in COVID-19 cases in our local community and state, MECC would like to remind students and staff to continue to practice healthy habits:

• Practice social distancing by putting at least 6 feet between yourself and others, including covering your  mouth and nose with a cloth face covering, especially in public places where 6 feet of separation is not feasible.
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Clean and then disinfect frequently used surfaces.
• Cover coughs/sneezes with a tissue or inside of your elbow.
• Monitor your health for symptoms and stay home if you’re sick.

COVID-19 affects all age groups – even college-aged students – and the social distancing guidelines, including wearing face coverings when around others, are to protect yourself and care for others as well.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control, the LENOWISCO Health District.

Mountain Empire Community College will offer off-campus enrollment, or Mobile Enroll, this August at locations in Wise, Lee, Scott, and Dickenson County. Individuals interested in applying for admission to MECC this fall, obtaining financial aid, or who want to learn more about MECC’s programs are encouraged to visit the MECC Mobile Enroll van. Mobile Enroll will be located at the Food City parking lot in Big Stone Gap on Monday, August 10, from 10 a.m. to noon and in the parking lot near Cumberland Automotive in Pennington Gap from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. On Wednesday, August 12, Mobile Enroll will be stationed at the Sleep Inn Suites parking lot in Clintwood from 10 a.m. to noon and the Food City parking lot in Wise from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. On Friday, August 14, Mobile Enroll will be in Gate City at the Social Services parking lot from 10 a.m. to noon and at the Dollar General parking lot in Duffield from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information on MECC’s Mobile Enroll, contact Willie Price at 276.523.2400 ext. 321 or email wprice@mecc.edu.

Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will offer off-campus enrollment, or Mobile Enroll, this spring at locations in Wise, Dickenson, and Scott County. Individuals interested in applying for admission to MECC in Summer and Fall 2016, obtaining financial aid, or who want to learn more about MECC’s programs are encouraged to visit the MECC Mobile Enroll van. On Tuesday, April 12, Mobile Enroll will be located at the Clintwood Sleep Inn parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and at the Wise Food City parking lot from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  On Thursday, April 14, Mobile Enroll will be located at the Pennington Gap Food City parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the Duffield Food Country parking lot from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. On Friday, May 6 Mobile Enroll will be stationed at the Weber City Food City parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information on MECC’s Mobile Enroll, contact MECC Recruiter Todd Clendenon at 276.523.7434 or email tclendenon@mecc.edu.

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Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will offer off-campus enrollment, or Mobile Enroll, this fall at locations in Wise, Dickenson, Lee, and Scott County. Individuals interested in applying for admission to MECC in spring 2017, obtaining financial aid, or who want to learn more about MECC’s programs are encouraged to visit the MECC Mobile Enroll van. On Thursday, December 8, Mobile Enroll will be located at the Clintwood Sleep Inn parking lot from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the Wise Food City parking lot from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. On Wednesday, December 14, Mobile Enroll will be at the Duffield Food Country parking lot from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and at the Pennington Gap Food City parking lot from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. On Thursday, December 15, Mobile Enroll will be at the Weber City Food City parking lot from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and at the Big Stone Gap Food City parking lot from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information on MECC’s Mobile Enroll, contact MECC Recruiter Todd Clendenon at 276.523.7434 or email tclendenon@mecc.edu.

-MECC-

Big 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-

Big Stone Gap — The MECC Foundation will launch the MECC Promise program, guaranteeing all high school graduates in our service region tuition-free community college beginning with the Class of 2023.

As part of MECC’s 50th-anniversary recognition, the MECC Advisory and Foundation Boards set a goal in 2022 to raise enough funding to support up to two -years of tuition coverage for high school graduates in Lee, Dickenson, Scott, Wise, and the city of Norton.
“The MECC Promise is intended to assist the students who have plans to enroll in community college post-high school, or those that go directly to employment,” said MECC President Dr. Kristen Westover. “While we need workers, SWVA needs skilled workers. Obtaining a skill set that leads to beyond entry-level employment is critical for our residents.”

In April 2022, the members of the Genan Foundation of Charlottesville, visited MECC to tour the campus and learn more about the college’s workforce initiative. MECC staff requested Genan Foundation’s support to raise educational attainment rates in southwest Virginia, which are about 20% below the state average.

In August 2022, the Genan Foundation announced a $750,000 gift to kick off the MECC Promise program, citing MECC’s commitment to building a skilled, trained workforce in the region. MECC President Kristen Westover and MECC Foundation Executive Director Amy Greear visited each local county’s Board of Supervisors and the Norton City Council to request additional support to secure program funding beyond 2023.

To qualify, students must:

•  Maintain a 2.0 for each semester and cumulative GPA and be continuously enrolled, full-time
• Meet Virginia in-state domicile requirements, reside in the service region, and able to provide proof of residency
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit all required documentation by August 1 annually. (May 1 for Summer enrollment)
• Complete the MECC Foundation Scholarship application by August 1 annually. (May 1 for Summer enrollment)
• Enroll by the Fall semester immediately after high school graduation.

This is a last-dollar scholarship for tuition only – federal and state aid and additional scholarships will be applied first.

Located in Big Stone Gap, MECC is celebrating its 50th year serving students in Wise, Lee, Scott, and Dickenson Counties and the city of Norton. MECC serves more than 1,300 full-time students and more than 3,000 part-time or non-credit students in a variety of academic and career-technical programs. Learn more about MECC’s Promise Program at www.mecc.edu/promise.

For more information on the promise program, please contact the MECC Office of Public Relations, at 276-523-2400.

Big Stone Gap, VA __ The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation will host the MECC Alumni and Friends Reunion to be held on Saturday, November 12, at 6 p.m. in the Goodloe Center of Phillips-Taylor Hall on the MECC campus.

“Come Home to MECC” is the theme of the evening featuring receptions and a concert by Pound, Virginia native Kaitlyn Baker, and opening band, Scratch River Telegraph Company from Wise. This free event is open to all alumni and college friends and is an opportunity to connect with friends, former classmates, and faculty.

There is no fee to attend, but guests are asked to register for the event on the MECC Foundation website, www.meccfoundation.org. Seating for the concert is limited to 400 and once all tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, the event will be sold out.

Kaitlyn Baker’s music reflects the beauty of the mountains and the ruggedness of the coal mining culture in which she was raised. Indeed, this 21-year-old singer/songwriter has been referred to as a new “coal miner’s daughter.” Kaitlyn Baker recently produced a video of her song “Heart of Appalachia,” which is being used to promote tourism and economic development in southwest Virginia. Her ballad “Coal Train,” which was inspired by her hometown, was included in the official 2015 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards ZinePak, alongside tracks by such superstars as Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Florida-Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and others. The 2-CD compilation debuted at #4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart and remained in the Top 10 for three consecutive weeks.

Scratch River Telegraph Company will open the concert. The band performs rock ‘n’ roll music, but also draws inspiration and musical elements from blues, folk, rockabilly, and country. The band has shared the stage with acts such as The Delta Saints, The Steepwater Band, Wayne Graham, Red County Gospel, The Rickshaw Roadshow, and Folk Soul Revival, among many others. They have been a part of music festivals including the Gentlemen of the Road Stopover, the Blue Plum Festival in Johnson City, Tennessee, and the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.

MECC is pleased to host these popular local artists for this first-ever event. Appreciation is expressed to Norton Community Hospital for helping sponsor the event receptions.

For more information about the MECC Alumni and Friends Reunion, call or e-mail Jeri Bledsoe at 276.523.2400, extension 287, or e-mail at jbledsoe@mecc.edu.

Big Stone Gap, VA — The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation will induct Mr. Ben E. Allen into its Hall of Honor at the 2017 spring Gala to be held on campus Saturday, May 20, at 6 p.m. Mr. Allen will be recognized for his many years of exemplary service to Mountain Empire Community College and to the region.

The MECC Foundation Hall of Honor was created in 2001 to recognize citizens who have made significant contributions to the area or to the development of Mountain Empire Community College. Mr. Allen began his service on the MECC Foundation Board of Directors in July 1996, and he has served continuously since that time, serving as Chair of the Board in 2006 and 2007. He was made an Emeritus member in July of 2001.

In addition to Mr. Allen’s service to Mountain Empire Community College, he is a leader in service to his community, having served on the Boards of Lenowisco Planning District Commission, the Wise County Industrial Development Authority, Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital, Wellmont Foundation, Big Stone Gap Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and Holston Home for Children, among others.

Mr. Allen served on the Big Stone Gap Town Council during the 70s and again in the 90s, and served as Mayor of Big Stone Gap twice. He has been a member of the Big Stone Gap Lions Club since 1960, and served a President twice.

Mr. Allen was President and General Manager of Southwest Oil Company for over 40 years. Upon retirement from that organization, he served as promoter of Lonesome Pine Raceway, and he, along with Ken Crowder and his son, Mike, has hosted Pigskin Picks, a popular weekly radio sports show, for the last 17 years. Mr. Allen has also served South-West Insurance Company in a public relations capacity for over 20 years. He was the public address announcer for Powell Valley football for four decades. He has been a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for over 50 years, and has served on various church committees.

Mr. Allen has worked tirelessly to make our region a better place to live. He truly cares about others, and he is a friend to all.

The 2017 Gala theme is “You’ve Got a Friend in Ben.”  The evening will begin with a reception in the Slemp Commons of Phillips-Taylor Hall at 6 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner in the Goodloe Center at 6:45 p.m. A short recognition program will follow dinner, and musical entertainment by The Virginians will top off the evening.

Proceeds from the event will establish the Ben E. Allen Hall of Honor Opportunity Fund, an unrestricted fund that will allow the resources to be used where they are needed most.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit www.meccfoundation.org for more information.

Tickets to the May 20 Gala are $75 each and may be purchased by calling Jeri Bledsoe at (276) 523-2400, ext. 287, or by e-mailing her at jbledsoe@mecc.edu. Tickets may be purchased or donations made online by going to the MECC Foundation website, www.meccfoundation.org and selecting the “Make a Gift” button.  When completing the information, the form will ask for “Gift Instructions.”  Please specify that the funds are for Gala Tickets, or Gala Donation, or Gala Sponsor, as the case may be.

Donations may also be mailed to MECC Foundation, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA, 24219, Please make checks payable to MECC Foundation and indicate in the memo section of your check “Ben E. Allen Hall of Honor Opportunity Fund.”

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

-MECC Foundation-

Big Stone Gap, VA — The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to announce the availability for the Food City/Friends of Coal Scholarship for Coal Industry Impacted Students for the spring 2017 semester. 

Earlier this year, Food City and Friends of Coal of Pikeville/COA partnered to design special commemorative reusable shopping bags, sold on Earth Day 2016.  Each bag was filled with valuable Food City exclusive brand merchandise and retailed for $10.00 plus tax.  100% of the proceeds from the bag sales were presented to local colleges to provide scholarships for displaced miners, their spouse or their children wishing to continue their education. 

The total amount of funds available at Mountain Empire Community College is $5,250.00 to support seven (7) $750.00 scholarships. 

To be eligible for consideration a student must:

• Be a Virginia resident
• A current/former employee of the coal industry (documentation required)
• A dependent spouse or child of a current/former employee of the coal industry (documentation required)
• Enrolled Spring semester 2017 for credit courses
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 if enrolled prior to Spring 2017.
• Have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Priority consideration for these scholarships will be for students enrolled full-time who need assistance with tuition and fees.

Please visit www.mecc.edu/scholarships to print and complete the scholarship application. 

The deadline for consideration is Friday, February 3, 2017.  Please submit all applications and required documentation to the Financial Aid office.

For more information on the MECC Foundation visit www.meccfoundation.org or call 276.523.2400 ext. 466.

-MECC FOUNDATION-

Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College Foundation has announced that $9.5M has been raised in a three-year capital campaign supporting increased student success and developing a highly skilled workforce for the region’s new economy.

More than 1,200 individuals participated in the “Building for the Future” Campaign, which exceeded the Foundation’s initial fundraising goal by $500,000. College faculty and staff, along with MECC Foundation Board members, celebrated the close of the campaign during an event at the college on Wednesday, November 16.

“The college thanks our generous donors, the campaign’s leaders, and all of the members of the MECC Foundation Board of Directors for making this campaign a success,” stated Dr. Scott Hamilton, President of MECC. “The new opportunities resulting from this campaign are already enhancing our student’s success and their preparation for employment.”

In January 2013, the MECC Foundation Board of Directors launched a $9 million major gifts campaign to secure current and planned gifts for MECC’S strategic priorities, including scholarships, expanded support for student success and outreach programs, and new investment in academic programs that had the potential for diversifying and strengthening the local economy.  

Bob Isaac served as Campaign Chair, and Leton H. Harding, Jr. as Vice-Chair.  Nancey Smith, one of the trustees of the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation, was named the campaign’s Honorary Chair. 

In 2014, a bequest of $4 million was received from the estate of the late Carol Buchanan that created a new unrestricted endowment. In addition, the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation provided a lead gift of $2 million to create a new unrestricted endowment, leverage other gifts, and help launch the campaign. Almost $6.7M in the gifts or pledges were made for unrestricted purposes.  An additional $2M was given or pledged for scholarships.  Over $50,000 was contributed for student success endowments. 

Campaign investments have already enabled:

• two new full-time Career Coaches and one continuing part-time coach to serve high school students with career and post-secondary education planning;
• the Great Expectations Program to continue supporting the success of MECC students who were formerly in foster care;
• $1,000 incentives to be offered to adults who have completed a GED, but have not previously pursued post-secondary education;
• a new state-of-the art health care simulation laboratory has been created, equipped, and is being used for instruction;
• investment in the college’s manufacturing and cybersecurity training programs have increased and other funding has been leveraged;
• the college is increasing funding for scholarships and emergency assistance now and into the future.

To achieve the goal of increasing investment in academic programs to diversify and strengthen the local economy, the MECC Foundation secured grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission ($100,000) and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission ($442,309) to enable the college to create a health care simulation laboratory.

Wednesday’s celebration included the dedication for the health care simulation lab located in Robb Hall.  The lab will enable health care students in practical and registered nursing, respiratory therapy, physical therapy and other related programs to receive state-of-the art, real-world training in a variety of medical situations. Prior to the simulation lab addition, MECC students were required to travel to more than an hour to Virginia Highlands Community College to complete the same type of training.

For more information on the MECC Foundation visit www.meccfoundation.org or call 276.523.2400 ext. 466.

-MECC FOUNDATION-

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. Their fundraising efforts were matched with a $5,000 gift by the Slemp Foundation, creating an endowment for scholarships for Union High School students.

The Slemp Foundation provides funding to improve the health, education and welfare of Lee and Wise County Virginia residents or their descendants and has awarded more than $38 million in scholarships. The MECC Foundation supports the mission of Mountain Empire Community College, raising funds to support student scholarships, programming and infrastructure, and community cultural and arts events on the MECC campus.

Angela Honeycutt, president of the Appalachia Alumni Association, noted how this gift will keep the legacy of Appalachia High School alive through future Union High School students. “On behalf of the AHS Alumni Association, we are so grateful for the matching donation by the Slemp Foundation. This Scholarship will help keep the spirit of the Appalachia Bulldogs alive while honoring our past and looking toward the future. This scholarship will benefit many students for years to come which will help carry on the legacy of Appalachia High,” Honeycutt said.

“The Slemp Foundation is pleased to be able to participate in the educational pursuits of the students of Lee and Wise Counties through the Appalachia Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund,” said Slemp Foundation Trustee James Smith. “It is through the foresight of C. Bascom Slemp that we are able to continue to provide for the betterment of the citizens and descendants of the citizens of Lee and Wise Counties.”

The MECC Foundation is continuing to raise funds to support the Appalachia Alumni Endowed Scholarship. Gifts may be made to the MECC Foundation, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, Virginia, 24219 or online at www.meccfoundation.org/give. Please write “Appalachia Alumni Scholarship” on the check memo. For questions or additional information, please contact the MECC Foundation office at 276-523-7466.

Big Stone Gap, VA – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation will honor the late Mr. Ken Gilley and Mrs. Thelma Sorah Gilley at the annual Hall of Honor Gala on Saturday evening, April 21, 2018.

The gala theme is “Music of the Mountains,” and proceeds from the event will benefit the Gilley-Sorah Hall of Honor Mountain Music School Endowed Scholarship at MECC. Mountain Music School, held annually during the summer, draws many local and out-of-state students to the one-week program that carries on the rich musical heritage of our region.

The Gilleys will be recognized for their support of Mountain Empire Community College and their service to the region. They have been strong proponents of higher education in southwest Virginia, providing financial support to MECC. The Gilleys have created two scholarships, the William Kenneth Gilley Memorial Scholarship for Mountain Music School, and the Gilley-Sorah Endowed Scholarship, which was created along with their son, Michael, and Thelma’s sister, Shirley Walborn. Additionally, Mrs. Gilley was involved in establishing the East Stone Gap Tigers Scholarship at MECC.

The Gilleys were also active in civic organizations and volunteered in the community. Mr. Gilley worked for Norfolk Southern Railway for 41 years, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners. Mrs. Gilley worked for the Virginia Division of Mines in Big Stone Gap, the Social Security Office in Norton, and retired from the Department of Labor as supervisor of the Black Lung Office in Norton. She also served as a negotiator for the local AFL-CIO. After their retirement, the Gilleys enjoyed taking classes at MECC and especially enjoyed participating in Mountain Music School.

The evening will begin with a reception in the Slemp Commons of Phillips-Taylor Hall at 6 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner in the Goodloe Center at 6:45 p.m. A short recognition program will follow dinner, and musical entertainment by mountain music artists and bands will follow. Musicians will include Mountain Music School instructors, Chris Rose, Richard Phillips, Steve Souther, Joey O’Quinn, Sarah Kate Morgan, and Larry Mullins.  The evening will also feature some Mountain Music School students.

Event sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit www.meccfoundation.org for more information.

Tickets to the April 21 Gala event are $75 each and may be purchased by calling the MECC Foundation office at 276-523-7466 or by visiting the MECC Foundation website at http://www.meccfoundation.org/mecc-foundation-gala/.

Tickets may also be purchased by mail by sending a check to MECC Foundation, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA, 24219, Please make checks payable to MECC Foundation and indicate in the memo section of your check “Gilley-Sorah Hall of Honor Mountain Music School Scholarship.”

If you have questions, or need additional information about the event, please contact the MECC Foundation Office at 276-523-7466, or e-mail Jeri Bledsoe at jbledsoe@mecc.edu.

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 Lonesome Pine Short Story Contest and the 14th Annual Lonesome Pine Poetry Contest.

Individuals interested in obtaining guidelines for submitting short story and poetry contest entries should contact Brandi McAfee in the MECC Foundation Office at (276) 523-7466. The deadline for submitting entries is Wednesday, February 28 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.meccfoundation.org.  Winners of the contest will be announced during the Literary Festival Event.

Sharyn McCrumb is an award-winning Southern writer, best known for her Appalachian “Ballad” novels, set in the North Carolina/Tennessee mountains, including the New York Times Best Sellers: The Ballad of Tom Dooley, She Walks These Hills and The Rosewood Casket. Her current novel The Unquiet Grave is a well-researched history of West Virginia’s Greenbrier Ghost.

In 2014, Sharyn McCrumb was awarded the Mary Frances Hobson Prize for Southern Literature by North Carolina’s Chowan University. Named a “Virginia Woman of History” in 2008 for Achievement in Literature, she was a guest author at the National Festival of the Book in Washington, D.C. in 2006. In April 2017, the national DAR named her a “Woman in the Arts” for literary achievement. In November 2017, the West Virginia Library Association presented Sharyn McCrumb with their Award of Merit for Contributions to Appalachian Literature.

McCrumb’s other honors include: AWA Outstanding Contribution to Appalachian Literature Award; the Chaffin Award for Southern Literature; the Plattner Award for Short Story; and AWA’s Best Appalachian Novel. She was named “Best Mountain Writer 2013” by Blue Ridge Country Magazine. A graduate of UNC- Chapel Hill, with an M.A. in English from Virginia Tech, McCrumb was the first writer-in-residence at King College in Tennessee. In 2005, she was honored as the Writer of the Year at Emory & Henry College.

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 $23 per person and reservations can be made by calling the MECC Foundation office at 276.523.7466.

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

-MECC Foundation-