MECC Foundation Seeking Outstanding Alumnus
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 are eligible to be nominated and considered for the award. Self-nominations are also welcome. Current members of the MECC Local Advisory and Foundation Boards of Directors, current faculty and staff of the college, and members of the MECC Alumni and Friends Advisory Committee are not eligible to receive the award.
Nominations can be made online at the MECC website, www.mecc.edu under the Alumni & Friends tab at the top. Those needing a paper copy of the Nomination Form should contact Jeri Bledsoe at 276-523-2400, extension 640287. There is no limit to the number of nominations that one may submit. All entries must be submitted by April 15, 2021. A subcommittee of the MECC Alumni Advisory Committee will select the winner of the award.
2007 MECC Graduate Elisha Oakes was named 2020 Outstanding MECC Alumnus. She is currently an Assistant Public Defender with the Macomb County Public Defender’s Office. Previously, she was a solo law practitioner with her business located in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan.
Ms. Oakes has devoted her practice to criminal defense and family law cases. She received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from Mountain Empire Community College in 2007 and her Associate Degree in General Studies in 2008. She continued her education at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She was awarded her Juris Doctor degree from The Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2013 and completed her Master of Laws (LLM) in 2014.
For the past four years Elisha has served on the Young Lawyers Executive Council for the State Bar of Michigan, and she is also a member of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan.
MECC Earns 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School Designation
Big Stone Gap, VA — Mountain Empire Community College is honored to receive the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School designation.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 schools participated in the 2021-2022 survey with 747 earning the designation.
MECC provides veterans with specialized support services including academic advising, counseling, and support. Lena Grace, a 30-year MECC staff member, serves as the college’s Veteran’s Coordinator. The college hosts a Student Veterans of America Club, which is engaged in several community and campus activities throughout the year.
Final ratings for the 2021 Military Friendly® School designation were determined by combining the institution’s survey response set and government/agency public data sources, within a logic based scoring assessment. MECC met key thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
“MECC is fortunate to serve our nation’s best and brightest, veterans that bring diverse experiences and skills to the college campus,” said Lena Grace, MECC’s Veterans Affairs Officer. “The college not only supports veterans with personalized advising and financial aid assistance, but also creates a community where veterans can encourage one another in reaching their educational and career goals.”
For more information about MECC’s student veteran programs, visit www.mecc.edu/veterans.
The 2021-2022 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
MECC to Host Virtual Transfer Fair
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, alumni, and other individuals interested in gaining information from various institutions the opportunity to do so in one place. Representatives from more than 30 institutions will share program options, scholarship opportunities and requirements for transferring.
Participants are encouraged to meet with several institutions to ensure they make the best decision when it comes to their transfer education. To register for the event visit: www.mecc.edu/transfer. The website also provides information about the institutions currently registered to attend.
For more information on MECC’s Transfer Services, please contact Beth Boggs, Career & Transfer Counselor, at 276-523-2400 ext. 324.
MECC to Host ESTEAM Competition for Entrepreneurial Education
BIG STONE GAP — Mountain Empire Community College and The National Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education (EntreEd) are partnering to bring the ESTEAM Pitch Series to local middle- and high-school students.
The live virtual event will take place on Wednesday, March 17 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST. The competition encourages students in the Appalachian region to develop and pitch ideas for business development, emphasizing the development of creativity and entrepreneurial innovation.
“At EntreEd, our goal is entrepreneurship education for every student. Our vision for this ESTEAM Pitch Series is to encourage the entrepreneurial creativity of students across Appalachia. We know there are great ideas just waiting to be brought forward, and we want this ARC POWER-funded initiative to be an engaging activity that will encourage teachers and students to develop and pitch those ideas in a competitive environment. As the region begins to recover from the hardships brought on by the pandemic, there will be a great need for entrepreneurial thinking and new ideas. Let’s get started here and now,” said EntreEd’s Executive Director, Dr. Gene Coulson.
Eligible teams include middle- and high-school students within Lee, Wise, Buchanan, and Dickenson counties. To compete, a team must have a minimum of two students and a teacher identified. Instructors must declare Intent to Compete by January 31. Each competition will have two rounds. Round 1, due February 17, 2021 includes a Business Model Canvas submission and a 90-second elevator pitch. Upon internal review, 10 teams will be invited to compete in Round 2, March 17, a live pitch via Zoom to a panel of local judges. Student teams can earn up to $1,000 for their idea, and students aren’t the only winners! The three top teams will also receive $500 for their classroom.
The ESTEAM Pitch Series is an initiative of EntreEd’s Fostering Self ESTEAM in Appalachia’s Emerging Workforce project, funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. The project helps middle and high school programs in a seven-state region infuse Entrepreneurship into academic classrooms with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) initiatives. To learn more about the project and the ESTEAM Pitch Series, contact Amber Ravenscroft, ESTEAM Project Director, at aravenscroft@edvgroup.org
REV Funding Extended to Assist Students Enrolling at MECC
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) Act dollars as part of the new REV initiative. The program provides scholarships to eligible individuals to enroll in a workforce or community college in five essential industries, including health care, information technology, skilled trades, public safety, and early childhood education.
MECC will receive more than $782,000 to assist residents of Lee, Wise, Scott, and Dickenson Counties and the city of Norton who are interested or are currently enrolled in high demand fields and have been impacted by COVID-19. MECC students as well as those considering enrollment, who are unemployed and underemployed, are eligible for a training voucher to pay for the cost of enrolling in a high-demand workforce education program.
To receive a voucher, individuals must self-certify that (1) they are a Virginia resident (2) received unemployment benefits on or after August 1, 2020 or that they are working in a part-time job with an hourly wage under $15 after losing a full-time job due to COVID-19 and (3) enroll in an eligible program before December 30, 2021. Students and interested individuals who want more information related to eligible career paths and financial assistance are encouraged to visit www.mecc.edu/rev.
Those enrolling at MECC choosing short-term workforce training would receive up to $1,500 applied to their student account. Those choosing to pursue a career studies certificate, or an associate degree would receive up to $1,500 as a part-time student or up to $3,000 as a full-time student, which would cover the full cost of tuition for one year.
For more information on MECC’s REV program, please visit www.mecc.edu/rev or call MECC’s Office of Enrollment Services at 276.523.2400 ext. 474.
MECC Basic Construction Class Assisting in Appalachia Downtown Revitalization Effort
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.
-MECC-
Governor Ralph Northam today announced that eHealth Technologies, Inc., a provider of medical record and image retrieval and clinical intelligence services, will invest $375,000 to establish a new customer support center in Scott County. This initiative will create 160 new jobs.
Mountain Empire Community College, along with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Scott County, InvestSWVA, and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission are collaborators in the project Governor Northam approved a New Company Incentive Program grant of $626,500, which will be provided by the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund (COF). Eligible companies that meet statutory investment and employment requirements in traded sector industries looking to establish a new presence in Virginia are offered potential access to the COF as part of the New Company Incentive Program. eHealth Technologies represents the first company in Virginia to benefit from the New Company Incentive Program.
“The growth of telehealth during the pandemic has created an increased demand for companies like eHealth Technologies that provide innovative solutions to streamline health information and enhance patient care,” said Governor Northam. “Southwest Virginia is proactively working with its higher education partners to equip the workforce with 21st-century skills, and this announcement is a reflection of that progress. We thank eHealth Technologies for creating 160 new jobs in Scott County, and stand ready to support their success as they work to deliver much-needed services to hospital systems and healthcare organizations across the nation.”
eHealth Technologies is a leading provider of clinical information services for recently diagnosed, chronically ill patients needing to be admitted for hospital care on an expedited basis in the United States. Headquartered in Rochester, New York, with employees worldwide, eHealth Technologies serves more than half of the nation’s top 100 hospitals, including 17 of the top 20 U.S. News & World Report 2020-2021 Honor Roll Hospitals. eHealth Technologies enables institutions to reduce the time from referral to first appointment by as much as 80 percent. The company’s eHealth Connect® platform offers the easiest and fastest way to get a patient’s external records, images, and pathology slides in the hands of the clinical team. By opening a site in Virginia, eHealth Technologies will further diversify its operations and create system redundancies to benefit its customers.
“Scott County and Southwest Virginia are committed to providing the infrastructure and workforce to ensure that tech companies like eHealth Technologies can succeed,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “This great project is evidence of the growing trend of global businesses diversifying operations in lower-cost regions, and we are confident that eHealth Technologies will thrive in Southwest Virginia.”
“This expansion in Southwest Virginia is the right next step in our strategic growth plan,” said Jeff Markin, CEO of eHealth Technologies. “We appreciate the support received from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission-backed InvestSWVA team, and we are excited to grow our partnerships around the Commonwealth of Virginia. This Scott County expansion will enable eHealth Technologies to strengthen our focus on helping the clinicians we serve get seamless access to the healthcare information they need—when they need it—for the benefit of patients receiving critical care.”
In 2019, Virginia-based Aldrich Capital Partners became the parent company of eHealth Technologies, providing support for business expansion and development. Aldrich Capital Partners supports disruptive innovation in healthcare IT, fintech, and application software by investing equity capital in privately held growing companies. Founded by serial entrepreneurs and investors, Aldrich Capital brings its portfolio companies strategic guidance and a broad set of relationships that enable them to reach their growth potential. Aldrich Capital is committed to supporting entrepreneurs in geographies outside traditional investment hot spots, where Aldrich believes fundamentally sound businesses can be built and communities can be positively impacted.
“eHealth Technologies will be a game changer for talent development in Southwest Virginia,” said Dr. Kris Westover, President of Mountain Empire Community College. “Mountain Empire Community College has a successful track record of preparing the region’s workforce for careers in health information management, and we are proud to partner with eHealth Technologies on developing a well-trained workforce that will ensure the highest level of customer service and, ultimately, patient care.”
“During strategic planning sessions with the executive team at eHealth Technologies, we identified the need to open a new office location to support our ambitious growth goals,” said Mirza Baig, Founding Partner of Aldrich Capital Partners. “We evaluated numerous options and are proud to announce Southwest Virginia will be home to our fourth ACP site in the state. After investments in Richmond-based Paymerang and Hampton Roads-based Decisions.com, we are looking forward to building multiple, world-class teams in Virginia.”
The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $94,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project, and eHealth Technologies is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development.
“Scott County is ready to play a key role in eHealth Technologies’ strategic growth plan,” said Danny Mann, Chairman of the Scott County Board of Supervisors. “We appreciate being part of a team effort over the last year to attract eHealth Technologies to Southwest Virginia as it expands its operation and continues to deliver top-notch service to hospital systems across the country.”
“We are proud to welcome eHealth Technologies to our county and the region,” said Roger Fraysier, Chairman of the Scott County Economic Development Authority. “The company’s healthcare focus and patient-driven mission will be an asset to the region, and our workforce is ready to meet the demands of these well-paying jobs. Thanks to our partners who assisted us in making this expansion a reality.”
“I welcome the arrival of eHealth Technologies in Scott County,” said Congressman Morgan Griffith. “As a provider of medical record services to hospitals nationwide and in Virginia, eHealth Technologies will deliver new employment opportunities for our region’s workers. Its choice to locate in Scott County indicates the economic advantages our region offers.”
“eHealth Technologies’ decision to expand its operation to Southwest Virginia underscores the region’s strategic advantages and the strength of our workforce,” said Delegate Terry Kilgore, Chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. “We are proud to have worked along with InvestSWVA and Mountain Empire Community College to guide eHealth Technologies leadership over the last year to ensure they selected Scott County for this key expansion. This project demonstrates that Southwest Virginia is a location of choice for companies looking to diversify their operations.”
“eHealth Technologies has made a strategic decision to expand its worldwide operation in Southwest Virginia,” said Senator Todd Pillion. “Our workforce, particularly in health information management, is second to none. I am proud that our legislative delegation and InvestSWVA team took the lead in advising eHealth Technologies’ leadership to invest in our community and our people. The company’s mission and patient-driven work makes this announcement a proud moment for the region.”
For more information on MECC’s eHealth partnership or health information management training, contact Dr. Vickie Ratliff, or Instructors Nora Blankenbecler, Jane Jones or Sabrina Ward at 276-523-2400.
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.
MECC Announces Re-Employing Virginians Funding
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College will receive more than $782,000 to assist residents of Lee, Wise, Scott, and Dickenson Counties and the city of Norton who are interested or are currently enrolled in high demand fields and have been impacted by COVID-19.
Governor Ralph Northam announced Friday that Virginia is allocating $30 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars as part of the new Re-Employing Virginians (REV) initiative which will provide scholarships to eligible individuals to enroll in a workforce or community college program in five essential industries, including health care, information technology, skilled trades, public safety, and early childhood education.
For a limited time, MECC students as well as those considering enrollment, who are unemployed and underemployed, are eligible for a training voucher to pay for the cost of enrolling in a high-demand workforce education program. To receive a voucher, individuals must self-certify that (1) they are a Virginia resident (2) received unemployment benefits on or after August 1, 2020 or that they are working in a part-time job with an hourly wage under $15 after losing a full-time job due to COVID-19 and (3) enroll in an eligible program before December 14, 2020. Students and interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.mecc.edu/rev. For more information related to eligible career paths and financial assistance.
Those enrolling at MECC choosing short-term workforce training would receive up to $1500 applied to their student account. Those choosing to pursue a career studies certificate, or an associate degree would receive up to $1,500 as a part-time student or up to $3,000 as a full-time student, which would cover the full cost of tuition for one year.
Dr. Kristen Westover, MECC President said, “Statistics show that those with less education were hit hardest by COVID-19 job losses. This is an incredible opportunity for individuals whose jobs have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The certification process is quick and simple. For anyone who is unemployed or working part time making less than $15 an hour because of COVID-19, it is a great opportunity to receive education and training that may provide more job security in the future.”
“If you have lost your job, or seen a reduction in your hours and paycheck, Virginia’s community colleges want to help you,” said Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. “The REV initiative offers you another way into the short-term credential and degree programs that prepare you for a high-demand career. These opportunities will be more affordable than ever before thanks to these grants, and we look forward to helping individuals and families who want to move forward, beyond the unexpected challenges posed by the pandemic.”
For more information on MECC’s REV program, please visit www.mecc.edu/rev or call MECC’s Office of Enrollment Services at 276.523.2400 ext. 474.
O’Quinn Joins MECC’s Small Business Development Center
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 to Virginia residents.
Services for new and existing small businesses include business planning, funding services and capital formation, marketing strategies, financial and strategic advices. New businesses can receive help in developing a business plan, financial projections, licensing and regulatory information and product development.
Ms. O’Quinn formerly served as a Program Director for the University of Virginia’s College at Wise for the last eight years, leading the SWVA Ag Expo, SWVA Economic Forum, Rally SWVA and SWVA Rise Emerging Leadership Program, among other events and programs. Becki also served as Director of the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center in Lebanon, Virginia before moving into the program director role.
O’Quinn holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Public Administration from UVA-Wise. Before joining UVA Wise she served as Vice President of Customer Relations for SouthEast Telephone in Pikeville, KY.
O’Quinn resides in Hiltons, Virginia with her husband, Donald. Together they enjoy a family of five children, five grandchildren and their labradoodle, Mel.
For more information on MECC’s Small Business Development Center, contact O’Quinn at 276-964-7345 or by email at boquinn@mecc.edu.
MECC to Host Virtual Home Craft Days Festival This Weekend
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will host a virtual Home Craft Days special event this weekend, paying tribute to past craft and food vendors, music performances, and cultural demonstrations.
A two-hour virtual program will be broadcast Friday, October 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, October 17 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The program will be available for view on www.mecc.edu/youtube/, www.facebook.com/mountainempirecollege, and Comcast Channel 6. Recordings will be available following the initial broadcast.
The College is also pleased to share this year’s virtual festival to an even broader audience through Project Southwest, a streaming video production of Blue Ridge PBS. Through this venue, the 49th annual HCD event will be available throughout the year, with additional footage of the traditional music and crafts you will find at the 50th anniversary of the festival in 2021.
The 49th Home Craft Days Festival virtual program is hosted by Tyler Hughes and Todd Meade, long time Home Craft Days volunteers, and will feature new and old music performances dating back to the original Home Craft Days’ event in 1971. Current performers highlighted include the Childress Sisters, Rich Kirby, and Eric McMurray.
Additional craft demonstrators featured in the program include Ganell Marshall, Mark Ramsey, Maurice Vanhook, and members of the Mountain Tradition Woodcarvers. Youth re-enactors from the Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Association demonstrate 18th Century frontier games and Dr. Harriette Arrington shares a story with festival viewers.
In addition, MECC will present the first in a series of history lectures developed by the college. The program will feature local historian Dr. Lawrence Fleenor and will focus on Chief Benge. That program will also be featured on Saturday, October 17 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the college’s youtube and facebook channel, listed above.
MECC plans to host the 50th anniversary of the Home Craft Days Festival on campus in October 2021. The event is planned to be the biggest celebration yet.
For more information, please contact Home Craft Days Festival Director Mike Gilley at 276-523-2400 ext. 304 or visit the festival website
MECC Announces Free Redbud Tree Distribution
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College, in partnership with the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association, and the state parks in Southwest Virginia, will offer a redbud tree giveaway in October in coordination with the College’s 2020 Home Craft Days Virtual Festival.
Approximately 2,500 trees are available for distribution at no cost at three Southwest Virginia state parks and MECC by student and staff members of the MECC Environment Club. Distribution will be on a first-come, first serve basis and there a limit to 10 trees per community member Anyone picking up a tree during the distribution event is required to wear a mask and adhere to State Park COVID-19 guidelines.
The distribution will be held at the following times and locations:
- Tuesday, October 13 – Wilderness Road State Park from 10 am. to 2 p.m. in the Visitor Center
- Wednesday, October 14 – Natural Tunnel State Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Visitor Center
- Thursday, October 15 – Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the lawn of museum
- Friday, October 16 – MECC Campus (Parking Lot B by Solar panels) from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information on the MECC Environmental Club Tree Distribution, please contact Rosa Cooke, MECC Water/Wastewater Associate Professor, at 276-523-2400.
MECC Will Offer Majority of Classes Online for Spring 2021
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will offer a variety of options for courses for Spring 2021, with most courses being offered online to protect the safety and welfare of students and staff.
Programs such as Welding, Manufacturing, Commercial Driver’s Training (CDL), Construction, HVAC and others that require face-to-face instruction will be configured for smaller class sizes to allow for social distancing. Additional cleaning and sanitizing protocols will be implemented in these classrooms.
For students enrolled in health programs, such as Practical and Registered Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and others, the College will ensure that students have the necessary safety equipment (Personal Protective Equipment-PPE) to complete coursework and practicums.
All courses will have some online content, others will be entirely online, and some will be a combination of in-person and online (hybrid offerings).
In-person advising sessions will be held at the college to support students wanting to enroll, or who need assistance with advising and financial aid. A schedule for these sessions will be announced at a later date.
“The college is prepared to continue our current academic and training platforms, both online and in person, for Spring 2021. Services at the college will continue to be offered remotely to protect the safety and welfare of our students, staff and community, “ said Dr. Kristen Westover, MECC President.
MECC will continue to support online learners, including assessment of online learning readiness, career exploration, tutoring, advising, online testing, etc. in a virtual format. In some instances, for face-to-face courses, this may require a modified schedule to address safety concerns and comply with safety requirements.
Online courses will be offered in various formats. Some online courses, which are synchronous offerings, are structured to meet at specific times on tools like Zoom, just like a traditional in-person class, so students can engage with their instructor and classmates together. Others offer a chance to learn material at one’s own pace to complete assignments or take exams by specific deadlines in faculty-facilitated courses, or asynchronous offerings.
For more information regarding Spring 2021 course scheduling options, or to apply to enroll, please call 276.523.2400 or visit the MECC’s website at www.mecc.edu
MECC Student Tests Positive for COVID-19
Mountain Empire Community College has been notified that a student has tested positive for COVID-19. The student 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.
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 the community 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.
Unique partnership in Appalachia will bring 10 megawatts of solar, new jobs to Southwest Virginia
Norton, Va. — The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia today announced an innovative partnership with Secure Futures to provide commercial-scale solar installations in the coalfield region that are specifically designed to employ local workers. The initiative, “Securing Solar For Southwest Virginia,” will provide affordable solar solutions for businesses, nonprofits and local governments in the seven-county region, while building local workforce skills and opportunities for well-paying jobs in the growing solar energy sector.
The announcement comes at a critical time in Southwest Virginia, which was already economically stressed from the coal industry’s decline prior to the current Covid-driven recession. Additionally, today is the first day of the annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum, where the idea for the Solar Workgroup began in 2015. Since then, the workgroup has boosted enthusiasm for solar energy in the historic coalfield region and laid the groundwork to grow solar development through public outreach, research, training and policy. Last year, eight Southwest Virginia communities achieved national recognition through SolSmart designation for their initiatives to encourage growth of the local solar market.
The new solar partnership — an alliance of nonprofit, state government, educational and private sector entities that is unique in the Central Appalachia region — will take these efforts to the next level. The partners are working to achieve significant goals over the next three years, including the construction of 10 megawatts of solar in the coalfield region by the end of 2023, and the creation of 15 new, full-time jobs in solar construction, sales and marketing, entrepreneurship and small business development.
“Secure Futures brings innovative solutions for solar customers and a track record of excellent customer service to the partnership,” said Chelsea Barnes, New Economy Program Manager for Appalachian Voices, a co-convener of the workgroup. “We are excited to work with a team so dedicated to ensuring that the economic benefits of the solar industry come to Southwest Virginia.”
“We applaud the Solar Workgroup for seeking to bring solar jobs into the region, offering well-paying jobs in a rapidly growing industry that falls into the category of essential services in today’s pandemic environment,” said Tony Smith, CEO of Secure Futures, based in Staunton, Va. “In order to help ensure that these jobs come to Southwest Virginia, we need to work collaboratively with the incumbent electric utilities — including APCo, Old Dominion Power and Powell Valley Electric Cooperative — to apply the standards and expectations of the 2019 Electric Co-op Net Metering legislation and the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act. Key to our work will be solar Power Purchase Agreements and net metering solutions for commercial-scale customers.”
Secure Futures will provide start-up funds for Lonesome Pine Solar and hire a Southwest-Virginia-based project coordinator. Additionally, Secure Futures is awarding a $50,000 grant to Mountain Empire Community College to fund solar installation apprenticeships and faculty mentoring. Lonesome Pine Solar will employ graduates of the college’s programs and provide the installation services for the partnership’s projects.
“Mountain Empire Community College is excited about the partnership and opportunity to bring more solar installation projects to our service region,” said Dr. Kristen Westover, president of MECC. “The partnership will provide MECC’s Energy Technology program students and graduates with incredible new hands-on opportunities in solar installation.”
Securing Solar For Southwest Virginia builds on the established partnership between Secure Futures and Lonesome Pine Solar, LLC, headquartered in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.
“I’m pleased and honored to join this innovative business model to establish local solar power businesses where none currently exist,” said Glen “Skip” Skinner, president and manager of Lonesome Pine Solar. “In partnership with Mountain Empire Community College, Lonesome Pine Solar hopes to help students move from the academic world to applying their knowledge and skills developed to become gainfully employed in the solar industry, a new economy for Southwest Virginia.”
“This partnership directly contributes to our Clean Energy Virginia efforts. While we continue to advance the renewable energy portfolio to meet the goals outlined in the Virginia Clean Economy Act, organizations like the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia play a vital role in fostering these opportunities,” said John Warren, director of the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. “DMME is glad to be a part of this group to also identify workforce development needs and help to create new jobs in the clean energy marketplace.”
“This innovative and strategic collaboration promises to accelerate solar development across our region and wouldn’t be possible without coordination among private sector, education, nonprofit and government partners. This partnership will provide building owners a real opportunity to leverage the advantages of solar while supporting and growing the local economy,” said Bryan Phipps, vice president and chief development officer at People Inc., a co-convener of the workgroup.
Nonprofits, businesses and local governments interested in installing solar sign up for an initial consultation, register for an interested building owner webinar on September 30, and find more information at swvasolar.org/securing-solar. Individuals interested in potential training opportunities with Mountain Empire Community College and Lonesome Pine Solar can sign up for future announcements at the same link.
Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia
The Solar Workgroup is comprised of nonprofit and community action agencies, colleges, state agencies, planning district commissions, and other interested citizens and businesses seeking to develop a renewable energy industry cluster in the coalfield counties of Virginia. The Workgroup is co-convened by the UVA-Wise Office of Economic Development & Engagement, People Inc., and Appalachian Voices, with facilitation from Dialogue + Design Associates.
As a market and policy leader, Secure Futures builds, owns, manages and funds affordable Resilient Solar Solutions® for hospitals, schools and businesses. The company combines state-of–the-art solar technology with an innovative business model to make commercial scale solar readily affordable in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, helping customers to realize the economic, environmental, and community benefits of solar energy. In 2017, Secure Futures became a Certified B Corporation®.
MECC Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
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.
MECC Receives $43,200 Rural Virginia Horseshoe Initiative Award
Richmond – Mountain Empire Community College has received the prominent Gerald L. Baliles Rural Virginia Horseshoe Initiative Award from the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) to increase high school and college completion.
The award was renamed to honor the legacy of Gerald L. Baliles, the 65th governor of Virginia, a native of rural Patrick County and a forward-thinking leader. Baliles worked to ensure that all Virginians had access to education and training.
MECC’s award will support the placement of five part-time career navigators at Union High School, J.I. Burton High School, Eastside High School, Central High School, Gate City High School, Twin Springs High School, Rye Cove High School, Ridgeview High School, Lee High School and Thomas Walker High School.
Career Navigators work with high school students to prepare them for college entry, including career counseling, enrollment and financial aid assistance, and academic advising.
The Gerald L. Baliles Rural Virginia Horseshoe Initiative (RVHI) Award aimed to reduce the number of rural residents without a high school diploma from 1 in 5 to 1 in 10, and to increase the number of rural residents with an associate’s degree, diploma, or certificate from 26% to 52%.
To date, RVHI has provided more than $10 million in direct and matching funding toward achieving these goals. Significant outcomes indicate that the population of the RVHI region aged 25 and over without a high school degree has decreased by 4.2% and those with at least an associate’s degree has increased by 4.0%.
“This award will allow MECC to provide valuable career navigation services at the ten high schools across MECC’s service region, offering numerous support services to students in preparing for college and post-secondary training,” said Dr. Kristen Westover, President of Mountain Empire Community College.
There were 13 awards made by the VFCCE through a competitive application process, including MECC, Southwest Virginia Community College, and Virginia Highlands Community College.
The mission of the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education is to build student success and the Commonwealth’s future by supporting its 23 community colleges through:
• Workforce Development – Enabling students to build skills through scholarships and awards
• Coaching – Supporting adult learners, foster youth, and the youth of rural and urban regions
• Fellowships – Providing leadership development and community service opportunities
• Access & Affordability – Assisting with accessibility and basic student needs
• Accelerator Funds – Growing existing programs and developing new programs
• Flexible Funds – Fueling innovation, incubation, and advocacy
For more information, please visit www.vfcce.org.
MECC To Host First-Ever Southwest Virginia Oral Health Summit
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 between oral and systemic health, public health trends, a regional opioid epidemic, and the current dental workforce and future recruitment needs.
The conference will be a two-part series, held on Friday, September 11 from 9 a.m. to noon, and again on Friday, September 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission is free, but registration is required. Registration for the event is available at tinyurl.com/OralHealthSummitCE.
Through a partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University, eight hours of Continuing Education credits will be available for $25 per participant. Sponsors for the event include Dentaquest Partnership, Anthem Health-Keepers, Lenowisco Planning District Commission, University of Virginia’s College at Wise Healthy Appalachia Institute, Mountain Empire Community College, and the Mountain Empire Community College Foundation.
“For decades, the Appalachian area has faced many dental related stereotypes and challenges. The Lenowisco Planning District, along with UVA-Wise and Mountain Empire Community College, want to highlight success stories in our region. We also hope to create a networking opportunity among community members, fostering a platform for growth and expansion of dental care,” says Dr. Emily Bowen, Dental Assistant Program Director for MECC.
The keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Omar Abubaker, DMD. Dr. Abubaker has been on the Faculty at VCU School of Dentistry and VCU Medical Center since 1991, and he currently serves as Chairman of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. After the tragic loss of his youngest son to an opioid overdose, Dr. Abubaker became involved with education and research in the field of addiction and pain management.
Dr. Abubaker has appeared with numerous state and national organizations on these topics over the past two years, and quickly rose to the forefront of addiction specialists. Because of his personal connection to the opioid epidemic, he champions reform among prescribers in the dental field, changing the curriculum at medical and dental schools across the country. Dr. Abubaker holds a Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies from the International Program in Addiction Studies which is jointly housed in Virginia Commonwealth University, The University of Adelaide, Australia, and Kings College London, England.
Mary Otto is a Washington Post journalist who began writing about oral health, focusing on social issues, including health care and poverty. She is also the author of Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America, an NPR Best Book of 2017. Otto continues to write about health and social issues as a freelance writer for the Post, as a contributing writer for an online publication for oral health professionals called DrBicuspid.com, and as the editor of Street Sense, a newspaper produced and sold by homeless men and women in Washington, DC.
Emilie Bonovitch, RDH, will speak on recent COVID developments and the impact those new restrictions on dental clinicians. Making a comparison between the historic AIDS crisis and the Bloodborne Pathogen Universal Protocols that were derived from that, the dental industry expects COVID restrictions to reformat the respiratory and infection control standards again. Bonovitch has served as a dental hygienist in the Greater Richmond, Virginia area for the last six years. She has represented the state of Virginia as a delegate to ADHA’s House of Delegates for the last four years. Most recently, she completed a term as President of the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association (VDHA) and is now serving an extended term as Immediate Past President.
“The planning committee has worked diligently to prepare an agenda packed with distinguished speakers covering a broad spectrum of topics relevant to our area. Although this event was originally scheduled as an on-campus forum, current circumstances lead us to a transition this to a virtual conference; however, we hope it may work to our advantage to ultimately reach a larger audience,” added Bowen.
For more information on the event, please contact Dr. Emily Bowen at 276-523-2400×760 or by email at ebowen@mecc.edu.
MECC Selected for FAA Training Program
BIG STONE GAP, Va. – Mountain Empire Community College announces the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected its unmanned aircraft systems courses for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Program, or the UAS-CTI.
The FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. To qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associates degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration or certificate in UAS. Schools must provide a curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety and federal policies concerning UAS.
With its UAS-CTI membership, MECC can assure its students that the UAS training it offers abides by FAA-mandated standards. “The FAA UAS-CTI program will ensure those trained in commercial UAS applications at MECC are receiving a program that meets FAA performance standards for faculty and instruction,” said MECC President Dr. Kristen Westover, “and that is part of MECC’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge programs that meet high industry standards.”
MECC began offering UAS classes in 2015, and currently offers a Small UAS Operations Technical Studies associate degree program and two Career Studies certificate programs in the field of Smart Farming, which is the study of how modern technology can address agricultural challenges. In addition, the college holds a 94 percent pass rate for all MECC students who take the FAA’s Small Pilot Certificate test—a credential legally required for those who wish to operate drones for commercial purposes.
MECC lead UAS instructor Fred Coeburn, who primarily developed the college’s UAS curriculum, believes that the diverse training offered by the program is one of its strongest attributes.
“Our unmanned systems training focuses on photogrammetry, mapping, infrastructure inspection, thermal plant health, and yield studies along with automated plant seeding and spraying.” Coeburn also noted that it is MECC’s priority to make sure its UAS students are trained “in all phases of mission planning, execution, data processing, equipment purchasing and systems repair.”
MECC currently offers six UAS classes, with class availability varying with each semester. For the Fall 2020 semester, there are currently three UAS classes scheduled to be offered in-person on MECC’s main campus.
Those interested in learning more about the UAS program can visit www.mecc.edu/drone.
MECC Announces Spring Semester Honor’s List, Merit List & President’s List
The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College Honor’s List for the spring 2020 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: Ethan Church, Nathaniel Herron, Katherine Kelly, and Christian Worley.
BIG STONE GAP: Erin Austin, Tyler Bowen, Lakeisha Calhoun, Madison Childress, Caitlyn Clymer, Emily Cooper, Christina Gibson, Jacob Goodman, Sydney Hall, Billy McMillan, Zachary Mullins, Samantha Owens, Jacinta Peak, Larissa Phillips, Joshua Price, Elizabeth Rock, Franklyn Santos, Crystal Sexton, Rylie Spears, Michael Storie, and Jared Sullivan.
BIRCHLEAF: Raegan Rasnick and Kayla Taylor.
BRISTOL: Alyssia Moss and Isabella Pippin.
CHURCH HILL, TN: Haylee Tignor.
CLINTWOOD: Shauna Counts, James Crabtree, Dustin Fannon, Max Fletcher, Tiffany French, Brian Jackson, Harley Mullins, Kaylee Mullins, and Kody Whitt..
COEBURN: Connor Blevins, Sarah Burke, Caleb Carico, Linda Cochran, Stephanie Fraley, Savannah Hill, Jaylen Mullins, Tiffany Robinson, Thomas Salyer, and Kevin Smith.
DRYDEN: Mackenzie Dinsmore, Hannah Phillips, Hannah Reasor, and Ethan Wynn.
DUFFIELD: Morgan Baker, Caitlyn Cox, Caitlin Goins, MacKenzie Hall, Grace Isbel, Katie Salling, Kayla Senior, and Jacob Stanley.
DUNGANNON: Natalie Adams, Danielle Brickey, and Lauryn McCoy.
EAST STONE GAP: Raven Cantrell and Nathaniel Cheek.
FT. BLACKMORE: Lindsey Gibson.
GATE CITY: Faith Church, Kadmiel Gardner, Kinslee Hammonds, Kaley Jenkins, Ryan Lark, Caroline Musick, Rebekah Owens, Andrew Pendleton, Rachel Reid, and Alexa Summers.
HAYSI: Jacob Deel, Nolan Lamkin, Lindsey McReynolds, and Shellby Rose.
HILTONS: Reagan Bartley and Jacob Strong.
JONESVILLE: Caleb Coleman, Bronwen Fischer, Jordan Hampton, Jonah Hilton, Noah Middleton, Callie Perkins, Madison Phipps, Andrew Sanders, Brooklyn Warner, and John Wright.
KEOKEE: Linsey Pennington and Emily Whisman.
KINGSPORT, TN: Baylie Jones, D’Andre Mack, and Elisabeth Roberts.
NICKELSVILLE: Deborah Ben-Saleck, Macarthur Inbody, Frank Miano, Aaron Shelton, and Summer Smith.
NORTON: William Bolling, Allison Brady, Haley Brummitt, Brittany Cress, Akyssa Hollinger, William Maggard, Sydney Phillips, Emily Trent, and Sydney Wells.
PENNINGTON GAP: Cameron Byington, Jeremy Cosby, Walker Feck, Zachary Shelburne, Matthew Spears, and Alexander Stafford.
POUND: Samantha Austin, Tristan Craiger, Alivia Elkins, Lanie Riley, and Lauren Roop.
ROSE HILL: Colee Cottrell, Brian Humphrey, and Dawson Lee.
ST.PAUL: Lacey Murphy.
STONEGA: Kimberly Jones.
VANSANT: Abygail Eason.
VIRGINIA BEACH: Patrick Fisher.
WEBER CITY: Tapanga Gillenwater and Seth Lucas.
WISE: Sarah Aguinaga, Buffy Bell, Kinsley Davis, Ericka Fisher, John Hines, Tyler Hopkins, Brittany McConnell, Courtney Miniard, Haylea Mullins, Peyton Rogers, and Jason Stine.
The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College Merit List for the spring 2020 semester. Students are eligible for the Merit List if they have at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.2 to 3.49 during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades, and part-time students who have between 6-11 credits and a GPA of 3.2 or higher during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades.
APPALACHIA: Kenneth Brooks, Katlyn Collins, Gabriel Dillon-Harlow, John Fields, Kaileb Johnson, Nancy Marion, Mary Meade, Chloe Mooneyhan, Ethan Roberts, Emily Rogers, Chantarae Shepard, Ashley Thomas, and Thomas Turner.
BEN HUR: Lynn Miles.
BIG STONE GAP: Jesse Austin, Kathy Austin, Alexis Barker, Bethani Barker, Melinda Bradburn, Elizabeth Brooks, Farrah Bunch, Katelyn Christian, Emily Collins, Jacob Coomer, William Couch, Austin Crabtree, Ashley Cusano, Ricky Daniels, Alivia Davidson, Abbi Dickenson, Emma Dietz, Mary Douglas, Alyssa Dupree, Aaron Earwood, Jerry Elkins, Anngel Gallihar, Aubrey Gentry, Bethany Giles, Matthew Gilliam, Saylor Gilly, Andrea Gross, Graham Hall, Ethan Harris, Benjamin Hersel, Hannah Houston, Kellie Kamplain, David Kelley, Brandon Kelly, Jennifer Kennedy, Jason Kilgore, Owen Lawson, Brooke Light, Heather Lipps, Brieann Lomax, Keerston Lovell, Tiffine McMillan, Andrew Meador, Krista Meredith, Alli Miller, Seth Morgan, Koby Poff, Camrynn Russell, Stephanie Santos, Tiffany Seals, Samuel Shackleford, Rebecca Stapleton, Lynzee Sturgill, Nickolas Terehoff, Trevor Wagner, Galen Welch, Crystal Zeppa, and Jacob Zeruth.
BIRCHLEAF: Kayla Combs.
BLACKWATER: Katherine Anderson and Teresa Maness.
BLOUNTVILLE, TN: Troy Dunn.
BOGART, GA: Quitman Brown.
CALHOUN, GA: Erik Henson and Jeremy Long.
CASTLEWOOD: Jannike Johnson, Taylor Perry, Olivia Powers, Nikki Scarberry, and Emily Slemp.
CHESTER: Tanzania Earl.
CHURCH HILL, TN: Ethan Billips, Brandon Dillman, Haylee Hill, and Brooklyn Smith.
CLINCHCO: Cheyenne Blansett, Elizabeth Brichant, Tiffany Davis, Nicole Deel, and Daniel Patterson.
CLINTWOOD: Bridget Adkins, Cecil Baker, Savannah Baker, Brenda Blankenship, Dawson Boyd, Caitlin Bradford, Kalianna Brooks, Katy Brooks, Emily Browning, Justin Browning, Jayda Colley, Amber Crihfield, Jaelyn Dingus, Dixie Duty, Christy Edwards, Philip Edwards, Grayson Kendrick, Ruth Kennedy, Michael Kincaid, April Mullins, Cheyenne Mullins, Kandice Mullins, Noah Mullins, Ashton O’Quinn, Ellen Oquinn, Nicholas Phillips, Lorin Phipps, Michael Porter, Travis Powers, Amanda Ramey, Travis Roberts, Tabitha Rose, Joseph Salyers, Kathleen Steffey, Phillip Strouth, Gregory Swiney, David Vance, Addison Vanover, and Tonya Wallace.
COEBURN: Zachary Adams, Eden Allan, Robert Backherms, Stephanie Barker, Chandler Brickey, Megan Call, Brynna Campbell, Tanner Charles, Ashley Crabtree, Abbie Crutchfield, Rachel Green, Jillian Hall, Elizabeth Huffman, Hannah Hughes, Fallon Jacobs, Daniel Johnson, Ariel Lawson, Summer Lee, Monica Light, Carrie Lund, Kaitlyn Maine, Marissa Meade, Kirklyn Milgrim, Nathan Minor, Taylor Moore, Christy Osborne, Coy Roop, Leah Rose, Sarah Schrader, Alyssia Sensabaugh, Marisa Shupe, Seirra Smith, Tabitha Smith, Caitlin Stanley, Skylar Sturgill, Gabrielle Swann, Savannah Varney, and Justin Wade.
DANTE: Alyssa Hill and Grayson Martin.
DRYDEN: Kevin Cooper, Abigail Edwards, Toni Fitzgerald, Savannah Jessee, Amber Johnson, Jonnie Mullins, Courtnee Rome, Kayla Thatcher, Austin Thomas, and April Wampler.
DUFFIELD: Joanna Begley, Seth Berry, Jamie Bowen, Madison Butler, Ryan Cheek, Patricia Christian, Sierra Edens, Caleigh Fletcher, Veronica Gendron, Miranda Gilbert, Madison Gunter, Saniah Hamilton, Rachel Hubbard, Ammon Huish, Emilee Jerrell, Hannah Jones, Alisha Kern, Cieara Osborne, Emily Rhoton, Brooke Robinson, Jayda Smith, and Logan Tomlinson.
DUNGANNON: John Carter.
EAST STONE GAP: Tiffany Colvard, Emma Fox, Staci Fraley, Aki Godsey, and William Stidham.
EXOLIA, KY: Emily Brock.
EWING: Michael Locascio.
FT. BLACKMORE: Camryn Begley, Summer Dean, Michael Griffin, and Haley Wood.
GALAX: Kevin Hooven.
GATE CITY: Katlin Akers, Preston Babb, William Bellamy, Callie Blessing, Marissa Canter, Ashley Catron, Megan Cooper, Madison Dean, Brittany Estepp, Hannah Fields, Anna-Grace Fraley, Emily Fuller, Lauren Griffin, Zackary Hammonds, Destiny Hatfield, Jacob Helms, Kalea Holland, Devan Hoover, Riley Houseright, Samantha Jerrell, Kressa Johnson, Chloe Lane, Rachel Lane, Ashley Lawson, Keaton McDonald, William Painter, Aubrie Penley, Nalani Peters, Josette Picano, Kiersten Quillen, Patricia Repass, Alexis Sampson, Channa Sanders, Emma Smith, Makenzie Stallard, Samantha Stallard, Jentry Taylor, Chase Templeton, Hayden Thomas, Angela Vanzant, Sydney Vaughn, Abby Williams, Jacob Williams, and Jala Williamson.
HAYSI: Tessa Colley, Rachel Hillman, Raegan Lamkin, Heaven O’Quinn, Brandy Presley, Breanna Presley, Alexis Souleyrette, Larisa Stanley, and Madison Yates.
HILTONS: Carter Babb, Isabel Sallee, Ava Seagle, Caleb Starnes, Shyanna Strong, Hannah Taylor, and Isaiah Wallen.
JONESVILLE: Olivia Baker, Ryan Bales, Eden Benfield, Jasmine Brewer, Alyssa Clark, Cameron Cope, Mackenzie Davis, Chloe Dean, Heriberto Donato, Luke Estes, Nathan Hay, Miranda Howard, Evan Jones, Cody Lane, Samantha Lawson, Hannah Long, Kalli Marcum, Kelli Martin, Jessalyn Mullins, Lydia Russell, Michael Rutledge, Kaitlyn Skidmore, Daniel Smith, Caleb Snodgrass, Micah Stewart, Alicia Stiltner, Charles Ward, Kayla Weston, Allison Wilson, and Brady Yeary.
KEOKEE: Sheena Bloomer.
KINGSPORT, TN: Tara Adams, Breanna Bernard, Hannah Douthat, Ethan Gibson, Carrianne Hanmer Harris, Kari Head, Alexis Horton, Amelia Jennings, Ann Lane, Kayla Middleton, Madeline Smith, Lauren Thompson, and Allie Mullins.
MANASSAS: Krystal Grimes.
MARION: Marra Havener.
MOUNT CARMEL, TN: Jessica Reed and Toni Stamper.
NEW TAZEWELL, TN: Samantha Cupp.
NICKELSVILLE: Lakin Castle, Bradley Dean, Richard Hughes, Mahalia Kinsler, Zachary Lane, Gerald McConnell, Kelli Parks, Aubrey Powers, Cory Powers, Emaleigh Powers, Victoria Quillen, Justin Reed, Kaitlyn Wallace, and Austin White.
NORA: Brittany Johnson, Brittany McCoy, and Kelly McCoy.
NORTH CHESTERFIELD: Linwood Dabbs and Douglas Towne.
NORTON: James Campbell, Kelsey Culbertson, Morgan Fawbush, Kristina Garrison, Cassie Gouge, Blake Hammonds, Emily Hobbs, Taylor Holbrook, Cameron Jenkins, Amy Jones, Dalton Keel, Alexander Kennedy, Savahanna Kern, Cadence Lagow, Linda Mays, Maranda McGraw, Lucas Messer, Gracelyn Moore, Autumn Mullins, Callie Mullins, Sarah Mullins, Jackson Orr, Elizabeth Owens, Olivia Owens, Regan Phipps, Shealin Pruitt, Summer Rhodes, Shelli Roberts, Caelen Robinette, Stacy Robinson, April Rose, Rebecca Salamon, Jeremy Shepherd, Donna Sluss, Adran Smith, Trinity Smith, McKenzie Tate, Mary Tootill, Hannah Wells, Macy Wells, and Nathan Wells.
PENNINGTON GAP: Jacob Bledsoe, Jim Clark, Larissa Crider, Kenley Eisenmenger, Devin Garrett, Shyra Hensley, Rebecca Howard, Mary Litton, Jackie Nickodam, Misty Robbins, Samantha Smith, Michael Snodgrass, Dawnna Stebbins, Alishia Taylor, Madaline Wade, Alyssa Werner, Jacob Whitaker. and Aaron Williams.
POUND: Jerrid Adams, Andrea Anunson, Andrew Baker, Allyson Boggs, Bryson Boggs, Alexander Bolling, Ethan Bolling, Destiny Fleming, Melissa Freeman, Lynette Kendall, Alexa Lester, Isabella Maggard, Carly Maine, Penny Mullins, Jacqueline Polly, Alexus Powers, Amber Quillen, Brittany Roberts, Christian Rose, Lindsey Strange, Adrianna Sturgill, Alyssa Sturgill, Qing Yang, and Jody Young.
RALEIGH, NC: Kayla Halsey.
ROSE HILL: Rebekah Glass, Emily Hollandsworth, Jaycee Medley, Jimmy Pittman, and Morgan Rouse.
RUTHER GLEN: Victor Fischer.
ST.PAUL: Brianna Houchins and Andrew Sutherland.
SURGOINSVILLE, TN: Rick Barrett.
SWORDS CREEK: Sarah Price.
WEBER CITY: William Deskins, David Edwards, Zachary Farmer, Jordan Mullins, Lydia Repko, Amanda Ward, and Kendra Ward.
WHITESBURG, KY: Savannah Day.
WISE: Nicole Aguirre, Rebeckah Alcantara-Roberts, Brianna Aldridge, Olivia Basham, Marissa Bell, Madison Beller, Jacob Cantrell, Emma Chandler, Joshua Church, Adam Clark, Nicole Collier, Chloe Collins, Lauren Collins, Madalyn Collins, Aaron Crabtree, Christopher Crabtree, Reagan Dotson, Rylee Duncan, Rylee Elkins, Pria Funk, William Gentry, Hailea Gilliam, Leighann Hall, Arietta Harvey, Joseph Hayes, Hannah Hess, Amber Hill, Caleb Hill, Holden Hunnicutt, Tanya Isbell, Ron Johnson, Hannah Kegley, James Kinser, Luke Kirk, Kaitlin Kiser, Haley Large, Hannah Large, Sydney Linkous, Cassandra Masters, Stephanie McCoy, Lauren Milam, Emily Mullins, Peter Nauss, Camden Orr, Richard Pientka, Bethany Powers, Megan Reeves, Jordan Richardson, Kayla Roberts, Kaylee Robinette, Casey Sexton, Justin Sexton, Madison Shoffner, Macayla Singleton, Makayla Smith, Evan Stanley, Tyler Stapleton, Mackenzie Stidham, Kenneth Sturgill, Timothy Sturgill, Alexander Thompson, Elizabeth Thompson, Madison Trosper, Ashleigh Wampler, Loretta Wampler, and Megan Wright.
The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College President’s List for the spring 2020 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.
APPALACHIA: Ethan Bowman, Shaphan Fisher, Madison Head, Keaton Johnson, Morgan McGuire, Nathaniel Mullins, Samantha Sizemore, Amber Stidham, Bobby Whiteaker, and Brittany Worley-Johnson.
BEN HUR: Madison Johnson.
BIG STONE GAP: Jasmine Absher, Miranda Blair, Sharessa Blair, Rebekah Earwood, Jacob Falin, Zoe Falin, Emilie France, Britney Freeman, Krystina Gangl, Britan Gilly, Jacob Gordon, Christopher Hall, Lauren Harkleroad, Joshua Herron, Nathaniel Hersel, Titus Houston, Autumn Johnson, Danielle Lamb, Christy Lee, Megan Lovell, Michael Martin, Sophia Morgan, Brayden Mozingo, Madalyn Ratcliffe, James Richardson, Madison Shuler, Emily Stanley, and Megan Wagner.
BIRCHLEAF: Camdyn Sykes.
BLACKWATER: Joshua Winegar.
BLUE RIDGE: Cameo Smith.
BRISTOL: Ethan Hensley.
CASTLEWOOD: Allison Compton, Selena Powers, and Madison Ramsey.
CHURCH HILL, TN: Michaela Franklin, Ashtyn Gibson, and Katelynn Parton.
CLINCHCO: CheyAnn McCowan and Makenzie Robinette.
CLINCHPORT: Jessica Baker.
CLINTWOOD: Jennifer Barry, Gabriel Brown, Gabriel Counts, Nicholas Cox, Bethany Davis, Charles Dotson, Hannah Flint, Dawson Hillyer, Amber Hopson, Haleigh Jackson, Jordan Moore, Selena Moore, Hailey Pease, Ryan Reynolds, Joey Shepherd, Evan Smith, and Amelia Strouth.
COEBURN: Olivia Adkins, Cloey Bailey, Danielle Beaver, Gabrielle Beverly, Joshua Blankenbecler, Carrie Boyd, Tyler Bright, Hannah Davis, Amber Freeman, Shaylan Gross, James Kilgore, Jonathan Lawson, Elizabeth Mann, Elizabeth McReynolds, Whitney Mooney, Justin Palmer, Katherine Perry, Nicholas Raymond, Zachary Rose, Kaylee Sexton, Evan Stanley, and Michelle Venable.
DANTE: Anthony Kiser, Lauren Rasnick, and Ayden Vitatoe.
DRYDEN: Brad Bledsoe, Colt Muncy, Tori Travis, and Alexander Wilder.
DUFFIELD: Aaron Best, Savannah Bowen, Christen Edmonds, Janis Garrett, Nevin Haines, Holly Jones, Alyson Morgan, Brian Pearcy, and Dominic Webb.
DUNGANNON: Dustin Dockery.
EAST STONE GAP: Hannah Carter.
EOLIA, KY: Logan Sturgill.
EWING: Peyton Redinger and Seth Zumbrum.
FT. BLACKMORE: Kert Gibson, Brittany Lawson and Kara Smith.
GATE CITY: Kasey Barber, Elizabeth Barnett, Kallie Berry, Michael Calhoun, Shania Calhoun, Dylon Clark, Christopher Cunningham, Jason Fields, Ambria Hagy, Ashlyn Horne, Valerie McConnell, Magdalen Millichamp, Madison Parks, Teresa Phillips, Madison Pierce, Jack Pierson, Kendal Quillen, Charles Quinn, Lex Reed, Elizabeth Salyers, Shauna Shepard, Chloe Smith, Jonathan Strong, Loren Vermillion, and Sophie Vermillion.
GRETNA: Natalie Durham.
HAYSI: Quinlan Turner.
HILTONS: Phyllis McGlothlin.
JONESVILLE: Jerry Allen, Chelsie Alsup, Roger Clark, Aleigha Cope, Tanner Cope, Asia Dean, Gracie Dotson, Wesley Gilliam, Dustin Goss, Kelly Harvel, Caleb Haynes, Kalee Hibbard, Scottie Lawson, Timothy Long, Abigail Middleton, Caleb Moore, Joshua Smith, Sarah Sumpter, Tanya Woodard, and Mackenzie Wright.
KINGSPORT, TN: Emily Adkins and Jacob Hartgrove.
MENDOTA: Matthew Gobble.
MOUNT CARMEL, TN: Ross Stokes.
NICKELSVILLE: Morgan Campbell, Amber Collins, Jared Helbert, and Cynthia Herron.
NORA: Amanda O’Quinn.
NORTON: Madison Bohnert, Jaymen Buchanan, Mark Caruso, Roland Cochrane, Laken Culbertson, Kaden Fisher, Michael Gilliam, Gabriella Hall, Kally Hughes, Kelsey Lawson, Harper McCall, Kaylei Miller, Maggie Moore, Kelly Pilkenton, Jaden Pritchard, Jacqueline Rose, John Still, Alison Stuedemann, Tammy Ward, and Aidan Wells.
PENNINGTON GAP: Alanah Aldridge, Andrew Barrier, Keisha Boldon, Olivia Evans, Mary Hall, Derick Hamilton, Noah Harber, Ashley Longsworth, Jared Massingill, Curtis Reece, Katherine Reuille, Dalton Rivers, Lisa Scott, Gregory Seals, and Morgan Woliver.
POUND: Caleb Adams, Carrie Adams, Tabitha Adams, Kali Bowman, David Brummitte, Hannah Carter, Barbara Coleman, Hunter Grant, Wallace Mullins, Samuel Powers, Sarah Slemp, Charity Smith, Maddison Smith, Amber Sowards, Benjamin Stallard, Yijia Wang, and Hannah White.
ST. PAUL: Catherine Levy, Grace McCowan, Marissa Moore, Carissa Mullins, Kaitlyn Salyer, and Jacob Sawyers.
STONEGA: April Bailey.
WEBER CITY: Kaylyn Collier and Emily Lane.
WISE: Celeste Aguinaga, Lance Collie, Sandra Collins, Taylor Gentry, Caitlin Glover, Sagan Holbrook, Sarah Lane, Ethan Maggard, Tisha Miniard, Makayla Powers, Izah Qureshi, Taylor Sanders, Chloe Shupe, Elle Smith, Madison Stacy, Chassay Stafford, Emma Stallard, Cassidy Sturgill, Noah Sturgill, Jerrard Vance, and Chasity Wireman.
MECC to Provide Internet, Access to Laptops for Former Foster Youth
MECC’s Great Expectations program was awarded a $29,500 grant to provide personal computers and internet access for former foster youth enrolled in classes the 2020-2021 academic year.
Great Expectations is an initiative of the Virginia Community College System dedicated to reducing barriers to postsecondary education for former foster youth and helping them transition successfully into living independently. With the emergence of COVID-19 and the move to primarily online instruction last spring, many Great Expectations students have experienced an increased need for reliable internet access and an up-to-date personal computer or laptop.
This grant, which was made possible through the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, is intended to alleviate financial strain on Great Expectations students and enable them to remain enrolled. Funds will be provided to purchase 20 new laptops that Great Expectations students can borrow to complete their coursework virtually. The grant will also allow Great Expectations to provide free internet access for students two months each semester.
Great Expectations will pay for one month of internet service for each enrolled Great Expectations student at the beginning of the semester, and one month of internet service after the withdraw date. Students can submit their internet bills to the GE Coach at the start of the semester.
“In these challenging times, any additional support we can offer Great Expectations students could be a tipping point towards a successful semester for them. This funding will provide invaluable access to resources that these students need. We are so grateful for the generous support from the VFCCE,” said Kari Paschetto, MECC’s Great Expectations Coach.
For more information about Great Expectations at MECC, contact Kari Paschetto, Great Expectations and Student Activities Coordinator, at kpaschetto@mecc.edu or 276-523-2400 ext. 422.
MECC, UVA-Wise Sign Transfer Agreement for Software Engineering Courses
WISE, Va. – Mountain Empire Community College and The University of Virginia’s College at Wise have signed a transfer agreement between the two colleges for software engineering.
The agreement, effective Aug. 5, 2020, renews and updates an existing commitment between the two institutions to ensure that multiple software engineering-related courses at MECC transfer seamlessly to UVA Wise’ Software Engineering degree program.
MECC students who complete an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in General Studies with a specialization in Software Engineering have a pathway for those students to transfer to UVA Wise and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Software Engineering. Terms agreed to by the two colleges include UVA Wise accepting qualifying MECC students, granting students junior status with regards to academic and financial aid consideration, and considering all general education requirements as being met with exception of foreign language requirements.
In addition to accommodating MECC students who complete the General Studies associate degree, UVA Wise will also allow certain MECC software-related courses that exist independently of the community college’s General Studies program to transfer towards UVA Wise credit hours.
“UVA Wise and MECC have always had a strong relationship, especially when it comes to helping our students succeed,” said UVA Wise Chancellor Donna P. Henry. “The articulation agreement is yet another example of a vibrant partnership that has grown over the years between our institutions. Working together on the software engineering agreement will not only steer our students in the right direction but will also allow a smooth transfer of courses from our institutions.”
“MECC is excited to again partner with UVA-Wise in order to create more seamless educational pathways,” said MECC President Dr. Kristen Westover. “This articulation agreement is a wonderful assurance to students that when they complete the appropriate associate of arts and sciences degree at MECC, they can begin as juniors at UVA Wise on their way to a bachelor’s degree in software engineering.
Mountain Empire Community College is a public, two-year college serving residents of Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson counties, as well as the City of Norton. The College is one of twenty-three in the Virginia Community College System. Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is a public, four-year residential liberal arts college located in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. As a COPLAC member institution, UVA Wise is nationally accredited and has been nationally ranked among top public liberal art colleges in the U.S. UVA Wise offers 33 majors, 39 minors, five pre-professional study tracks and 24 teaching licensures.
Along with MECC’s General Studies degree program with its specialization in Software Engineering, the college also offers a variety of software development programs that result in either an Associate of Applied Science degree or a Career Studies certificate. Those interested in learning more about the General Studies degree program can contact Dr. Derek Whisman at dwhisman@mecc.edu. Inquiries regarding MECC’s software development programs can be directed to Terri Lane at tlane@mecc.edu.
-MECC-
MECC Awarded $1.7M TRIO Grant to Support Tutoring, Completion
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College is pleased to announce the college has received a $1.7M U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in completing a college degree.
TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary for educational access and retention. The TRIO program has been in existence on MECC’s campus since 1983. More than 800,000 low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities, from sixth grade through college graduation, are served by over 3,100 programs nationally.
“We are excited and fortunate that MECC will be able to build on the success of 37 years of impactful programming through TRIO grants,” said MECC President Kristen Westover. “The grant process is competitive, and with both a strong application and history, we were successful in ensuring the program’s continuance.”
MECC applied for and was awarded the competitive grant, one of 1,311 Colleges nationwide. The College TRIO program currently serves 175 students annually. The grant is funded for a five-year period.
“This is an incredible opportunity to continue the success of this long standing program,” said TRIO Director Jessica Ketron. “The impact of supporting students for a 37-year span can now continue to subsequent generations and help increase college degree attainment in MECC’s service region. This grant provides the opportunity to support students from the beginning of their college journey all the way thru to graduation.”
Mountain Empire Community College is a comprehensive two-year public college serving residents of Dickenson, Lee, Scott, Wise and the city of Norton. The college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, with 96% of students receiving federal, state, and/or scholarship financial assistance.
For more information on TRIO programs, including registrations for TRIO services, please contact Ketron at 276.523.2400 ext. 342 or by email at jketron@mecc.edu.
MECC Announces Creation of Garnett Gilliam Buccaneer Scholarship
Big Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Garnett Gilliam Buccaneer Scholarship honoring long-time local educator and community volunteer Garnett Gilliam.
Garnett is widely recognized in the region as a teacher, historian and community volunteer. A life-long resident of Big Stone Gap, Gilliam’s endowed scholarship will benefit graduates of Union High School, and/or graduates of the former Powell Valley and Appalachia High Schools.
The MECC Foundation encourages donations to the scholarship fund in Gilliam’s honor be made either online at www.meccfoundation.org/give or by mail to MECC Foundation, Attention: Garnett Gilliam Buccaneer Scholarship, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA, 24219.
“MECC students will be able to reach their educational and career goals without additional financial burden thanks to the generosity of the Gilliam family in establishing this scholarship. The MECC Foundation is honored to assist in this fitting tribute to Mr. Gilliam, who has dedicated his life to public education, community service, and historical preservation,” said Dr. Amy Greear, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at MECC and Executive Director of the MECC Foundation.
Born in 1935, the youngest of five brothers, Garnett came to his love of history early in his schooling. After graduating from Big Stone Gap High School in 1954, Garnett earned a 4-year football scholarship to Emory and Henry College where he continued his love of the sport as well as his love of history. In 1958, he graduated with a B.A. in History and a Minor in Physical Education.
Curious about the world and with a desire to serve his country, Garnett enlisted with the U.S. Army and was stationed in San Diego, CA before shipping out to Korea. Following his tour of duty, he returned to his beloved mountains of Southwest Virginia and began his teaching and coaching career at the former J.J. Kelly High School in Wise, VA. During this time he met Carolyn, his future wife. Together they would rear three daughters.
In 1963, Garnett came to Powell Valley High School (now Union High School) and stayed there 35 years, teaching, coaching, serving in administration, and creating the driver’s education program. He often combined his driver’s ed lessons with local history lessons, pointing out landmarks and sharing tales as students drove the back roads of the town and valley. Garnett never stopped learning and achieved his Master of Arts in Education from Union College in KY in 1974 which, he boasted, had Colonel Sanders provide the commencement address.
As retirement approached, Garnett’s collection of memorabilia about the county’s towns and schools had outgrown his bookshelves at home. He then opened a dedicated space in the June Tolliver House to showcase annuals, pictures, and history of the area. In 2000, the Town of Big Stone Gap recognized Garnett’s contribution to the preservation of the area’s history by designating a “Garnett Gilliam” day. That same year, the Gap Corporation awarded him Citizen of the Year.
As the memorabilia outgrew “The School Room” at the Tolliver House, he and other members of the community came together in 2007 to create The Lonesome Pine School and Heritage Center in a renovated Sears and Roebuck home on Clinton Avenue. The collections continued to grow and more space was needed. In 2020, Garnett’s fellow volunteers surprised him by naming the newest addition to the Center in his honor. The Garnett Gilliam Continuing Education Center will host guest lectures, book signings, and special exhibits.
Today, The LPS&HC houses a historical collection of past and present school memorabilia as well as thousands of pictures. It’s a research center for genealogy and a local gathering spot to learn about everything from the area’s coal mining heritage to author John Fox Jr. to the local camps of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Garnett has touched the lives of thousands of Wise County residents through his work as an educator and continues to do so as a historian. He hopes this scholarship will benefit those of any age who value an education but may not have the means to achieve it. “Without the help of scholarships,” Garnett says, “I would not have gone to college.”
For more information on the Garnett Gilliam Buccaneer Scholarship, or information on creating a scholarship for MECC students, please contact the MECC Foundation at 276-523-7480 or by email to Amy Greear, agreear@mecc.edu.
MECC Cancels 2020 Mountain Music School
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College is cancelling the 16th Annual Mountain Music School, following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for summer camps.
MECC Mountain Music School Coordinator Dr. Michael Gilley said the cancellation is “in the best interest of the health and safety of the students, faculty, and staff during this pandemic. We look forward to hosting Mountain Music School in July 2021.”
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 choice, including beginning and advanced options in “old-time” fiddle, claw-hammer banjo, autoharp, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, shape note singing, and dog house bass. More than 100 students participate each year from all over the nation and world. The majority of youth students attend on scholarship.
The program, started by the late Sue Ella Boatright-Wells and Musician Ron Short, was developed to preserve old-time music in Southwest Virginia. Since it’s inception in 2005, Mountain Music School has trained thousands of musicians in traditional old-time music, including instrumental instruction, dance, and vocals.
Several Mountain Music School students have gone on to perform professionally and have played at venues including the White House, the Smithsonian Institute, the International Bluegrass Festival, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This is the first time in the program’s history that a cancellation has been required.
“The decision to cancel the 16th Annual Mountain Music School required much thought and consideration of the safety of our students, faculty and staff, ” said MECC President Kristen Westover. “With those priorities in mind and the given constraints of the current pandemic, we simply cannot create the amazing interactive experience that has defined the program for fifteen years. We do look forward to being able to deliver Mountain Music School in 2021.”
In 2019, MMS was named the recipient of a $15,000 grant from the Slemp Foundation to purchase new instruments for student instruction. The program has also received support from the Wise, Scott, Lee, and Dickenson County Board of Supervisors, the City of Norton Council, Auto World, Community Motors, the Mackie Family/Noteworthy Strings, the Mountain Empire Community College Foundation, the Papa Joe Smiddy Festival, the Cove Ridge Center, the Virginia Endowment for the Arts, Pro-Art, and the Crooked Road.
For more information on MECC’s Mountain Music School, please contact Dr. Michael Gilley, at 276.523.2400 ext. 304
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 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 for social distancing. Additional cleaning and sanitizing protocols will be implemented in these classrooms.
For students enrolled in health programs, such as Practical and Registered Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and others, the College will ensure that students have the necessary safety equipment (Personal Protective Equipment-PPE) to complete coursework and practicums.
“Faculty and staff have shown tremendous innovation in designing a large variety of course and program offerings that will be safe, engaging, and accessible, “said Dr. Kristen Westover, MECC President.
Decisions regarding class scheduling for fall 2020 will remain flexible and dependent upon local COVID-19 conditions, Executive Orders from the Governor, guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Virginia Department of Health, and other sources of guidance. All courses will likely have some online content, others will be entirely online, and some will be a combination of in-person and online (hybrid offerings).
MECC will continue to support online learners, including assessment of online learning readiness, career exploration, tutoring, advising, online testing, etc. in a virtual format. In some instances, for face-to-face courses, this may require a modified schedule to address safety concerns and comply with safety requirements.
“MECC is committed to work with students to complete their courses,” Westover said. “We believe that our approach is the safest choice we can make for this fall while ensuring that students are able to learn and train for their future careers.”
Westover explained that online courses will be offered in various formats. Some online courses, which are synchronous offerings, are structured to meet at specific times on tools like Zoom, just like a traditional in-person class, so students can engage with their instructor and classmates together. Others offer a chance to learn material at one’s own pace to complete assignments or take exams by specific deadlines in faculty-facilitated courses, or asynchronous offerings.
VCCS Chancellor Glenn Dubois noted Virginia’s community colleges are experts in providing online classes. “We began these offerings nearly 25 years ago, growing to become Virginia’s largest public provider of distance learning courses. We served more than 150,000 people last year through the more than 10,000 virtual courses offered across our 23 community colleges.
We are safe, we are the largest provider of higher education in Virginia, we are the largest online provider of higher education in Virginia, and we are the most affordable educational option in Virginia,” Dubois said.
For more information regarding Fall 2020 course scheduling options, or to enroll in an MECC Fall 2020 course, please call 276.523.2400 or visit the MECC’s website at www.mecc.edu.
MECC Announces 2020 Graduates
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College recognizes the Class of 2020, including 581 graduates earning 277 Associate degrees, and 186 Certificates and 298 Career Studies Certificates.
Graduates were recognized with a Virtual Graduation Recognition published on Friday, May 15 on the College’s website and social media accounts. 2020 graduates will be recognized at a later date.
Students receiving honor awards for 2020 include:
ALL-VA ACADEMIC TEAM
Lindsey Johnson
Brandi Osborne
Amelia Strouth
ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK AWARD
Madison Childress
Cameron Cope
Zoe Falin
Amelia Strouth
Yijia Wang
COLLEGE SUCCESS PROGRAM GRADUATES
Sarah Aguinaga
Joules Bagienski
April Bailey
Chandler Brickey
Elizabeth Carroll
Ashley Crabtree
Melissa Freeman
Tanya Isbell
Kirklyn Milgrim
Selena Moore
Jennifer Napier
Gregory Seals
Shyanne Van Heel
Austin Wells
Aaron Williams
CHEMISTRY AWARD
Brayden Mozingo
Amber Sowards
CIRCLE K MOVING FORWARD AWARD
Arietta Harvey
EXCEPTIONAL GRADUATE AWARDS
Aaron Best
Jim Clark
Carrie Lund
Brandi Osborne
Amelia Strouth
FAST FORWARD STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Gregory Seals
THE JAMES L. DURHAM MATHEMATICS AWARD
Huish Ammon
Jared Helbert
JAKKAE JACKSON PHLEMBOTOMY AWARD
Sheena Woodward
LIFE CAMPUS MINISTRY
Andrew Barrier
Megan Lovell
Madison Childress
Jim Clark
Cameron Cope
Aleigha Cope
Walter Feck
Hannah Phillips
Whitney Slemp
LONESOME PINE HOSPITAL AUXILIARY AWARD
Samantha Cupp
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STUDENT AWARDS
Administrative Support Technology
Ann Lane
Administrative Support Technology – Medical Office Specialist
Lisa Scott
Computer Networking
Jared Sullivan
Computer Software Specialist
Danielle Lamb
Health Information Management
Phyllis McGlothlin
Management
Carrie Lund
Paralegal Studies
Aaron Best
PEGGY DURHAM OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD
Cameron Cope
PHI THETA KAPPA AWARD
Kevin Cooper
STUDENT DIPLOMAT AWARD
Aleigha Cope
Erin Humphrey
Frank Miano
Emma Mullins
Shellby Rose
Samantha Sizemore
Tanna Whitt
STUDENT SERVICES AWARD
TRIO ACHIEVER AWARD
Carrie Adams
Jim Clark
Tanzania Earl
Barbara Estep
Walter Feck
Jessica Manning
Kirklyn Milgrim
Gregor Seals
Dawnna Stebbins
Evan Swick
Yijia Wang
Crystal Zeppa
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA’S COLLEGE AT WISE TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS
Savannah Bowen
Kayla Combs
Gabriel Counts
Autumn Elliott
Alli Miller
Selena Moore
Marissa Moore
Christian Sayers
Kaylee Sexton
Joshua Stidham
Aidan Wells
Emily Whisman
Morgan Woliver
STUDENTS EARNING WORKFORCE CREDENTIALS
Power Lineman
Jacob Adair
Nathan Bailey
Nicholas Elliot
Joshua France
Brenton Graham
Anthony Jessee
David Layne
Alex Mullins
Tyler Oakley
Christian Rogers
Donnie Saul
Austin Sexton
Dylan Short
Mason Bellamy
Holton Carter
Eli Craft
Jacob Davis
Jonathan Dye
Jared Edens
Tyler Gardner
Tyler Haynes
Johnathan Holbrook
Tylan Jackson
Brain Jenkins
Calleb Meade
Hank Middleton
Thomas Peak
Brandon Robinson
Zachary Rose
Kevin Yeary
Bailey Baker
Brandon Bentley
Caleb Compton
Brandon Crabtree
Preston Fleming
Joseph Maine
Corey McNeil
Isaiah Mullins
Shane Neece
Isaiah Reynolds
Mason Sluss
Dawson Sutherland
Commercial Driver’s License
Joe Hobbs
Michael Lewis
Brett Maness
Gregory Seals Jr.
Rodney Tritt
Thomas Vaughn
Bobby Whiteaker
Caleb Dillon
Marc Huff
Joshua K. Rasnick
Joshua A. Rasnick
Hank Rogers
Emergency Medical Technician Graduates
Carter Burke
Cole Burke
Wendel Burke
Ethan Kegley
Certified Nursing Assistant
Emily Daugherty
Timothy Mullins
Vickie Mullins
Adriana Newman
Geraldeen Peters
James Stevans
CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES
MAY 15, 2020
The students whose names appear below made formal application for a degree or certificate by the date specified in the Academic Calendar.
Associate of Arts and Sciences
Business Administration
Jessica Brooke Eldridge*
Angela D. Vanzant**
Associate of Arts and Sciences
General Studies
Carrie Ann Adams**
Tabitha Leigh Adams
Eden Ruth Allan*
Hannah Victoria Austin**+
Jessica Jane Balthis
Rebecca J. Boles*
Savannah Lynn Bowen*
Dawson Michael Boyd
Megan Danielle Burton
Caleb Blake Carico***
Tanner Joeray Charles
Amber Cheyanne Collins*
Allison Faith Compton
Cameron Blake Cope
Gabriel Addison Counts***
Caitlyn Paige Cox*
Ashley Lynne Cusano***+
Tiffany Stacie Davis
Sherry K. Deaton
Melanie Lynn Dotson*
Tanzania Tanece Earl*
Autumn Lane Elliott*
Ericka B. Fisher**
Kaden Tre Fisher
Patrick Leslie Fisher**
Amber Jae Nicole Freeman***+
Noah James Garrison
Veronica Marie Gendron**
Ashtyn Claire Gibson***+
Stephanie M. Gibson
Saylor Reece Gilly***+
Kelly Tatum Harvel***+
Nathaniel Thomas Hersel***+
Mitchell Blake Holbrook**
Christa Renee Holmes***
Emily Grace Hurd**
Grace Anna Marie Isbel
Tanya Jane Isbell***
Keaton Allen Johnson**+
Hannah M. Jones
Jacob Lee Lane
Ariel G. Lawson**
Owen Thalus Lawson**+
Summer Marie Lee
Margo D. Lewis
Brieann Patrice Lomax**
Valerie Rose McConnell**
Elizabeth Grace McReynolds***+
Brittany Leigh Meade*
Alli Marie Miller**
Kayla Nicole Moore*
Selena Paige Moore**
Charles Jacob Allen Mullins
Noah Blake Mullins*
Abigayle Renae Eldridge Nighswander**
Ashton Faith O’Quinn**
Chelsea Brooke Perry
Katherine Delaney Perry***+
Tiffany Marie Pigott**
Koby Orion Poff***+
Charity Lynn Pridemore
Michael Jesse Pritchett
Hannah Elizabeth Reasor**+
Katherine Lynn Reuille
Ethan Lee Rhoton
Ryan A. Roberson**
Desiree Ann Robinson
Elizabeth Jobil Rock**
April Michelle Rose*
Hollie Elsa-Beth Rose
Elizabeth Nicole Salyers
Christian D. Sayers*
Kaylee Faith Sexton*
Kaleb Andrew Sharrett
Chloe Brooke Smith***+
Madison Ruth Leigh Shuler***+
Caleb Winston Snodgrass
Sydney Alyssa-Renae Stapleton***+
Lindsay Nicole Starnes***
Joshua L. Stidham*
Heather R. Storie
Amelia Morgan Strouth***+
MarShara Nicole Thompson
Kendra Nicole Maness
Mckenzie Anne Turner*
Andrew P. Vanhook
Angela D. Vanzant**
Loren Oliviah Vermillion***+
Yijia Wang***
Makayla Shyanne Ward
Brooklyn Paige Warner
Aidan Riley Wells***
Emily Nicole Whisman*
Summer Marquette Woodard
Christian Ray Worley***+
Associate of Arts and Sciences
Pre-Teacher Education
Jennifer Myma Sue Barry*
Kayla Marie Combs**
Cameron Blake Cope
Nolan Alexander Lamkin
Marissa B. Moore*
Selena Paige Moore**
Amber Diana Morris
Desirae Marie Porter
Courtney A. Smith
Santana Lynne Vincent
Morgan Grace Jesse Woliver**
Associate of Arts and Sciences
Science
Lakin Danyel Castle
Keaton Allen Johnson**+
Associate of Arts and Sciences
Science: Engineering Specialization
Zachary Ryan Strouth
Associate of Applied Science
Administrative Support Technology
Ann Lorraine Lane**
Brandi Cierra Osborne*
Associate of Applied Science
Administrative Support Technology – Medical Office Specialist
Sandra Denise Collins***
Brandi Cierra Osborne*
Shelli R. Roberts**
Lisa Nicole Scott***
Associate of Applied Science
Computer-Aided Drafting/Design Technology
John Glenn Hines III**
Caleb I. Richardson
Brian Gregory Pearcy**
Associate of Applied Science
Computer Networking Technology
Noah Jerry Moneyhun
Jason M. Stine**
Jared Lee Sullivan**
Associate of Applied Science
Computer Software Specialist
Danielle Krystal Lamb***
Kirklyn Patrick Milgrim***
Sean Andrew Owens*
Associate of Applied Science
Computerized Manufacturing Technology: Electromechanical Technology Specialization
Matthew Cole Hamilton
Samuel Allen Powers, Jr.**
Andrew John Price**
Samuel Franklin Scott II
Timothy Jared Sturgill**
Kody Lee Whitt
Associate of Applied Science
Correctional Services
Jessica Faye Baker
Joseph Michael Denhardt
Titus Zachary Houston
Lyndsey Brianna Johnson*
Michael E. Storie**
Austin Chase White
Associate of Applied Science
Emergency Medical Services Technology
Joshua D. Church*
Matthew Richard Corbett*
Tristan Anthony Craiger
Destiny Nichole Hatfield***
David Patrick Kelley***
Taylor Brooke Moore
Associate of Applied Science
Energy Technology
Jeffrey Kyle Crumley**
Ronald W. Gilliam*
Associate of Applied Science
Energy Technology -Electrical Specialization
Jeffrey Kyle Crumley**
William Tyler McCarty
Samuel Allen Powers, Jr.**
Associate of Applied Science
Environmental Science
Bruce Leonard Gardner**
Associate of Applied Science
Environmental Science- Water/Wastewater Specialization
Joshua Michael Ferris**
Richard Oliver Hatfield***
LeRoy A. Rice***
Douglas P. Towne***
Associate of Applied Science
Forest Science
Andrew Michael Barrier**
Bruce Leonard Gardner**
Travis W. Powers*
Daniel Ray Townsend
Associate of Applied Science
Health Information Management
Breanna Rose Bernard***
Brittany Paige Cress
Phyllis Leigh McGlothlin**
Lisa M Milanese***
Brandy D. Presley*
Kayla Danielle Thatcher
Tonya R. Wallace**
Associate of Applied Science
Management
Jim Henry Clark**
McKenzie Leigh Crabtree*
Krystina Gangl***
Yesha Abdiel Gardner*
Cynthia D. Herron**
Carrie M. Lund***
Jennifer Marie Napier**
Associate of Applied Science
Nursing
Rachel E. Alley*
Samantha Jo Austin**
Andrew J. Baker**
Rick Barrett
Caitlin Marie Bradford
Haley Elizabeth Brickey
Justin Craig Browning*
Ashley Paige Christian
Emily Nicole Cooper
Ashley Kaitlyn Crabtree**
Amber Nichole Crihfield*
Kelsey Jo Culbertson
Samantha Hope Cupp***
Melodee Lynn DeBoard
Roseanna Jolene Dickenson
Ericka B. Fisher**
Patrick Leslie Fisher**
Cassie Marie Gouge**
Katelyn Louise Hall
Leighann Michelle Hall**
Pamela S. Hamilton*
Rachel Marie Hubbard*
Fallon Nicole Jacobs*
Amy Cayla Marie Jones
Samantha Kaitlynn Keene
Savahanna Faith Kern
Ashley Brooke Longsworth
Lauren Ashley Mabe
Hannah Kristen Martin**
Kayla M. Middleton
Nathan Lee Minor**
Stephanie L. Morris*
April Louise Mullins
Maryellen Rose Pauley
Shonna D. Peterson*
Samantha Faye Phillips
Blaise Renee Rasnick
Jessica L. Reed**
Patricia Nicole Repass
Summer Breanna Rhodes*
Brittany S. Roberts
Heather Renee Rose
Camrynn Kaylor Russell
Channa Alexis Sanders**
Chantarae M. Shepard**
Jeremy Lee Shepherd
Makayla Brooke Smith
Samantha Fae Stallard
Toni Brooke Stamper
Caitlin Marie Stanley*
Brittany Ann Stapleton
Rebecca Ann Stapleton
Robin Renee States
Alicia Louise Stiltner*
Christie L. Summey
Emily M. Trent
Neisha N. Tuggle*
Savannah Brooke Varney**
Lindsay Beth Ann Vernon
Kasey Michelle Yates
Associate of Applied Science
Paralegal Studies
Aaron Steele Best***
Jacqueline C. Hampton***
MaKayla Cheyenne Wilder
Associate of Applied Science
Police Science
Jessica Faye Baker
Chandler Richard Brickey**
Jacob Stephen Cantrell
Grayson Cuel Cothron***
Keith E. Crabtree**
Jared James Ray Crigger*
Joseph Michael Denhardt
Bobby W. Edwards***
Lillian Mckenize Hall
Nathaniel Patton Herron*
Titus Zachary Houston
Lyndsey Brianna Johnson*
Noah Ridge Middleton***
Andrew Richard Storm Sanders
Madison Lynn Shoffner*
Macayla Brooke Singleton
Jason M. Stine**
Michael E. Storie**
Austin Chase White
Associate of Applied Science
Respiratory Therapy
Brandon Patrick Armistead*
Savannah Brooke Brooks***
Kaitlin Elizabeth Catterton
Darien Chase Cottrell
Amanda Gabrille Fisher
Brittany S. Frazier
Taylor G. Fuller*
Taylor Danielle Hensley*
Nicholas Montana Ledford*
Harley Paige Marcum
Caitlin Brooke Summey**
Shyanne Tyla Van Heel**
Davina Brooke Vanover**
Tabitha Renee Wallace*
Associate of Applied Science
Technical Studies- Welding
Thomas J. Davis, Jr.
Philip J. Miller***
Stephen Bradley Slayton
Cody Heath Woods**
Certificate
Administrative of Justice –
Law Enforcement Option
Nathaniel Patton Herron*
Certificate
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Jeffrey Kyle Crumley**
Certificate
Clerical Assistant
Aaron Steele Best***
Kevin Ray Cooper II
Holly Leann Jones
Ann Lorraine Lane**
Brandi Cierra Osborne*
Certificate
General Education
Carrie Ann Adams**
Tabitha Leigh Adams
Nicole Katheryn Aguirre**+
Alanah Grace Aldridge***+
Eden Ruth Allan*
Hannah Victoria Austin**+
Jessica Jane Balthis
Caleb Alexander Barnette*+
Jennifer Myma Sue Barry*
Kallie Ann Berry***+
Cheyenne Dean Blansett**
Connor McNeil Blevins**+
Madison Danielle Bohnert*+
Savannah Lynn Bowen*
Carrie Briella Boyd**+
Dawson Michael Boyd
Jasmine Nicole Brewer*+
Emily Joy Brock**+
Caleb Blake Carico***
Hannah Brook Carter***+
Lakin Danyel Castle
Roland Jonah Cochrane, Jr.***+
Kaylyn Brooke Collier***+
Amber Cheyanne Collins*
Allison Faith Compton
Cameron Blake Cope
Colee Shane Cottrell**+
Gabriel Addison Counts***
James Hunter Crabtree***+
Ashley Lynne Cusano***+
Bethany Nicole Davis***+
Summer Leeann Dean
Emma Elizabeth Dietz***
Melanie Lynn Dotson*
Alyssa Nichole Dupree***+
Rebekah Ann Earwood*
Zoe Brooke Falin**
Bronwen Eve Fischer+
Emilie Nora France*+
Amber Jae Nicole Freeman***+
Kristina Leeann Garrison
Noah James Garrison
Veronica Marie Gendron**
Taylor Faith Gentry***+
Ashtyn Claire Gibson***+
Matthew Seth Gibson
Stephanie M. Gibson
Saylor Reece Gilly***+
Matthew Phillip Gobble*
Michael Scott Griffin***
Ambria Paula Grace Hagy***+
Sydney Faith Hall***+
Lauren Brooke Harkleroad***+
Ethan Chase Harris***+
Lakeisha Lynn Hartsock
Kelly Tatum Harvel***+
Madison Brianne Head**+
Nathaniel Thomas Hersel***+
Mitchell Blake Holbrook**
Sagan Michelle Holbrook***+
Akyssa Nadae Hollinger*+
Alexis Mattison Horton***+
Keaton Allen Johnson**+
Luke Dean Kirk+
Anthony Wayne Kiser, Jr.**
Nolan Alexander Lamkin
Jacob Lee Lane
Ariel G. Lawson**
Dokken Allen Gage Lawson
Owen Thalus Lawson**+
Summer Marie Lee
Jessica Gail Manring*
Jace Andrew Mathis
Valerie Rose McConnell**
CheyAnn LaShay McCowan***
Elizabeth Grace McReynolds***+
Brittany Leigh Meade*
Krista Rashay Meredith***+
Lucas Cole Messer***+
Alli Marie Miller**
Jordan Alexis Moore***
Marissa B. Moore*
Sophia Grace Morgan***
Amber Diana Morris
Brayden Garreth Mozingo***
Wallace Mullins III**+
Noah Blake Mullins*
Ashton Faith O’Quinn**
Landon Brett Page
Callie Nicole Perkins***+
Katherine Delaney Perry***+
Larissa Jade Phillips***+
Sydney Michelle Phillips**+
Regan Olivia Phipps**+
Koby Orion Poff***+
Desirae Marie Porter
Bethany Michelle Powers+
Charity Lynn Pridemore
Jaden Timothy Pritchard***+
Michael Jesse Pritchett
Charles Trent Quinn***
Raegan Rianna Rasnick***+
Hannah Elizabeth Reasor**+
Curtis Lee Reece***+
Ethan Lee Rhoton
Elisabeth Ann Roberts***+
Hollie Elsa-Beth Rose
Matthew Eric Rowe
Elizabeth Nicole Salyers
Kaylee Faith Sexton*
Kaleb Andrew Sharrett
Madison Ruth Leigh Shuler***+
Chloe Brooke Smith***+
Courtney A. Smith
Kara Lynn Smith***+
Maddison Leann Smith***
Summer Lauren Smith**+
Caleb Winston Snodgrass
Amber Savannah Sowards***+
Caleb Gideon Zacharaiah Spicer***
Sydney Alyssa-Renae Stapleton***+
Kathleen Elizabeth Marie Steffey**
Amelia Morgan Strouth***+
Zachary Ryan Strouth
Skylar Jennings Sturgill*+
Sarah Elizabeth Sumpter***+
MarShara Nicole Thompson
Kendra Nicole Maness
Mckenzie Anne Turner*
Tyler Jacob Underwood
Tobin Aric Van Note II
Loren Oliviah Vermillion***+
Santana Lynne Vincent
Trevor Cayman Wagner***+
Joshua Thomas Max Winegar***+
Morgan Grace Jesse Woliver**
Christian Ray Worley***+
Certificate
Industrial Maintenance
Samuel Allen Powers, Jr.**
Certificate
Legal Office Assisting
Aaron Steele Best***
MaKayla Cheyenne Wilder
Certificate
Medical Office Coding & Procedures
Yvonne J. Hiter**
Chelsea Grace Mann***
Lisa Nicole Scott***
Kayla Danielle Thatcher
Certificate
Practical Nursing
April Dawn Bailey**
Mikki Ann Blessing
Randall Scott Bradley
William Jarred Bush
Alyssa Faith Clark
Faye Marie Elkins
Barbara Alyn Estep
Stephanie Lynn-Brooke Falin
Kenzie LeAnn Fleming
Candlyn Michelle Forton*
Taylor Mckinzey Fritz*
Nicholas Ray Guerrant**
Rachel Leigh Higgins
Jessica Marie Kawiecki
Makenzie Faith Kilgore
Kalli BreeAnne Marcum
Tiffine Lee McMillan**
Tasha Lynn Meadows
Thelma Elizabeth Moore
Ashley M. Mullins
Brittany Renee Mullins
Kaleigh Annabelle Mullins
Jennifer Annette Nash
Chasity LeAnn Phillips
Karrie L. Powers*
Haley Brooke Ramey
Maggie Ruth Robinson**
Monica Michelle Rowan
Diana Grace Sawyer
Olivia Tracey Sexton
Alexis Maclae Stanley
Deneta Marie Taylor*
Tanna Marie Whitt**
Certificate
Welding
Stephen Bradley Slayton
Cody Heath Woods**
Career Studies Certificate
3-D Design
Donald Ray Bailey
Tyler Andrew Cole
Audreyanna Rochelle Easterling
Philip L Edwards
Joseph Edward Freeman
Dakota J. Morelock
Career Studies Certificate
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Christian Shay Beckman
Chandler Richard Brickey
Robert Shane Brown
Jeffrey Kyle Crumley
Jon A. Pope
Lex Alexander Reed
Jacob Matthew Stanley
Austin Tyler Wells
Career Studies Certificate
Child Development – Infant & Toddler Option
Kinsley Annamarie Davis
Kymberly C. Heldreth
Kimberly Brianna Robinette
Career Studies Certificate
Computer Software Specialist – Mobile Application Development
Danielle Krystal Lamb
Kirklyn Patrick Milgrim
Career Studies Certificate
Cybersecurity
Jason M. Stine
Career Studies Certificate
Dental Assistant
Tiffany Holli Blankenship
Allison June Brady
Tessa Gale-Marie Colley
Katlyn Leann Collins
Britney Nicole Freeman
Hailea Shannah Marion Gilliam
Olivia Raine Hernandez
Nancy Glynda Marion
Alyson Morgan
Career Studies Certificate
Early Childhood Development
Sarah Melody Aguinaga
Kinsley Annamarie Davis
Roselyn Marie Gilbert
Kymberly C. Heldreth
Career Studies Certificate
Electricity
Christian Shay Beckman
Jeremy Daniel Cosby
Jeffrey Kyle Crumley
Colton Glenn Eads
Rebekah Faith Glass
Nevin William Haines
Graham V. Hall
Caleb Daniel Haynes
Brian Keith Humphrey
Adrian Corey Mullins
Samuel Allen Powers, Jr.
Lex Alexander Reed
Chase Dalton Strouth
Austin Tyler Wells
Career Studies Certificate
Emergency Medical Technician – Basic
Matthew Richard Corbett
Autumn Brooke Fultz+
Lauren Brooke Griffin
Carrianne Michelle Hanmer Harris
Jessica Lucinda Hart
Kaitlyn Marie Hartsock+
Ciara Nicole Haynes+
Zachary Brandon Helbert
Kalea Cheri Holland+
William Spencer Howard
Cameron Austin Jenkins
Alexia Grace Livesay+
Halee Kursten McCoskey+
Ira Nathaniel Middleton
Colton Trace Mullins
Nalani Peters
Crystal S. Phillips
Ethan Isaac Routt+
Brady Logan Tritt
Primmel Jackson Wallace
Tabitha Renee Wallace
Career Studies Certificate
Energy Technology – Electrical Emphasis
Jeffrey Kyle Crumley
Samuel Allen Powers, Jr.
Lex Alexander Reed
Career Studies Certificate
Energy Technology- HVAC Emphasis
Jeffrey Kyle Crumley
Career Studies Certificate
Geographic Information Systems
Brian Gregory Pearcy
Career Studies Certificate
Health Sciences
Dakota Cheyenne Adkins
Samantha Jo Austin
April Dawn Bailey
Damon J. Ballard
Bridget Dianne Bevins
Angela D. Blankenship
Callie Madison Blessing
Madison Grace Boggs
Caitlin Marie Bradford
Madison Nicole Castle
Katelyn Brooke Christian
Toni Kay Couch
Tiffany L. Cress
Melissa Jo Culbertson
Taylor Marie Darnell
Courtney Danielle Daugherty
Hannah Ashton Davis
Asia Blake Dean
Barbara Alyn Estep
Jacob Andrew Falin
Kenzie LeAnn Fleming
Melissa S. Freeman
Taylor G. Fuller
Hailea Shannah Marion Gilliam
Britan Abigail Gilly
Alyssa Anne Gollaway
Alexandrea Madison Hackney
Kayla J. Harvey
Hallie Paige Hembree
Felisha S. Heranney
Amanda D. Hopson
Kristi Renee Hornsby
Rachel Marie Hubbard
Hannah Marie Hughes
Katelyn LaShea Hurlock
Savannah LeAnn Hylton
Macarthur David Inbody
Grace Anna Marie Isbel
Autumn Marie Johnson
Kressa Lynn Johnson
Whitney Nichole Kelly
Alexander Jagger Kennedy
Jennifer A. Kennedy
Briana Jade Kiser
Keerston Alexus Lovell
Tonya Renee Lundy
Hannah Kristen Martin
Cassandra Suzanne Masters
Shacodi Rayne Mays
Kierstien Sharae McCarty
Stephanie Michelle McCoy
Lindsay Nicole McNeil
Marissa Leann Meade
Tasha Lynn Meadows
Kayla M. Middleton
Joy MaKayla Moore
Ashton Kristina Mullins
Brittany Renee Mullins
Jennifer Annette Nash
Christy Ann Osborne
Christopher Logan Perry
Peyton Dale Peters
Larissa Jade Phillips+
Hannah Kate Phipps
Makayla Ashton Powers
Carra Lee Rabon
Evan Bryce Rasnick
Madalyn Nicole Ratcliffe
Jessica L. Reed
Kimberly Denean Robinson
Courtnee Deneice Rome
Camrynn Kaylor Russell
Taylor Elizabeth Salyer
Channa Alexis Sanders
Whitney Cheyanne Slemp
Haley Nicole Smith
Makayla Brooke Smith
Tabitha Nicole Smith
Robin Renee States
Dawnna Joy Stebbins
Lynzee Danielle Sturgill
Caitlin Brooke Summey
Alexander LonnieJo Thompson
Angela D. Vanzant
Savannah Brooke Varney
Crystal A. Wagner
Jennilyn Ava Walling
Tiffany Grace Wampler
Nathan A. Ward
Mackenzie Grace Warner
Emily Nicole Whisman
Aaron Lowell Williams
Kelsey Danielle Williams
Christopher Brian Winston
Jacob Blake Yates
Crystal Renea Zeppa
Career Studies Certificate
Law Enforcement Management & Supervision
Steven B. Boggs
Bobby W. Edwards
Kelly R. Fleming
Rusty A. Hamm
Kyle Douglas Hayes
Michael D. Mason
Michael J. Salyer
Ryan Seth Vanover
Bradley S. Williams
Career Studies Certificate
Machinery Maintenance
Samuel Allen Powers, Jr.
Andrew John Price
Career Studies Certificate
Medical Receptionist & Transcriptionist
Sandra Denise Collins
Lindsey Irene Gibson
Virginia G. Phillips
Career Studies Certificate
Medical Records Technician
Virginia G. Phillips
Nikki Beth Scarberry
Career Studies Certificate
Nursing Assistant
Joules Lacy Bagienski
Victoria D. Chestnut
Alissa Ilene Belle Cleek
Tiffany L. Cress
Amber Nichole Crihfield
Samantha Hope Cupp
Taylor Marie Darnell
Alyisa L. Edgar
Morgan Brooke Elliott
Tapanga LeighAnn Gillenwater
Katelyn Louise Hall
Bryanna Sierria Harris
Jessica Lucinda Hart
Taylor Rae Holmes
Sherrie Lynn Horchak
Amber Natasha Johnson
Kressa Lynn Johnson
Danielle N. Lawson
Kayla Breanna Leonard
Haley Morgan Light
Tonya Renee Lundy
Haley Noel Martin
Ira Nathaniel Middleton
Alyson Morgan
Jennifer Annette Nash
Racheal Needham
Meagan Denise Pettey
Rachel Evie Reid
Grace Alexandria Rhoton
Elisabeth Ann Roberts+
Travis Wayne Roberts
Kaleb Jackson Saez
Stephanie A. Sampson
Channa Alexis Sanders
Seirra S. Smith
Summer Lauren Smith+
Dawnna Joy Stebbins
Crystal A. Wagner
Brittany Nichole Worley-Johnson
Crystal Renea Zeppa
Career Studies Certificate
Pharmacy Technician
Cierra Alexsis Barker
Kayla Marie Boggs
Summer Danielle Bower
Eden Cecilia Calton
Raven Jade Cantrell
Linda A. Cochran
Rebecca E. Cochran
Abygail Rachel Eason
Alyisa L. Edgar
Caitlin Lace Goins
Michael A. Hall
Haleigh Elizabeth Jackson
Kellie B. Kamplain
Robin Renee Lynthlin
Brittany Raschae Phelps
Karrie L. Powers
Seirra S. Smith
Olivia Darlene Taylor
Sabrina Lynn Taylor
Briana Paige Triplett
Sydney Grace Wells
Elizabeth R. Williams
Jody Lynn Young
Career Studies Certificate
Phlebotomy
Carrie Ann Adams
Darrian Hayley Addington
Bailee McClain Anderson
Katherine Nicole Anderson
Kelly Lee Baker
Summer Danielle Bower
Megan Alyssa Call
Elizabeth Anne Carroll
Emily Rose Collins
Morgan Brooke Elliott
Maegan Gruber-Basenback
Mary Melissa Hall
Bryanna Sierria Harris
Destini Collett Hicks
Alisha Renna Kern
Haley Morgan Light
Robin Renee Lynthlin
Leighandra Paige McGuire
Chasity Hope McKinney
Rebecca N. Pennington
Vickie Lynn Smith
Tori Elizabeth Stevens
Bailee L. Trent
Megan Paige Wagner
Sheena M. Woodward
Jody Lynn Young
Career Studies Certificate
Small Business Management
Cynthia D. Herron
Amanda Grace Hughes
Holly Leann Jones
Carrie Marie Lund
David Shannon Vance II
Career Studies Certificate
Software Development I
Danielle Krystal Lamb
Marlin Frank McComas, Jr.
Kirklyn Patrick Milgrim
Career Studies Certificate
Software Development II
Danielle Krystal Lamb
Kirklyn Patrick Milgrim
Sean Andrew Owens
Career Studies Certificate
Water Plant Operator
LeRoy A. Rice
Career Studies Certificate
Welding Operator
Clay Allen Barker
Billy Bryant
Caleb Allen Coleman
Jacob Charles Hall
Christopher Philip Koontz
Hunter Garrett Parsons
Peyton Reed Redinger
Gregory J. Seals
Timothy Dawson Smith
Darin Trevor Vaughan
Cody Heath Woods
GRADUATION WITH HONORS
To be eligible for graduation with honors, a student must have at least the following grade point average and complete an associate degree or certificate:
*Honors (cum laude), 3.2
**High Honors (magna cum laude), 3.5
***Highest Honors (summa cum laude), 3.8
+High school students
Individuals have been designated in the program as honor students based on their grade point average at the completion of the semester prior to the one in which they will graduate.
Individuals have been designated in the program as honor students based on their grade point average at the completion of the semester prior to the one in which they will graduate.
Students wearing gold tassels are honor students. Students wearing gold stoles are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society.
Students wearing red, white, & blue cords are U.S. Military Veterans.
MECC’s Cybersecurity Team Ranked 60th in Nation
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 the Eastern U.S. including John Hopkins University, New York University, Radford University, and Northern Virginia Community College. The competition includes challenges based on networking, ethical hacking, computer forensics, computer programming, software vulnerabilities, log file manipulation, social engineering, and more.
“We are extremely proud of the amazing performance of MECC’s Cybersecurity Team in the final season rankings, particularly as this is the Team’s inaugural season,” said MECC President Kristen Westover. “Macarthur and Staci put in many hours of effort resulting in their extraordinary outcomes.”
In the team game, MECC’s CTF team “The Transcendentalists”, reached an overall ranking of 104th out of 738 teams competing. MECC competed in the gold bracket during the team game designated for the top 15% of players overall.
In the individual game, MECC’s Macarthur Inbody placed 57th overall while competing in the gold bracket. MECC’s Staci Fraley placed 922nd overall and in 361st place while competing in the silver bracket. The gold bracket is designated for the top 15% of all players, and the silver bracket is designated for the next 35% of players(aka top 50% overall). An estimated 3,461 players competed in the individual game.
For more information on MECC’s Cybersecurity Program or the Capture the Flag Cybersecurity Team, please contact CTF Coach and Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity Ritchie Deel at 276.523.2400 ext. 444 or at rdeel@mecc.edu.
Mountain Empire Community College to Offer Free Drone Operator/GIS Classes
BIG STONE GAP, Va. – Mountain Empire Community College will offer free online courses in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and geographic information systems (GIS) during its Summer 2020 semester.
MECC, in partnership with Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development and its Community Development Block Grant program designed to bolster UAS training in Southwest Virginia, is offering full tuition assistance for its UMS 107 and GIS 210 courses during its summer semester. Students have the option to enroll in either class or both classes, and the classes will be delivered entirely online in keeping with mandated COVID-19 safety measures.
The UMS 107 course, titled “Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Remote Pilot Ground School,” trains students in a variety of drone-related topics including FAA regulations, optimizing performance and maintenance. The course also prepares students for the FAA’s Remote Pilot Certificate, which permits drone operators to use their skills for commercial purposes. Since MECC began its UAS program in 2015, 94 percent of students who took the FAA examination received a passing score on their first attempt. Those interested in enrolling in UMS 107 can visit www.mecc.edu/drone or contact Instructor Fred Coeburn at fcoeburn@mecc.edu.
GIS 210, titled “Understanding Geographic Data,” trains students on how to obtain and survey aerial data, and they will also become familiar with modern software tools like ESRI ArcMap (used to view and analyze geospatial data) and Google Earth. As MECC GIS Instructor Jake Gilly notes, the offering of these two courses in tandem at no cost is a benefit to MECC’s service region. “Our quickly changing world is making it more imperative that we know our surroundings and the information that defines them,” Gilly says. “Students who receive training simultaneously in drone operations and GIS will be able to keep pace with the latest technology out there.” Those interested in enrolling in GIS 210 can contact Gilly at jgilly@mecc.edu.
Potential students wishing to enroll in either course can visit www.mecc.edu/apply and are advised to do so by June 1. For eligibility requirements regarding tuition assistance, please contact Grant Coordinator Ashvin Raj at 276-523-2400 (ext.261) or at araj@mecc.edu.
-MECC-
State Board for Community Colleges to Consider 2020-21 Fees at May Meeting
In accordance with Section 23.1-307 (D) of the Code of Virginia, the State Board for Community Colleges provides notice that it will consider tuition and mandatory fee increases for Virginia’s Community Colleges, effective fall 2020, at 9 a.m. on May 21, 2020, via a virtual meeting. The address for that meeting will be posted on the Commonwealth Calendar no later than 5pm on May 13, 2020.
The State Board will consider mandatory fee increases of between 0 percent and 2.2 percent for all undergraduate students, subject to provisions of the 2020 session of the General Assembly. The community colleges will use revenue generated from any increases in mandatory fees to pay for contractual obligations, debt service, and proposed adjustments to student fees.
Public comment will be received at the meeting following approval of minutes of the preceding meeting and prior to committee reports. The public comment session will be available by via a virtual meeting, the location of which will be posted to the Commonwealth Calendar.
Individuals who wish to speak to the Board must notify, or provide written comment, to the Office of the Chancellor at least 5 working days prior to the scheduled meeting by emailing rmowen@vccs.edu.
All remarks before the State Board for Community Colleges must be matters germane and relevant to the agenda of the day.
MECC’s Cybersecurity Teams Succeed on National Stage
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 Lamb, Noah Sturgill, Nathaniel Mullins and Shane Strong. Assistant Professor Ritchie Deel, who oversees MECC’s cybersecurity program, served as faculty mentor.
The team participated in two recent national CTF competitions—Radford University’s “RUSecure” competition and the National Cyber League’s (NCL) “Spring Season” contest. In the RUSecure event, MECC placed ahead of all other teams in the Southwest Virginia bracket, finishing second out of all Virginia community colleges and 18th out of 185 teams nationally. As a result, MECC was one of 30 teams invited to Radford’s campus to compete in the final “championship round” that was to be held in early April. Unfortunately, that event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the NCL individual competition, held April 3 – April 5, Inbody placed in the 92nd percentile (out of 657 participants) in the tournament’s highest “Gold” bracket. Fraley placed in the 76th percentile (out of 1,536 participants) in the “Silver” bracket and Sturgill competed in the “Bronze” bracket. Bracket assignments were based on each student’s performance in preliminary rounds.
CTFs are competitions that test teams’ ability to solve challenges that relate to the cybersecurity industry. With each challenge solved, a team acquires a “flag,” and the team with the most flags by the end of a competition is named the winner.
CTFs are becoming more common throughout the country as the cybersecurity industry expands rapidly, and employers often use them to find and recruit talent. Both the RUSecure and NLC events were open to all high school and college teams in the country, and their online formats allowed competitors to participate from their homes provided they had access to a computer and a working internet connection.
MECC offers a Cybersecurity Career Studies Program that can be completed in one year. Those interested in enrolling in the program can visit www.mecc.edu/pathways/cyber-security or contact Ritchie Deel at 276.523.2400 ext. 444.
-MECC-
MECC Health Information Management Program Earns National Accreditation
(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 in 2013 through an initial grant through HRSA, Health Resources and Services Administration. The program has maintained consistent enrollment, with more than 40 program graduates thus far. Graduates of the HIM program are eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician certification offered only by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
To achieve accreditation status, institutions must develop a program that meets the professional curriculum content and the quality of the program as measured by the American Health Information Management Association Academic Standards. Program administrators must ensure that the program is sustainable per its resource and needs assessment. The program must be developed to ensure stability professionally and financially. The HIM program at Mountain Empire Community College is the only accredited program for HIM in Southwest Virginia.
In addition, CAHIIM accredited programs must have a program director and at least one full time faculty who have earned the professional certification of Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). Program Director Nora Blankenbecler and Instructor Sabrina Ward have earned and maintain RHIA status and together have led the effort to apply for national accreditation through CAHIIM. The HIM program is governed by an advisory committee consisting of health information and health informatics leaders from regional hospital networks, a national healthcare software company and ambulatory care practice administrators.
“Accreditation of the HIM program at MECC demonstrates the focus we put on our students and the success they are looking for in their careers,” said Blankenbecler. “The program has already had a significant impact that has changed students’ lives.”
Health information management is the practice of managing medical information and data vital to providing quality patient care, sound fiscal management of medical resources, and data governance that support confidentiality of protected health information. Management of this data includes acquisition, analysis, and protection of digital and traditional types of information.
“The award of CAHIIM accreditation status provides assurances to the our students and employers that MECC meets high quality standards in the production and delivery of its Health Information Management Associate Degree program,” added MECC President Kristen Westover.
For more information on MECC’s Health Information Management program, visit www.mecc.edu/healthinformationmanagement or call Nora Blankenbecler, Program Director, at 276.523. 2400 ext. 241.
For more information on MECC or the Title III grant, visit the college’s website at www.mecc.edu or contact the college’s Office of Public Relations at 276.523.7480.
-MECC-
MECC Staff Producing Face Shields for Area Medical Personnel
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.
Two other MECC staff, Kody Witt and Courtney Hay, have also joined the effort, working from home.
MECC Students Participate in Alternative Spring Break
Big Stone Gap, VA – Five Mountain Empire Community College students opted to spend their spring break volunteering on MECC’s second annual Alternative Spring Break trip sponsored by Student Activities.
The team traveled to Berkeley County, SC and partnered with Habitat for Humanity to work on construction of a new house for a family in need. Over the course of four days, the team worked in the ReStore retail store processing donations, put up soffit along the porch ceiling, measured and installed j channel and utility strip along the front porch, began the siding work on the front porch, and did some painting and installed shelving for the local community center.
The MECC students who participated were: Madison Childress, Cameron Cope, Zoe Falin, Amelia Strouth, and Yijia Wang. Students applied for the team during the Fall 2019 semester and were invited to participate in the service trip, which took place from March 8-13, 2020 during MECC’s Spring Break. Zoe Falin said of her experience: “Alternative Spring Break was a life-changing and eye opening experience. It taught me that giving back can be fun.” The team got to work with volunteers from Siena College and St. Louis University and learned valuable skills from the Habitat Berkeley professional construction crew.
The MECC team worked hard all week, but managed to find some time for fun activities as well. The team sampled some cuisine that many had never tried before, walked along Folly Beach, and visited a Chinese New Year lantern exhibit at the Magnolia Plantation Gardens. Cameron Cope summed up the week: “The opportunity to serve others while also learning life skills, building personal relationships, and experiencing unforgettable memories is one I’ll cherish forever.”
For more information regarding MECC’s Alternative Spring Break or other student activities, please contact Kari Paschetto, Great Expectations and Student Activities Coordinator, at 276.523.2400 ext. 422.
MECC’s “Capture the Flag” (CTF) team has advanced to the final round of Radford University’s annual “RU Secure” national CTF competition.
MECC’s “Capture the Flag” (CTF) team has advanced to the final round of Radford University’s annual “RU Secure” national CTF competition. The “redFoxes” achieved the highest score of any college or high school in the Southwest Virginia category, qualifying them for the competition’s final round per contest rules. Overall, the team finished 18th out of 185 competing teams, and they also finished ahead of all but one VCCS college. CTFs are online challenges that test teams’ ability to solve challenges that relate to the cybersecurity industry. With each challenge solved, a team acquires a “flag,” and the team with the most flags by the end of the competition is named the winner. CTFs are becoming more common throughout the country as the cybersecurity industry expands rapidly, and employers often use them as way to assess and recruit talent.
The MECC “redFoxes” are comprised of MECC students Macarthur Inbody (captain), Danielle Lamb, Noah Sturgill, Nathaniel Mullins, and Jonathan (Shane) Strong. The team is coached by Associate Professor Ritchie Deel. MECC is proud to support the “redFoxes” as they prepare for the championship round that will take place online in April (original plans to hold the competition onsite at Radford University have been amended due to national health concerns).
Update on MECC preparations for COVID-19 outbreak
Dear Mountain Empire College Community,
I want to be sure to keep you abreast of the latest news and decisions regarding COVID-19 and the potential spread of the virus. As of March 11, 2020 at 5:00 PM, there were 9 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Virginia. The Virginia Governor’s Office confirmed this morning that all 9 of those cases can be traced to a source such as foreign travel, and those infected did not contract the virus through sustained community transmission. At this time, the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management have both reported that there are no cases of sustained community transmission of COVID-19 in Virginia. The Governor has not declared an emergency. Tennessee saw its first reported case of COVID-19 on March 6th, and has less than 10 confirmed cases at this time. Kentucky also has at least 8 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
This afternoon, Northern Virginia Community College, Germanna Community College, The University of Virginia, and UVA- Wise made the difficult decisions to either suspend coursework and/or move coursework online. This is an option MECC may need to exercise in the future, and we are preparing our services and campus for this possibility. Our campus demographics do not mirror these institutions. We are not in Northern Virginia; we do not have dorms, nor do we have a significant population of international students. We plan to continue to be hyper-vigilant in promoting COVID-19 protocols, monitor the situation and continue to plan for a disruption in courses and services with the Emergency Management Team.
While this news is not cause for panic, we must continue to be diligent in preparing for a possible regional outbreak. Please continue to prevent the spread of infectious disease through adherence to CDC infection control protocols such as handwashing, hygiene and household sanitation. This is a rapidly evolving issue. Facts about the status of the virus, what we know about it, CDC guidance on best practices and the number of people impacted are all changing hour to hour. MECC’s Administration and Emergency Management Team are monitoring the situation closely and will keep you informed via email, campus alerts, our website and social media outlets if there is a decision to change MECC operations.
Stay Healthy!
Kristen Westover, Ed.D.
President, Mountain Empire Community College
MECC Foundation Announces 2020 Lonesome Pine Short Story and Poetry Contest Winners
Big Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 Lonesome Pine Short Story and Poetry Contests. The Contest was held in conjunction with the 44th annual John Fox Jr. Literary Festival, held Wednesday, March 4.
Middle School Short Story
First Place: Corey Gray, Ridgeview Middle School, “The Wraith” Second Place: Olive Jeffery, Union Middle School, “The Dreaming Champion” Third Place: Leylah Hamilton, a homeschool student, “All in a Lifetime”
High School Short Story
First Place: Claire Childress, a homeschool student, “Celebrity Happiness” Second Place: Shelby Ann Peace, Union High School, “Like a Bat” Third Place: Emily Katelin Mae Hall, Central High School, “The Empress of Malatonia”
Adult Category Short Story
First Place: Donita Ratliff Kennedy, of Kingsport, “Sitting Up with the Dead” Second Place: Greg Sturgill, of Wise, “Red and Milky White” Third Place: Kelly Pilkenton, of Norton, “An Automatonomatic Fear”
Middle School Poetry
First Place: Kiarah Hamilton, a home school student, “Dreams Keep You Alive” Second Place: Rachel Mullins, Ridgeview Middle School, “Infinite Imagination” Third Place: Lauren Wood, Ridgeview Middle School, “Dear Shakespeare”
High School Poetry
First Place: Emily Kaitlin Mae Hall, Central High School, “In My Wildest Dreams” Second Place: Ethen Roberts, Sullivan Central High School, “Misspelled” Third place: Noah Smith, a homeschool student, “The Men of Culloden”
Adult Poetry
First Place: McKenzie Templeton, of Gate City, “Snowflakes” Second Place: Eboni Hamilton, of Big Stone Gap, “A Deer in the Headlights” Third Place: Donna Hamilton, of Church Hill, “The Girl and the Balloon”
For more information on the MECC Foundation, please visit our website at www.meccfoundation.org.
Lonesome Pine Hospital Board To Assist MECC Nursing Students
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to announce that the Lonesome Pine Hospital Board has provided a $6,000 gift to cover national testing fees for students enrolled in the College’s Registered Nursing program and who are employed by Ballad Health.
The program, established almost 15 years ago with the Wellmont Lonesome Pine Community Outreach Fund, has provided more than $30,000 and supported hundreds of nursing students in their efforts to obtain their licensure.
“These scholarships are a direct result of the foresight by the Lonesome Pine Hospital Board members who created this fund when Lonesome Pine Hospital joined the Wellmont Health System, and later on, Ballad Health. The goal was and is to improve the health and wellness of the people in our area. Supporting students who are employees of Ballad Health in their quest to obtain their education is critical to improving the health of our community, ” said Mike Allen, Chair of the Lonesome Pine Hospital Board.
“This is a good example of a wonderful partnership between MECC and the health providers that the college serves,” said MECC President Kristen Westover. “These scholarships will benefit Ballad Health and MECC, but most of all, they will benefit students. We are very grateful to our partners at Lonesome Pine Hospital for their generosity.”
For more information on MECC’s Registered Nursing program, please contact Kim Dorton, MECC’s Dean of Health Sciences, at kdorton@mecc.edu or 276.523.7456. For more information on the Mountain Empire Community College Foundation, visit www.meccfoundation.org or call 276.523.2400 ext. 466.
Lonesome Pine Literary and Poetry contest will be contest will be moved to Friday at 4:30 p.m.
Due to today’s closure, the deadline for entries for the Lonesome Pine Literary and Poetry contest will be contest will be moved to Friday at 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.mecc.edu/jffestival.
MECC is currently seeking participants for Spring 2020’s National Cyber League
Big Stone Gap- Mountain Empire Community College is looking for students to compete in the National Cyber League (NCL), an online competition that consists of a series of challenges that allow students to demonstrate their ability to identify hackers from forensic data, audit vulnerable websites, recover from ransomware attacks, and more. Students that have taken ITN 260 and ITN 261 will feel most comfortable with the material. Additional information can be found at www.nationalcyberleague.org. If interested, please contact Ritchie Deel (rdeel@mecc.edu) or Ashvin Raj (araj@mecc.edu) by March 10 so that they can register you. There are only eight slots available for this event.
MECC announces fall semester Honor’s List & fall semester President’s List
The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College Honor’s List for the fall 2019 semester. Students are eligible for the Honor’s List if they have at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79 during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades.
APPALACHIA: Shaphan Fisher, Caden Gibson, Nathaniel Herron, Kobe Johnson, Samantha Sizemore, and Amber Stidham.
BEN HUR: Madison Johnson.
BIG STONE GAP: Erin Austin, Jesse Austin, Kirsten Barker, Amber Boring, Victoria Chestnut, Caitlyn Clymer, Jacob Coomer, Emma Dietz, Alyssa Dupree, Rebekah Earwood, Christina Gibson, Saylor Gilly, Jacob Goodman, Nicholas Guerrant, Lauren Harkleroad, Emily Hurd, Jacob Legg, Keerston Lovell, Billy McMillan, Tiffine McMillan, Noah Moneyhun, Samantha Owens, Madalyn Ratcliffe, Elizabeth Rock, Tiffany Seals, Crystal Sexton, Madison Shuler, and Megan Wagner.
BIRCHLEAF: Kayla Combs.
BLACKWATER: Katherine Anderson.
BRISTOL, VA: Matthew Sullivan.
CASTLEWOOD: Olivia Powers and Selena Powers.
CLINCHCO: Mary Bise, Cheyenne Blansett, and Makenzie Robinette.
CLINTWOOD: Christy Edwards, Emily Elswick, Max Fletcher, Noah Mullins, Trenton Robinson, and Tabitha Wallace.
COEBURN: Gabrielle Beverly, Connor Blevins, Mitchell Holbrook, Monica Light, Justin Palmer, Charity Pridemore, Zachary Rose, Kevin Smith, Seirra Smith, Tori Stevens, Justin Wade, and Aaron Williams.
DANTE: Anthony Kiser.
DRYDEN: Jonnie Mullins, Hannah Phillips, Hannah Reasor, and Kayla Thatcher.
DUFFIELD: Jacob Stanley, Christie Baker, Seth Berry, Matthew Gibson, Nevin Haines, Travis Harless, Ryan McDavid, Hank Middleton, Brian Pearcy, Christian Sayers, Brandon Statzer, Logan Tomlinson, Dominic Webb, and Chloe Young.
DUNGANNON: Natalie Adams, Lauren Duncan, and Mary Hensley.
EOLIA, KY: Emily Brock and Logan Sturgill.
ERMINE, KY: Joshua Ferris.
EWING: Seth Zumbrum.
FT. BLACKMORE: Bailey Butler, Taylor Darnell, and Kara Smith.
GATE CITY: Taylor Blevins, Landon Fletcher, Ashton Ford, Kadmiel Gardner, Valerie McConnell, William Painter, Lindsay Starnes, and Jonathan Strong.
HAYSI: Raegan Lamkin and Quinlan Turner.
HILTONS: Phyllis McGlothlin.
JOHNSON CITY, TN: Beckwith Callaham.
JONESVILLE: Bailee Chadwell, Caleb Coleman, Aleigha Cope, Asia Dean, Wesley Gilliam, Kalee Hibbard, Jonah Hilton, April Kolb, Aren Lambert, Michael Rutledge, and Andrew Sanders.
KINGSPORT, TN: Piper Banks, Elisabeth Roberts, and Shyanne Van Heel.
NICKELSVILLE: Amber Collins, Mckenna Dean, Mahalia Kinsler, Zachary Lane, Gerald McConnell, Frank Miano, Peyton Peters, Aubrey Powers, Victoria Quillen, Mary Ramsey, and Mackenzie Warner.
NORTON: Summer Bower, Mark Caruso, Kaden Fisher, Michael Gilliam, Ronald Gilliam, Nathaniel Herron, Elijah Lovell, Kaylei Miller, Sydney Phillips, Heather Phipps, and Jacqueline Rose.
PENNINGTON GAP: Andrew Barrier, Cameron Byington, Eden Calton, Jim Clark, Chasity Russell, Lisa Scott, and Alexander Stafford.
POUND: David Brummitte, Hannah Carter, Tanzania Earl, Bryanna Harris, and Amber Quillen.
ROSE HILL: Darien Cottrell, Brian Humphrey, and Tyler Hunley.
ST. PAUL: Brandon Armistead.
WEBER CITY: Tapanga Gillenwater, Seth Lucas, and Jamie Watts.
WISE: Buffy Bell, Emily Daugherty, Ericka Fisher, John Hines, Meghan Lovelace, Tristan Miller, Pausha Mullins, Karrie Powers, Makayla Powers, Kayla Roberts, Peyton Rogers, Jason Stine, and Loretta Wampler.
The following students have been named to the Mountain Empire Community College President’s List for the fall 2019 semester. Students are eligible for the President’s List if they have at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.8 or higher during the semester with no incompletes, re-enrolls, unsatisfactory or failing grades.
ABINGDON: Savannah Brooks.
APPALACHIA: Ethan Bowman, Madison Head, Nathaniel Mullins, Racheal Needham, Christian Worley, and Brittany Worley-Johnson.
BIG STONE GAP: Ashley Cusano, Kali Durham, Zoe Falin, Krystina Gangl, Britan Gilly, Sydney Hall, Ethan Harris, Nathaniel Hersel, Taylor Hillman, David Kelley, Christopher Koontz, Danielle Lamb, Brooke Light, Michael Martin, Krista Meredith, Lisa Milanese, Sophia Morgan, Brayden Mozingo, Larissa Phillips, Koby Poff, Sydney Stapleton, Jared Sullivan, and Trevor Wagner.
BIRCHLEAF: Raegan Rasnick.
BLACKWATER: Yvonne Hiter and Joshua Winegar.
BRISTOL, VA: Holly Jones.
CASTLEWOOD: Allison Compton.
CHURCH HILL, TN: Michaela Franklin, Ashtyn Gibson, and Brooklyn Smith.
CLINCHCO: CheyAnn McCowan.
CLINTWOOD: Kalianna Brooks, Emily Browning, Tammy Cochran, Gabriel Counts, Nicholas Cox, Bethany Davis, Hannah Flint, Carson Fuller, Dawson Hillyer, Jordan Moore, Selena Moore, Brycen Mullins, Haley Mullins, Michael Porter, Ashley Ramey, Ryan Reynolds, and Amelia Strouth.
COEBURN: Tyler Bright, Caleb Carico, Hannah Davis, Amber Freeman, Anthony Freeman, James Kilgore, Jonathan Lawson, Elizabeth McReynolds, Kirklyn Milgrim, Whitney Mooney, Katherine Perry, Kaylee Sexton, Shannon Smith, and Hope Stidham.
DANTE: Ayden Vitatoe.
DRYDEN: Colt Muncy, Brandon Smith, and Tori Travis.
DUFFIELD: Morgan Baker, Aaron Best, Savannah Bowen, Hayden Dean, Janis Garrett, Alexis Horton, Preston McElyea, Caitlin Summey, Lydia Tankersley, Darin Vaughan, and Makayla Ward.
DUNGANNON: Christopher Oaks.
EAST STONE GAP: Raven Cantrell, Hannah Carter, Staci Fraley, and Aki Godsey.
EWING: Peyton Redinger.
FT. BLACKMORE: Kert Gibson and Michael Griffin.
GATE CITY: Kasey Barber, Elizabeth Barnett, Kallie Berry, Abigail Bledsoe, Marissa Canter, Faith Church, Dylon Clark, Macy Dishner, Jason Fields, Ambria Hagy, Destiny Hatfield, Samantha Jerrell, Avery Johnson, Elizabeth Jones, Caroline Musick, Hailey Musick, Hanna Musick, Brandi Osborne, Aubrie Penley, Teresa Phillips, Madison Pierce, Kendal Quillen, Charles Quinn, Lex Reed, Luke Reed, Chloe Smith, Caleb Spicer, Makenzie Stallard, Chase Templeton, Amanda Vermillion, Loren Vermillion, and Abby Williams.
HAYSI: Brandy Presley, Kloe Rife, and Shellby Rose.
HILTONS: Carter Babb and Ava Seagle.
JONESVILLE: Jerry Allen, Madison Combs, Heriberto Donato, Sarah Graham, Jordan Hampton, Kelly Harvel, Caleb Haynes, Timothy Long, Abigail Middleton, Noah Middleton, Callie Perkins, Madison Phipps, Sarah Sumpter, Alexis Turner, Allison Wilson, and Tanya Woodard.
KEOKEE: Sheena Bloomer.
KINGSPORT, TN: Tara Adams, Breanna Bernard, and Baylie Jones.
MT. CARMEL, TN: Jonathan Compton.
NICKELSVILLE: Jared Helbert, Cynthia Herron, Amber McConnell, and Whitney White.
NORA: Amanda O’Quinn.
NORTON: Roland Cochrane, Laken Culbertson, Morgan Fawbush, Alanna Gray, Blake Hammonds, Kelsey Lawson, Lucas Messer, Maggie Moore, Zoe Niece, Jackson Orr, Kelly Pilkenton, Jaden Pritchard, Caelen Robinette, Adran Smith, Bailey Sturgill, Davina Vanover, Tammy Ward, and Aidan Wells.
PENNINGTON GAP: Alanah Aldridge, Jacob Bledsoe, Kaylee Glascoe, Noah Harber, Mary Litton, Lisa Penix, Curtis Reece, Gregory Seals, Michael Snodgrass, Matthew Spears, Jacob Whitaker, and Morgan Woliver.
POUND: Carrie Adams, Andrea Anunson, Hunter Grant, Alexa Lester, Sadra Mullins, Wallace Mullins, Christian Rose, Maddison Smith, Amber Sowards, Benjamin Stallard, Kathleen Steffey, Adrianna Sturgill, Yijia Wang, and Qing Yang. WEBER CITY: Kaylyn Collier.
WISE: Celeste Aguinaga, Nicole Aguirre, Olivia Basham, Tina Beaver, Joshua Church, Sandra Collins, Taylor Gentry, Brittany Gibson, Maegan Gruber-Basenback, Sagan Holbrook, Tyler Hopkins, Shona Josey, James Kinser, Emily Mullins, Izah Qureshi, Casey Sexton, and Noah Sturgill.
MECC offers a free Quick Start to College class designed for individuals who have considered college, but have hesitated to enroll.
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College offers a free Quick Start to College class designed for individuals who have considered college, but have hesitated to enroll.
The course allows students the opportunity to obtain college credit at no cost without having to enroll for a full semester. To qualify, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
The course will include an orientation to the basics of college life at MECC. Students will be able to learn how to find offices and classes on campus, use online learning tools, and MECC email. Career counseling sessions will also be included so that students can learn more about program offerings that best fit their interests.
The course will cover computer basics including using Word and saving documents to flash drives. Students will also focus on math and English. Students will be able to freshen up on important basics that will help them take or retake the math and English placement tests.
The Spring Quick Start program will be offered:
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.) February 11 – March 5
-
February 11 & 13 – Orientation and Campus Information
-
February 18 & 20 – Computer Skills
-
February 25 – English Skills
-
February 27 & March 3 – Career Exploration and College Success Skills
-
March 5 – Math Skills
For more information or to register for Quick Start, Contact Beth Boggs, Career & Transfer Counselor, bboggs@mecc.edu; 276-523-7438 or visit our website: www.mecc.edu/quickstart.
Mountain Empire Community College will hold a Career & Transfer Fair
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 transfer requirements; learn about job placement services or internships; discuss the opportunities that may be available to you; learn about your marketability; talk to employers about job openings; and speak with transfer representatives about course requirements.
Even those who are not immediately seeking employment have plenty to learn from the Career & Transfer Fair. Representatives can provide valuable insight to what employers are looking for when screening new hires. This insight can assist students and community members in refining their resumes and help them know which skills to focus on improving. Those attending are invited to bring copies of their resume and be prepared to complete job applications for those representatives that may be hiring. Transfer institutions will be available to speak to current students or recent graduates about admissions requirements and program options.
For more information on MECC’s Career & Transfer Fair, contact Beth Boggs, Career and Transfer Counselor, at 276.523.2400 ext. 324 or bboggs@mecc.edu, or visit www.mecc.edu/career-services.
MECC Foundation to Host Lee County Endowed Scholarship Valentine’s Dinner
Big Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation and the Lee County Endowed Scholarship Committee will hold a special Valentine’s Day dinner to raise funds benefiting the Lee County Endowed Scholarship.
The Foundation has received a $30,000 match pledge for the scholarship from the Slemp Foundation. All donations, including proceeds from the dinner, will be matched up to $30,000.
The dinner will be held Friday, February 14 at 6 p.m., in the Goodloe Center at Mountain Empire Community College. There will be a silent auction, along with delicious food and beverages from North Fork Catering Company in Weber City. Wine will be available for purchase from MountainRose Vineyards and Winery in Wise. It will be an exciting event that you will not want to miss!
To purchase tickets, or serve as an event sponsor, please visit www.meccfoundation.org/lcfund or call Jeri Bledsoe, MECC Foundation Annual Fund Coordinator, at 276.523.2400 ext. 287. For more information on the MECC Foundation, call the Foundation office at 276.523.7466, or visit online at www.meccfoundation.org.
Nominations Sought for 2020 MECC Outstanding Alumnus Award
Big Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College Alumni Advisory Committee is seeking nominations for the 2020 MECC Outstanding Alumnus Award, which recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to one or more areas of society, i.e., professional, academic, and personal achievements, civic service, or service to MECC.
All living MECC alumni who have completed at least one class at MECC are eligible to be nominated and considered for the award. Self-nominations are also welcome. Current members of the MECC Local Advisory and Foundation Boards of Directors, current faculty and staff of the college, and members of the MECC Alumni and Friends Advisory Committee are not eligible to receive the award.
The nomination form is available online at the MECC website, www.mecc.edu or at the MECC Foundation website, www.meccfoundation.org. There is no limit to the number of nominations that one may submit. The deadline for nominations for the 2020 Outstanding Alumnus Award is February 28, 2020.
A subcommittee of the MECC Alumni Advisory Committee will select the winner of the award and the winner will be announced at the annual Scholars’ Recognition Night banquet to be held in March.
For questions, please contact Jeri Bledsoe in the MECC Foundation office at 276-523-2400, extension 287, or at jbledsoe@mecc.edu.
-MECC FOUNDATION-
