Big Stone Gap, VA – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation will honor the late Mr. Ken Gilley and Mrs. Thelma Sorah Gilley at the annual Hall of Honor Gala on Saturday evening, April 21, 2018.
The gala theme is “Music of the Mountains,” and proceeds from the event will benefit the Gilley-Sorah Hall of Honor Mountain Music School Endowed Scholarship at MECC. Mountain Music School, held annually during the summer, draws many local and out-of-state students to the one-week program that carries on the rich musical heritage of our region.
The Gilleys will be recognized for their support of Mountain Empire Community College and their service to the region. They have been strong proponents of higher education in southwest Virginia, providing financial support to MECC. The Gilleys have created two scholarships, the William Kenneth Gilley Memorial Scholarship for Mountain Music School, and the Gilley-Sorah Endowed Scholarship, which was created along with their son, Michael, and Thelma’s sister, Shirley Walborn. Additionally, Mrs. Gilley was involved in establishing the East Stone Gap Tigers Scholarship at MECC.
The Gilleys were also active in civic organizations and volunteered in the community. Mr. Gilley worked for Norfolk Southern Railway for 41 years, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners. Mrs. Gilley worked for the Virginia Division of Mines in Big Stone Gap, the Social Security Office in Norton, and retired from the Department of Labor as supervisor of the Black Lung Office in Norton. She also served as a negotiator for the local AFL-CIO. After their retirement, the Gilleys enjoyed taking classes at MECC and especially enjoyed participating in Mountain Music School.
The evening will begin with a reception in the Slemp Commons of Phillips-Taylor Hall at 6 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner in the Goodloe Center at 6:45 p.m. A short recognition program will follow dinner, and musical entertainment by mountain music artists and bands will follow. Musicians will include Mountain Music School instructors, Chris Rose, Richard Phillips, Steve Souther, Joey O’Quinn, Sarah Kate Morgan, and Larry Mullins. The evening will also feature some Mountain Music School students.
Event sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit www.meccfoundation.org for more information.
Tickets to the April 21 Gala event are $75 each and may be purchased by calling the MECC Foundation office at 276-523-7466 or by visiting the MECC Foundation website at http://www.meccfoundation.org/mecc-foundation-gala/.
Tickets may also be purchased by mail by sending a check to MECC Foundation, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA, 24219, Please make checks payable to MECC Foundation and indicate in the memo section of your check “Gilley-Sorah Hall of Honor Mountain Music School Scholarship.”
If you have questions, or need additional information about the event, please contact the MECC Foundation Office at 276-523-7466, or e-mail Jeri Bledsoe at jbledsoe@mecc.edu.
MECC will offer ACC 134 – Small Business Taxes as on online course beginning March 12. The course will introduce students to taxes most frequently encountered in business. It includes payroll, sales, property, and income tax. The instructor for the course is John Bledsoe. For more information, or to register, call MECC’s Enrollment Services Office at 276.523.7474.
Big Stone Gap, Va. — MECC will offer a continuing education class for Surface Retraining on Saturday, February 17th. The class will be held in Phillips-Taylor Hall Room 231 from 7 am to 4 pm. The class will be instructed by Greg Baker. The class registration fee is $50. For more information or to register, contact the Center for Workforce Development at 276.523.2400 ext. 372 or 225.
Big Stone Gap, VA — The MECC Foundation is pleased to announce the 42nd annual
John Fox, Jr. Literary Festival, featuring a presentation by guest author Sharyn McCrumb, on Wednesday, March 21 at 10 a.m.in the Goodloe Center of Phillips-Taylor Hall.
In coordination with the festival event, the MECC Foundation will host the 31st Annual Lonesome Pine Short Story Contest and the 14th Annual Lonesome Pine Poetry Contest.
Individuals interested in obtaining guidelines for submitting short story and poetry contest entries should contact Brandi McAfee in the MECC Foundation Office at (276) 523-7466. The deadline for submitting entries is Wednesday, February 28 at 4:30 p.m. Entry categories include adult, high school (grades 9 through 12), and middle school (grades 5 through 8) categories. Contest rules are available on the MECC Foundation website at www.meccfoundation.org. Winners of the contest will be announced during the Literary Festival Event.
Sharyn McCrumb is an award-winning Southern writer, best known for her Appalachian “Ballad” novels, set in the North Carolina/Tennessee mountains, including the New York Times Best Sellers: The Ballad of Tom Dooley, She Walks These Hills and The Rosewood Casket. Her current novel The Unquiet Grave is a well-researched history of West Virginia’s Greenbrier Ghost.
In 2014, Sharyn McCrumb was awarded the Mary Frances Hobson Prize for Southern Literature by North Carolina’s Chowan University. Named a “Virginia Woman of History” in 2008 for Achievement in Literature, she was a guest author at the National Festival of the Book in Washington, D.C. in 2006. In April 2017, the national DAR named her a “Woman in the Arts” for literary achievement. In November 2017, the West Virginia Library Association presented Sharyn McCrumb with their Award of Merit for Contributions to Appalachian Literature.
McCrumb’s other honors include: AWA Outstanding Contribution to Appalachian Literature Award; the Chaffin Award for Southern Literature; the Plattner Award for Short Story; and AWA’s Best Appalachian Novel. She was named “Best Mountain Writer 2013” by Blue Ridge Country Magazine. A graduate of UNC- Chapel Hill, with an M.A. in English from Virginia Tech, McCrumb was the first writer-in-residence at King College in Tennessee. In 2005, she was honored as the Writer of the Year at Emory & Henry College.
Books will be available to purchase and for author signing. The John Fox, Jr. Festival will be followed by a reservation-only luncheon with the featured speaker at the John Fox, Jr. Museum in Big Stone Gap. Tickets for the luncheon are $23 per person and reservations can be made by calling the MECC Foundation office at 276.523.7466.
For more information on the MECC Foundation or the event, please visit our website at www.meccfoundation.org.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will offer several accounting classes this spring designed for students with beginning to intermediate experience in the field.
ACC 211 – Principles of Accounting I introduces accounting principles with respect to financial reporting and focuses on the preparation of accounting information and its use in the operation of organizations, as well as methods of analysis and interpretation of accounting information.
ACC 212 – Principles of Accounting II introduces accounting principles with respect to cost and managerial accounting while focusing on the application of accounting information with respect to product costing, as well as its use within the organization to provide direction and to judge performance. ACC 222 – Intermediate Accounting II continues accounting principles and theory with emphasis on accounting for fixed assets, intangibles, corporate capital structure, long-term liabilities, and investments.
ACC 231 – Cost Accounting I studies cost accounting methods and reporting as applied to job order, process, and standard cost accounting systems. ACC 261 – Principles of Federal Taxation presents the study of federal taxation as it relates to individuals and other related entities and includes tax planning, compliance and reporting.
Pre-requisite courses are required for ACC 212, 222, 231 and 261. Classes begin January 10 and students are encouraged to register early. Financial aid may be available for qualified applicants. For more information on these courses, or to enroll, call MECC’s Business and Information Technology Division at 276.523.2400 ext. 462.
Big Stone Gap, Va. – Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) was awarded $15,000 today to help provide educational opportunities for military veterans in the region. The gifts are being made through the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion Energy.
MECC President Dr. Kristen Westover and MECC Foundation Interim Director Bonnie Elosser received the donations Tuesday at Dominion Energy’s Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center (VCHEC) in St. Paul, Va.
“Mountain Empire Community College is extremely grateful to Dominion Energy for this generous gift that will support veterans in expanding their education and training needs,” said Dr. Kristen Westover, MECC President. “The timing of this gift also coincides with the unveiling of the new Virginia Community College System Veteran’s Education and Career Exploration Portal (VECEP), an online portal designed to assist students in aligning prior learning and military educational background with college credit to help them complete a college certificate or degree.”
MECC was among three community colleges in the region chosen to receive such a grant, which will benefit educational and career training initiatives aimed at helping current and former military service members reenter the civilian workforce.
Bill Murray, Dominion’s vice president of state & electric public policy, and Mark Kuhn, director of power generation at VCHEC, presented the checks to the MECC representatives at a small ceremony held at the power station.
“Our veterans have faithfully served our nation, and this is another way Dominion Energy can show its thanks and appreciation. These men and women have returned from military service and are now integrating themselves into civilian life. We’re proud to be a part of helping veterans in Southwest Virginia achieve their academic and career goals,” noted Dominion’s Kuhn.
Specifically, MECC plans to use the donation to help with scholarships and other services to support veterans in their education and career training endeavors. The community college’s chapter of Student Veterans of America provides peer support and mentoring for veterans and their families.
MECC is greatly appreciative of the efforts Dominion Energy has made to support veterans in our communities. As a founding partner of the national Troops to Energy Jobs program, the company actively helps military members find rewarding careers in the energy industry. Currently, one in five new hires at Dominion Energy is a veteran, and about 11 percent of the company’s more than 16,000 employees are veterans.
Mountain Empire Community College is a comprehensive two-year college serving residents of Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson Counties, and the City of Norton. For more information on MECC and the college’s degree programs, visit www.mecc.edu or call 276.523.2400.
Big Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College Alumni and Friends Advisory Committee is seeking nominations for the 2018 MECC Outstanding Alumnus Award.
The award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to one or more areas including their 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 Board and the MECC Foundation Board 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 on college’s website at www.mecc.edu/alumni-award-nomination or the MECC Foundation website, www.meccfoundation.org. There is no limit to the number of nominations that one may submit. The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2018.
A subcommittee of the MECC Alumni and Friends Advisory Committee will select the winner of the award and the winner will be announced at the annual Scholars’ Recognition Night banquet scheduled for Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
For questions, please contact Jeri Bledsoe at 276.523.2400, extension 287, or by e-mail at jbledsoe@mecc.edu.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will offer an Advanced First Aid Recertification class on Saturday, December 16 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. The class will be led by Instructor Greg Baker. The cost is $40. For more information, contact MECC’s Workforce Development Office at 276.523.2400 ext. 372 or 255.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will offer CST 141 — Theatre Appreciation as an online course this spring. The class will introduce students to play production and performance. The course will cover stage design, casting and characters, light and sound concerns, makeup and costume design, script writing, and adaptation. Early western theatre through modern theatre will be discussed. For more information, contact Dr. Joel Bailey at jbailey@mecc.edu. For more information on enrolling in the course, call MECC’s Enrollment Services Office at 276.523.7474.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will offer the opportunity for students to enroll in a Certified Nursing Assistant Program in spring 2018.
This cohort program will be held on the Mountain Empire Community College campus Saturdays from 8: 30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from January 20 to April 14. An information session to learn more about the program will be held on Monday, December 11 at 5 p.m. at MECC’s Phillips-Taylor Hall Room 115.
For more information on MECC’s Certified Nursing Assistant program, or to enroll, contact Arietta Harvey at aharvey@mecc.edu or by phone at 276.523.7456.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will offer the opportunity for students to enroll in a Certified Nursing Assistant Program in Gate City beginning in December.
This special cohort program will be held at the Scott County Career and Technical Center on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and two additional Saturdays beginning December 4 through March 28. The cohort will be led by Instructor Farrah Lane. An information session on the program will be held Monday, November 6 at 5 p.m. at the Scott County Career and Technical Center. Those interested in enrolling are encouraged to attend.
For more information on MECC’s Certified Nursing Assistant program, or to enroll, contact Arietta Harvey at aharvey@mecc.edu or by phone at 276.523.7456.
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College will host the fourth annual MECC PROUD week, recognizing the college’s important contributions to higher education and regional economic development October 16-22.
MECC alumni, local businesses, MECC staff members, MECC students and community members are encouraged to display “MECC PROUD” signs in their yard, window displays, and vehicles. “MECC PROUD” signage will be distributed to local businesses by the MECC Student Diplomats. Signs and decals will be available to the public in the lobby of all MECC instructional buildings and at the MECC Alumni Booth during the Home Craft Days Festival, October 21 and 22. Businesses may also email a request for MECC PROUD signage to info@mecc.edu. Signs will be offered at no cost.
The goal of the “MECC Proud” campaign is to recognize the success and continued contributions of thousands of MECC graduates to our region and beyond, while also promoting the college’s role in providing educational opportunities and supporting economic development in Southwest Virginia since its founding in 1972.
MECC hosts an alumni recognition program with a goal to expand and update contact and career information of all graduates and former students. Alumni are encouraged to email their updated information to alumni@mecc.edu.
The “MECC Proud” campaign will coincide with MECC’s Home Craft Days Festival, to be held Friday, October 20 through Sunday, October 22. The college will host thousands of local and out of town visitors to the campus during the festival events, creating a unique opportunity to showcase support for the college and the community.
For more information on MECC Proud week, contact the MECC Office of Community Relations at 276.523.7480.
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College is pleased to announce the college has been selected by The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program as one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
The Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. With a singular focus on student success, the Aspen Prize recognizes institutions with outstanding achievements in four areas: learning; certificate and degree completion; employment and earnings; and high levels of access and success for minority and low-income students.
“I knew Mountain Empire Community College had strong student success metrics when I chose serve as the President. MECC values and measures student performance related to learning outcomes, progression through academic programs, success in completing credentials, and ensuring those outcomes are equitable across diverse sectors of our student population. I am excited that the college has been recognized for our exceptional outcomes that empower citizens for better lives,” said Dr. Kris Westover, President at MECC.
The 150 community colleges named as eligible to compete for the 2019 Prize were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 public two-year colleges nationwide using publicly available data on student outcomes. Located in 39 states in urban, rural, and suburban areas, serving as few as 300 students and as many as 95,000 students, the colleges represent the diversity and depth of the community college sector. For a full list of the top 150 eligible institutions, visit: www.highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize.
The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC, whose mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to advance higher education practices, policies, and leadership that significantly improve student outcomes. Through the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the Siemens Technical Scholars Program, and other initiatives, the College Excellence Program works to improve colleges’ understanding and capacity to teach and graduate students, especially the growing population of low-income and minority students on American campuses.
According to the Aspen Institute, higher education attainment has never been more important. Estimates from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce suggest that out of the 11.6 million jobs created in the postrecession economy, 11.5 million require at least some college education. The vast majority of students who enroll in community colleges do so because they believe that postsecondary education will provide them a path to rewarding work, stable employment, and family-sustaining wages.
“Especially in the current social and economic climate, it is exceptionally important that our nation’s community colleges develop the diverse talent needed to fuel democratic engagement, social mobility, and economic opportunity and growth,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Through this competition we’re working to inspire other institutions across our country to ensure more students succeed in college and their lives beyond those campuses.”
The top ten finalists for the 2019 Aspen Prize will be named in May 2018. The Aspen Institute will then conduct site visits to each of the finalists and collect additional quantitative data, including employment and earnings data. A distinguished Prize Jury will select a grand prize winner, finalist(s) with distinction, and rising star(s) in spring 2019. To read more on the selection process, visit: www.highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize.
Previous winners of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence include: Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, South Dakota (2017); Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida (2015); co-winners Santa Barbara City College in Santa Barbara, California and Walla Walla Community College in Walla Walla, Washington (2013); and Valencia College in Orlando, Florida (2011 inaugural Prize winner).
Mountain Empire Community College will host an information session on Thursday, October 12 at 1 p.m. in Dalton Cantrell Hall Room 242 for those interested in enrolling in the college’s Power Lineman Program. The Power Line Worker Program is a 15-week course that trains workers for careers in the power/cable industry. Applicants must weigh less than 270 lbs., be in good physical condition, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a DOT Physical/Drug Test. The class will be held on MECC’s Big Stone Gap campus and in the former National Guard Armory in Big Stone Gap, Monday through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., beginning November 2017. For more information, contact Lee Davis at 276.523.2400 ext. 211 or by email at leedavis@mecc.edu.
Big Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College campus will come alive with spirits, curses, and sacrifices this October as the college hosts the annual Haunted Forest every Friday and Saturday from 7 – 11 p.m., Oct. 6 – 27.
When the nights grow longer and the leaves start to change in the chill of autumn air, the woods take on a sinister tone. As the barrier between this world and the spirit world grows thinner, the true inhabitants of the forest come out until the whole campus is crawling alive … with the dead.
MECC’s Haunted Forest was recently voted one of Virginia’s top ten haunted attractions by The Scare Factor, available at www.thescarefactor.com.
Admission is $10 per victim. All proceeds will go to benefit scholarships for MECC students. This event is recommended for ages 10 and up. This is an outdoor event and guests are asked to wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College will once again welcome thousands of visitors to the campus this fall for the 46th Annual Home Craft Days Festival held Oct. 20-22.
Celebrating the rich music, culture, and artistry of Southwest Virginia, the Home Craft Days Festival features two full days of concerts, craft vendors, and demonstrations of weaving, pottery making, grist milling, wood crafting, basket weaving, broom making, quilting, tatting and more.
Heading this year’s free Friday night concert are the ETSU Old Time Pride Band, Dale Jett and Hello Stranger, and Sigean. The concert will begin at 6 p.m. in MECC’s Phillips-Taylor Hall Goodloe Center.
According to festival coordinator Mike Gilley, “This annual festival is a homecoming, a chance for family and friends to gather and share our cultural heritage. We are excited to showcase the best of the region’s music, crafts, and food!”
Craft and food vendors will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s music schedule includes featured performers: Todd Meade and Family, Tommy Bledsoe, The Scott County Boys, Sigean, The Railsplitters With Center Stage Cloggers, Jimmy and Ada McCowan, the Empty Bottle String Band With Center Stage Cloggers, New Harvest Brothers, The Sheets Family Band, Anndrenea Belcher & The Wild Boys, Whitetop Mountain Band With Center Stage Cloggers, Kay Justice, Town Branch Bluegrass, Scott County JAM, Wise County JAM, Sycamore Holler, Corbin Hayslett & Saro Lynch (Ravens & Wrens), Brandon Maggard, Joy Blair, Danny Whited and Friends of Bluegrass, Kelsey Ray Copeland, The Childress Family, Jack Wright and Roger Hall, Jack Beck and Wendy Welch.
Sunday’s performers include: Glenn Roberts, Pam Randolph and Doug Dorschug, Angie Debord, The Crooked Road Ramblers With Center Stage Cloggers, Poplar Hill Reunion, Bill and the Belles, Roan Mountain Moonshiners, Grayson Ridge Runners With Center Stage Cloggers, Smith Family Singers, John Haywood, Sons of Liberty, Richard Phillips & Friends, Ms. Ellie’s String Band, Rich Kirby and Nate Polly, Lee Sexton, Sulphur Spring String Dippers, Eric McMurray and Friends, Ron Short and The Possum Playboys, Nancy and Bill Smith.
Admission is FREE to all the festival events. MECC is located on US Route 23 just south of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Parking and shuttles for the festival will be offered at five locations in Big Stone Gap. Shuttle rides are $1 per person at boarding. Locations include:
Union High School (formerly Powell Valley High School) – Front Parking Lot
Curbside, Wood Ave, in Front of Food City
Curbside, Municipal Parking Lot behind Post Office/Federal Building
Country Inn
Comfort Inn
Volunteers are needed to assist with festival set-up, refreshments, clean-up and more. If you’d like to volunteer your time, please visit www.homecraftdays.org/volunteer.
For more information on the event, including a detailed schedule of vendors and musicians, visit the Home Craft Days website at www.homecraftdays.org.
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.
Covering just five weeks, the course allows students the opportunity to obtain three college credits without having to enroll for a full semester at no cost. To qualify, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
The first week of the course will include an orientation to the basics of college life. Students will be able to learn how to find offices and classes on campus, use Blackboard, and MECC email. Career counseling sessions will also be included so that students can learn more about MECC program offerings that best fit their interests.
The next two weeks will cover computer basics including using Word and saving documents to flash drives. The final two weeks of the course will 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 Fall 2017 Quick Start program will be offered:
Monday & Wednesday afternoons (2:30pm – 4:00 pm) October 9 – November 8
October 9 & 11 – Orientation and Career Options
October 16 & 18 – Computer Skills
October 23 & 25 – Computer Skills
October 30 & November 1 – Math Skills
November 6 & 8 – English Skills
For more information or to enroll, contact Beth Boggs at 276.523.7438 or visit www.mecc.edu/quickstart.
Gate City, VA – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation will host a fundraising event for the Scott County Endowed Scholarship on Thursday, September 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the Scott County Career and Technical Center in Gate City.
The event theme is “Mardi Gras.” Patrons will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and entertainment by “Time Further Out,” a jazz band from the Tri-Cities area. The band’s repertoire consists mostly of jazz standards from the 1920s to the 1960s, with a few other genres mixed in.
Tickets for the event are $30 and sponsorships are available for a gift of any amount. For tickets, or to sponsor the event, contact Jeri Bledsoe in the MECC Foundation office at 276.523.2400, extension 287, or by e-mail at jbledsoe@mecc.edu.
Gifts to the Scott County Endowed Scholarship are fully tax-deductible. Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund may give online by going to the MECC Foundation webpage, www.meccfoundation.org, and clicking on the red “Make A Gift” button located at top right of the page. Gifts may also be mailed to MECC Foundation, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, Virginia 24219. Please note in the memo section that the funds are for the Scott County Endowed Scholarship.
For more information about the event, check the MECC Foundation web page at www.meccfoundation.org.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College is pleased to offer Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles-approved Driver Improvement Clinics beginning this October.
Classes will meet on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on MECC’s campus. The cost of the course is $75. The 2017-18 class schedule is as follows:
October 14, 2017
November 18, 2017
January 20, 2018
February 17, 2018
March 17, 2018
April 21, 2018
May 19, 2018
June 16, 2018
To register for the class, visit www.mecc.edu and click “Workforce Solutions” to access the non-credit registration form. You can also register at MECC’s Workforce Development Office, located in Phillips-Taylor Hall, Suite 208, or call 276.523.2400 ext. 372 or 225.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will hold a series of “Meet and Greet” sessions with President Kristen Westover this fall.
Dr. Westover will be soliciting feedback on the future vision and mission of the college. Students, staff, alumni, community members, and business leaders are invited to attend. Participants are asked to pre-register by visiting www.mecc.edu/meetgreet and selecting one of the scheduled events.
MECC Campus – Goodloe Center Monday, September 11, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
Town of Pennington Gap Community Center
Monday, September 25, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 41670 West Morgan Ave, Pennington Gap, VA 24277
Scott County Career & Technical Center Auditorium
Monday, October 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 387 Broadwater Ave., Gate City, VA 24251
J.I. Burton High School Auditorium
Tuesday, October 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 109 11th Street SW, Norton, VA 24273
Ridgeview High School Auditorium
Wednesday, October 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 310 Wolfpack Way, Clintwood, VA 24228
For more information, contact Peggy Gibson, Administrative Assistant, at 276.523.7490 or by email at pgibson@mecc.edu.
Big Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation welcomes all alumni and friends to campus for “Southwest Virginia’s Got Talent,” the 2017 alumni and friends event on Saturday, October 14 at 6 p.m. in the Goodloe Center of Phillips-Taylor Hall on the MECC campus. The event is sponsored by Norton Community Hospital and Edward Jones Investments.
The evening will begin with delicious hors d’oeuvres at the reception at 6 p.m. in the Slemp Commons, providing patrons an opportunity to reconnect with friends, former classmates, current and former faculty. The talent show will begin at 6:45 p.m. Audience members will choose the winners of this Talent Show with each audience member receiving one voting ballot. When all acts have performed, the audience will submit their votes, then enjoy coffee and dessert while the votes are being counted.
Family-friendly performances of all types are welcome. The Entry Form, containing the complete rules and regulations for entering the contest, is available on the MECC Foundation website, www.meccfoundation.org. Entrants must e-mail a video for pre-judging. The deadline for submitting videos to be considered for the show is Friday, September 22. From the video submissions, a subcommittee of the Alumni Advisory Committee will select ten acts to advance to the final contest at the event. First, second, and third place winners will be awarded with cash prizes of $500, $250, and $100 respectively.
Tickets to the event are $5 each, and guests are asked to purchase them at a link on the MECC Foundation website, as well. For questions, or for those who do not have access to a computer, please call Jeri Bledsoe, event coordinator, at 276-523-2400, extension 287, for assistance or tickets.
Big Stone Gap — Senator Mark Warner will visit Mountain Empire Community College on Tuesday, August 15 at 2:30 p.m. in Dalton-Cantrell Hall for a discussion and demonstration of MECC’s innovative Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) program. Launched in 2015, the UAV program at MECC — the first of its kind in Virginia — has opened up new frontiers and job opportunities in southwest Virginia. Through the program, MECC has placed itself at the forefront of a growing industry as students gain the skills to maintain, design, fabricate, and fly drones.
Sen. Warner has been a strong supporter of research and investment in unmanned systems, including driverless cars, drones, and unmanned submersibles. Virginia is home to one of six FAA-approved sites across the country where researchers are testing the safest and most effective ways to incorporate UAV into the existing airspace.
Sen. Warner will join representatives from MECC and Dominion Power, which uses UAVs to monitor and maintain its systems, to discuss the program. Senator Warner will also provide remarks on his work with UAVs in Washington. Event participants will then move outside for a demonstration to “test drive” some of the UAVs.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will hold two information sessions to assist those interested in enrolling in the college’s Certified Nursing Assistant Program.
MECC will offer two cohort programs this fall. One cohort will meet Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from September 9 through December 16. An information session to enroll in this cohort will be held on Thursday, August 10 beginning at 2:30 p.m. in Phillips Taylor Hall Room 115.
A second cohort will be offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. and four Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning October 3 through December 16. An information session to enroll in this cohort will be held on Friday, September 1 at 11 a.m. at Wise Heritage Hall.
For more information on MECC’s Certified Nursing Assistant program or the two upcoming information sessions, call 276.523.7456.
Big Stone Gap, Va. – Mountain Empire Community College is hosting an information meeting for those interested in applying for a scholarship to attend unmanned aerial systems, or drone, courses this fall.
MECC, with assistance from a National Science Foundation Grant, is offering free tuition for four classes that make up the core of the future Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Technician Career Studies Certificate.
Classes will be offered Fall 2017 and Spring 2018. Upon completion, students will be prepared to obtain certification as a remote pilot and to utilize drones for business and personal use. Students must register this fall in order to qualify for tuition assistance.
The courses are an excellent resource for regional police, EMS, contractors, realtors, farmers, ranchers, videographers and others seeking to incorporate drone technology into their businesses.
An information session will be held Tuesday, August 15 at 6 p.m. in Phillips-Taylor Hall Room 220. For more information, contact Fred Coeburn, Instructor, at fcoeburn@mecc.edu or 276.523.7462.
BIG STONE GAP — Mountain Empire Community College will offer its off-campus enrollment service, Mobile Enroll, this August at locations in Wise, Scott, Lee and Dickenson counties.
Individuals interested in applying for admission to MECC for the fall of 2017, obtaining financial aid or wanting to learn more about the college’s programs are encouraged to visit the MECC Mobile Enroll van.
On Tuesday, August 1, Mobile Enroll will be at the Duffield Food Country from 9-11:30 a.m. and the Pennington Gap Food City parking lot from 1-3:30 p.m. On Wednesday, August 2, Mobile Enroll will be at the Clintwood Sleep Inn parking lot from 9-11:30 a.m. and the Wise Food City parking lot from 1-3:30 p.m.
On Friday, August 11, Mobile Enroll will be at the Weber City Food City parking lot from 9-11:30 a.m. and at the Big Stone Gap Food City parking lot from 1-3:30 p.m.
For more information about MECC’s Mobile Enroll contact MECC Recruiter Todd Clendenon at (276) 523-7434 or email tclendenon@mecc.edu.
Big Stone Gap, Va. — MECC is offering continuing education classes for both Surface and Underground Mine Foreman to meet the August 20, 2017 Continuing Education requirement. The Virginia Surface Mine Foreman Continuing Education Class will be held Saturday, August 5 in Phillips-Taylor Hall Room 231 from 8 a.m. to noon. The Virginia Underground Mine Foreman Continuing Education Class will follow from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Both classes will be held in Phillips-Taylor Hall Room 231. The class fee for each session is $40. For more information, contact the Center for Workforce Development at 276.523.2400 ext. 372 or 225.
Big Stone Gap – For the first time in the event’s 13-year history, Mountain Empire Community College’s Mountain Music School will offer craft workshops for those interested in learning a new skill.
Joy Branham of Eidson, Tennessee will teach piece quilting on Monday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to noon and hand quilting on Tuesday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost of each of these workshops will be $10.
Erin Dalton of Big Stone Gap will be teaching crocheting on Wednesday, July 26 9 a.m. to noon and crewel embroidery on Thursday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. Students will crochet a hat and scarf set and create a small embroidered wall hanging. The cost of these workshops will be $10.
Caleb Holyfield of Big Stone Gap will be teach knitting on Wednesday, July 26 and Thursday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. Students will create dish cloths. The cost of this workshop will be $10.
Rebecca Anne Palubicki of Big Stone Gap will teach locker hooking on Wednesday, July 26 – Thursday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. Students will create a striped trivet. The cost of this workshop will be $20.
All craft workshops are for beginners. Each craft workshop will be limited to the first 15 participants to register. To register, call 276.523.7468.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will offer a Concealed Weapons Permit course in August. The course will be held Saturday, August 12 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The cost for the course is $100. Pre-registration is required. This class satisfies the requirements for a concealed weapons permit and will cover legal guidelines, safety issues, and hands-on instruction on the firing range. Early registration is recommended as this class has limited spots available. To register go to www.mecc.edu/workforce and complete the Non-Credit Registration form or contact Lori Dingus at 276.523.2400 Ext. 372 or ldingus@mecc.edu or tdavidson@mecc.edu.
Invitation to Submit Input on MECC Short-Term Needs and Achievements
Message from Dr. Kris Westover, President of Mountain Empire Community College
Greetings,
Please allow me to take this opportunity to share with you my excitement as I begin my service as President of Mountain Empire Community College. It is truly an honor to have been selected and I look forward to working with you in the future.
In the next six months, I hope to meet with our staff, students, and community members to learn more about the opportunities and challenges facing our college and the region. I need your help in developing a vision and plan for the future. Below is a link to a brief anonymous survey. The goal of this survey is to gather your thoughts regarding our achievements and short-term needs. Your input is valued and appreciated.
MECC boasts a proud tradition of excellence. The future is extremely bright and I know you will join me in making great things happen for our students and community.
Thank you in advance for your time. Your efforts to help in the successful transition of leadership are truly appreciated.
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College will offer new vocal classes and workshops during the week of Mountain Music School, July 24-28.
Instructor Trish Ferrell Wileman will lead “S.O.A.R. to New Singing Heights,” which introduces basic vocal tools to maximize breath control and usage, improve vocal range, breath for relaxation, and more. Instruments are welcome but not required. A towel or yoga mat is needed. All skill levels are welcome in the class. The fee for the vocal class, “S.O.A.R. to New Singing Heights” is $150.00 for the week. The fee covers instruction in the class, lunch, master musician concerts, workshops, and a Mountain Music School t-shirt.
During the same week, Wileman will also lead a workshop, “Out Loud, Sing Out Strong” for students of all skill levels who want to step out in a class format to receive individual instruction along with the support of other classmates. Topics covered in this fun workshop include vocal technique, finding your best key, best performance practices, and best practice techniques. The workshop is scheduled for 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Thursday, July 24-27, in the Goodloe Center, Phillips-Taylor Hall.
Wileman has enjoyed a colorful palate of experience in the arts world. Acting and singing from the age of six, she has played leading roles in theater, opera, oratorio, and musical theater performances from St. Petersburg, Florida to Washington, DC. Wileman teaches both voice and acting privately, and is a frequent judge for the NAACP vocal competition as well as other vocal contests. She has a Masters in Choral Conducting from the University of TN at Chattanooga.
MMS Instructor Rhodyjane Meadows will lead a second vocal workshop, “Shape Note Singing for Harmony Singing.” Participants will learn the basics of shape note singing, a technique used since the early 1800s to teach church congregations and community choirs to read hymnals and sing in four-part harmony. The workshop is scheduled for 2 to 3 p.m., Monday to Thursday, July 24-27 in Phillips-Taylor Hall.
Singer, songwriter, storyteller and musician Rhodyjane Meadows is a native of Big Stone Gap, VA and currently resides in Roan Mountain, TN. Meadows, a former public school teacher, holds a B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina and a M.A. in Appalachian Studies from Appalachian State University. She currently serves as an instructor of arts at Lees McRae College and heritage music at Mountain Music School with Mountain Empire Community College. Meadows performs with several bands playing old time and Celtalachian music.
To register for vocal classes or workshops, please contact the MECC Wampler Library at 276.523.7468 or register online at www.mountainmusicschool.org.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will offer continuing education classes for both Surface and Underground Mine Foreman in June. Virginia Surface Mine Foreman Continuing Education Class will be held Saturday, June, 24 in Phillips-Taylor Hall Room 219 from 8 a.m. to noon. The Virginia Underground Mine Foreman Continuing Education Class will follow from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The class fee is $40 for each session. For more information or to register, call 276.523.2400 ext. 372. or ext. 225.
Big Stone Gap – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to announce that the Gladys Hurd Banner Memorial Nursing Scholarship has been established by her family to provide financial assistance to aspiring Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students attending Mountain Empire Community College.
Mrs. Banner was born, raised and educated in Big Stone Gap. Her father’s death during the 1918 flu epidemic brought struggle for her and her small family, yet determination enabled her to graduate from Big Stone Gap High School. She then took the bold step of applying to the Montefiore School of Nursing in New York City, where her application was accepted. She found herself on a train heading to New York with little money, but equipped with strong family encouragement and a strong desire to become a nurse. She graduated from nursing school, passed the nursing board examination, and received her Registered Nurse Certificate, cap and pin just as the great depression started. She was employed as a Registered Nurse at Montefiore Hospital where she remained through the depression years. She returned to Virginia after several years, taking a nursing position in Richmond, and eventually returning to Big Stone Gap where she worked as a nurse with the Department of Public Health.
It became apparent to her that a need existed in southwest Virginia for trained nursing skills and she became an advocate for a local comprehensive nurses training program. With the support and assistance of Dr. J. J. Kelly, Jr. LLD, Superintendent of Wise County Schools, and Dr. Frank E. Handy, M.D., Chairman of the Wise County School Board, an LPN program was established in 1958 at the Wise County Technical/Vocational School with Mrs. Banner as Director. This quality program became a regional draw. Wise County high school students and women of all ages from the surrounding area of Virginia and eastern Kentucky enrolled in the program. Successful completion of the program enabled those students to receive their clinical instruction at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond or at St. Mary’s Hospital in Norton and to become Licensed Practical Nurses.
Mrs. Banner took pride in the successes of all her students. Many of those students continued their education and became registered nurses, and several earned graduate degrees in nursing.
For more information about this scholarship, or for information about creating a scholarship with the Mountain Empire Community College Foundation, contact the MECC Foundation office at 276.523.7466.
Students interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant or Emergency Medical Technician are urged to take advantage of financial assistance for qualifying students enrolling this fall. Mountain Empire Community College will offer EMT and CNA certification courses August through December. Students may be eligible to receive financial assistance through state and federal grant programs if they complete the application and enrollment process prior to June 30. For more information, or to register, call 276.523.7456 or email kdorton@mecc.edu.
Big Stone Gap — Individuals who are looking for a job or who are interested in improving their resume and interview skills are invited to attend a Career Symposium to be held Wednesday, June 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mountain Empire Community College’s Holton Hall. Employers and career counselors will be on hand to review and improve your resume, upgrade your application, and practice interview skills. The event is sponsored by the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, the Wise County Chamber of Commerce, and MECC. For more information, contact Beth Boggs, MECC Career Counselor at 276.523.2400 ext. 324.
RICHMOND – Dr. Kris Westover will become the next president of Mountain Empire Community College. That announcement was made today by Dr. Glenn DuBois, the chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges. Westover becomes the seventh person, and second woman, to serve as the college’s permanent president. Her hiring ends a process that began with a national search, which attracted more than 80 candidates, and finished earlier this month with open-to-the-community visits of three finalists to the college.
“I’ve known Kris for nearly a decade. She’s a rising star among our nation’s higher education executives,” said DuBois. “I’m delighted to announce her as the next president of Mountain Empire Community College, and I’m looking forward to what she has to offer the college and the community.”
Westover has more than 25 years of experience in higher education. She currently serves as the vice president for academic and student services at Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, a position she has held since 2011. Previously, she served as higher education program coordinator at the University of Texas in Austin, from 2009-2011. From 2008-2009, she served as director of technical programs for the Kansas Board of Regents. In 2016, the Aspen Institute selected Westover for inclusion in the inaugural class of its national Aspen Presidential Fellows program.
She holds a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, and both a master’s degree in instructional technology and a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University in Kansas.
“We appreciate the opportunity for our board, MECC faculty and staff, students, and the community to be involved in the selection and interview of candidates,” said David Graham, chair of the Mountain Empire Community College local advisory board. “While all of our candidates possessed strong qualifications, Dr. Westover was the resounding choice to lead the college forward. Her commitment to student success is evident in her past leadership experiences within the VCCS and at other colleges nationwide. Dr. Westover’s strong knowledge of academic program development, workforce credentials, business and community engagement, as well as her innovative vision demonstrated that she was the right fit for MECC. We welcome her to the college and are committed to her successful transition.”
Westover will succeed Dr. Scott Hamilton, who will retire at the end of June, having served in that role since 2010.
Mountain Empire Community College, founded in 1972 and located in Big Stone Gap, VA, is a comprehensive two-year college serving approximately 3,800 credit students and more than 1,000 noncredit students annually from the counties of Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson, and the city of Norton.
About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened. By making higher education and workforce training available in every part of Virginia, we elevate all of Virginia. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve more than 252,000 students each year. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu.
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College held its 44th commencement ceremony Friday, May 12 at 6 p.m. at the Big Stone Gap campus.
The Class of 2017 included 578 graduates. MECC awarded 118 Associate of Arts & Sciences degrees, 182 Associate of Applied Science degrees, and 147 Certificates and 271 Career Studies Certificates.
Graduates participating in the commencement were welcomed by MECC Local Advisory Board President David Graham and MECC Student Government Association President Doug Dotson. Dr. Scott Hamilton, MECC President, introduced the featured student speakers for the commencement ceremony, which included Olivia Baker and Dillon Dotson. These student speakers were chosen because of their exceptional academic performance and engagement in their school and community.
Olivia Baker, of Gate City, VA, is graduating summa cum laude with an Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree in Pre-Teacher Education. She is a member of the MECC Student Advisory Committee, an MECC Diplomat, and Secretary of the Student Government Association. Baker has served on the Alumni Committee and Violence Prevention & Campus Safety Committee at MECC. She will transfer to UVA-Wise to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Education this fall, with future plans to become an elementary school teacher. Baker is the daughter of Neal and Rebecca Baker and the granddaughter of Mack and Sammie Jo Baker and Mack and Lawanda Musick.
Dillon Dotson, of Pound, VA, is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing. His future plans are to begin working as a Registered Nurse and return to school to further his education. Dotson is the son of Reece and Misty Dotson and the grandson of Avenell Short and Lizzie Johnson.
Doug Dotson, of Gate City, is the president of the MECC Student Government Association. Dotson is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Networking Technology. He is the son of Connie Quillen.
In addition to the graduation ceremony, MECC hosts an Awards Night event honoring graduates and current students who have displayed exceptional academic and leadership qualities during the 2016-17 academic year. This year’s honorees include:
2017 HONORS AND
AWARDS
ALL-VA ACADEMIC TEAM
Olivia Baker
Eddie Dewayne Parsons
COLLEGE SUCCESS PROGRAM GRADUATES
Kaylee Austin
Rachaelle Bailey
Rodney Baker
Joshua Barnett
Brandy Bates
Sharessa Blair
Nickolas Britton
Chelsea Carico
Marcus Clark
Casey Dalton
Emily Deloach
Barbara Fleming
Ashlee Fletcher
Joseph Freeman
Amber Gilliam
Prell Hackney
Justin Hall
Zachary Hall
Kendra Hamilton
Daniel Hartley
Kayla Hartley
Jacob Hood
Brian Humphrey
Savannah Jarvis
Kaitlyn Kelly
Andrew Kilbourne
Amber McElroy
Nathan McFalls
Allison Mullins
Dominic Nickels
Nickolas Noble
Jason O’Quinn
Zachary Pilkenton
Maria Pridemore
Cobye Robbins
Carrie Shell
Paul Sieber
Crystal Snodgrass
Courtney VanHuss
Valerie Vick
Wesley Whitman
DIPLOMATS
Olivia Baker
Cieara Davenport
Haley Fannon
Isaiah Kinsey
Dustin Lee
Eddie Parsons
Haley Woods
EXCEPTIONAL GRADUATE AWARDS
Olivia Baker
Tony Boggs
Joseph Freeman
Daniel Hartley
Emily Hjulstrom
Kristy Hood-Pickell
Angelina Mullins
Cobye Robbins
EXPLORATIONS ARTS COMPETITION AWARDS
Painting
Dennis Barnett
Courtney Hay
Ryland Smith
Photography
(Black and White)
Kristy Hood-Pickell
Kelsey Kennedy
Lana Kennedy
Victoria Thomas
Photography (Color)
Kelsey Kennedy
Lana Kennedy
Hannah Maness
Richard Pickell
Poetry
Rebecca Lane
Hanna Maness
Kristy Hood-Pickell
Kari Phillips
THE JAKKAE JACKSON EXCELLENCE IN PHLEBOTOMY AWARD
Asia Ramey
THE JAMES L. DURHAM MATHEMATICS AWARD
Michael Fields
LIFE CLUB
Olivia Baker
Verity Collingsworth
Joshua Dingus
Brian Fields
Daniel Hall
Nathasha Jerrell
Samantha Johnson
Richard Jones
Lydia Lane
Dayna McLaughlin
Danielle Newton
Sarah Osborne
Eddie Parsons
Anna Marie Puorro
Crystal Snodgrass
Alisha Taylor
Heather Whisenhunt
LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIP
Dustin Lee
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STUDENT AWARDS
Administrative Support Technology
Michael Sizemore
AST-Medical Office Specialist
Katelyn Bishop
Business Management
Christa Holmes
Computer Networking
Whitney Tipton
Computer Software Specialist
Candace Keith
Health Information Management
Kristy Hood-Pickell
Paralegal Studies
Tamara Davidson
PHI BETA LAMBDA
AWARD
Kevin Cooper
Tamara Davidson
Christian Hale
Sierra Holmes
Andrew Kerr
James Lane
Jessica Wells
PHI THETA KAPPA AWARD
Olivia Baker
Eddie Dewayne Parsons
SCOTT COUNTY HORIZONS AWARD
Olivia Baker
Alisha Taylor
SPECIAL SERVICES AWARD
Tony Boggs
Raechel Clark
Kristi Coomer
Daniel Edwards
Rose Holmes
Haley Woods
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCATION
PEGGY DURHAM
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD
Olivia Baker
STUDENT SERVICES AWARD
Haley Woods
STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA
Charles Birse
Tamara Davidson
Andrew Kerr
Margo Lewis
Matthew Phillips
Tristan Phipps
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA’S COLLEGE AT WISE TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS
Kaylee Austin
Olivia Baker
Mackenzie Blanton
Raechel Clark
Kristi Coomer
Daniel Edwards
Rachel Fee
Kermit Hall
Savannah Jarvis
Lydia Lane
Brittany Lester
Emily Livingston
Kelly Long
Karlee Lovelace
Caleb Mullins
Chandler Mullins
Daniel Mullins
Evan Rasnick
Lauren Tankersley
Cindy White
Lauren Williams
WELLMONT LONESOME PINE HOSPITAL AUXILIARY AWARD
Rebecca O’Quinn
WHO’S WHO IN AMERICAN JUNIOR COLLEGES
Olivia Baker
Breanna Bevins
Keisha Bolden
Brandi Burham
Chelsea Charles
James Croley
Victoria Culbertson
Cieara Davenport
Tamara Davidson
Sherry Deaton
Alicia Deel
Emily Deloach
Haley Fannon
Brian Fields
Abigail Grabeel
Brandon Grimes
Mia Hall
Pamela Hall
Daniel Hartley
Christa Holmes
Samantha Johnson
John Jones
Candace Keith
Vernon Kerns
Jeffrey Kilbourne
Hannah Kilgore
Ashlyn Lane
Lydia Lane
Chelsea Lawson
Dustin Lee
Sheena McGraw
Christian Minnick
Natasha Mullins
Sarah Mullins
Amanda Muncy
Dominic Nickels
Catherine Nixon
Rebecca O’Quinn
Candy Osborne
Daniel Parker
Ethan Penley
Eliza Peters
Zackary Pilkenton
Tracie Powers
Leann Ramey
Evan Rasnick
Taylor Salyers
Sareena Scott
Michael Sizemore
Bailey Smith
Cricket Stanley
Heather Stevans
Jessica Wells
CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES
MAY 12, 2017
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
Savannah Fay Jarvis*
Lydia Mae Lane***
Cindy Renee White***
Associate of Arts and Sciences
General Studies
Mackenzie Brooke Arney*
Kaylee Rhea Austin
Brittany Lee Baker
Clayton Edward Baker*
Olivia Brooke Baker***
Melvyn W. Belcher**
Ethan Scott Bishop
Kayla Tianna Bishop
Mackenzie Nichole Blanton
Madison Brooke Blanton***+
Noah Eli Bledsoe**
Tony L. Boggs***
Joshua Troy Allen Bouton
Randall Scott Bradley
Tamra Noel Brewer**
Megan Aimilee Bright
Sarah A. Chandler
Nathaniel Cole Chester
Raechel D. Clark**
Verity Abigail Victoria Collingsworth*
Kristi Nicole Coomer**
Madison Leigh Davis***
Whitney Nicole Davis*
Colton Lee Deaderick
Richard Bronson McCaine Dishner***+
Daniel Charles Edwards*
Alecia Ann Estep***
Haley Marie Fannon***
Rachel Glenice Fee**
Stephanie Nicole Flinders
Miranda LaShay Garrett
Roger Lee Garrett***
Cody D. Gentry
Bradly Austin Gibson**
Emily Ann Gibson
Madison R. Gibson**
Mariah Nichole Gillenwater*
Michele L. Greear***
Kermit Lamarr Hall, III**
Amanda Leigh Hall***
Taylor Gabrielle Hamilton
Ashley Brooke Hampton**+
Robbie Scott Hicks
Emily Wolters Hjulstrom***
Madison Rae Jones
Savannah Marie Kimberlin
Cade Everette Lane***+
Jordan M. Lawson***
Dustin Lane Lee**
Brittany Jaid Lester
Christopher Nathaniel James Lewis***
Margo D. Lewis*
Emily Joy Livingston**
Kelly Elizabeth Long*
Karlee H. Lovelace***
Kaitlin Beth Masters
Matthew Garrett McConnell*
Summer Leane McCoy
Dayna Kay McLaughlin
Tanner Ryan McMurray***
Sarah Nicole Meadows
Jennifer Janine Molinary
Alyssa Grace Mullins*
Chandler Blake Mullins**
Charles Jacob Allen Mullins
Crystal Mary Jade Mullins
Daniel Wayne Mullins
Shasta Renee Myers**
Marglo Sarah-Jo Osborne***
Hayley Alyssa Penley
Matthew Ryan Pennington
Stephen Michael Pennington
Brian K. Phillips
Hope Nicole Phillips***+
Justin Daniel Phillips
Emma Katherine Poe***
John David Poe**
Jasmine Renee Powers
Terry W. Price**
Alexandria Nicole Pridemore
Wesley Allen Qualls**
Evan Bryce Rasnick
Seth Trent Rhoton**+
Addison Noelle Rouse*
Kelsey Madison Sexton*
Rebecca Dawn Shupe*
Tyler Scott Sims
Jordan Matthew Skeen**
Shawnna Caitlin Stallard
Lauren Elizabeth Tankersley**
Alisha D. Taylor**
Tyler Jay Tibbs***
Katelyn Michelle Tignor
Emily M. Trent*
Abby Paige Turner**
Gabriel Alvin Vaughan**
Ken Kim-Long Vo***+
Michael Tyler Wheatley*
Heather Nicole Whisenhunt
Cindy Renee White***
Lauren Sue Williams*
Casey Lynn Wood*
William Lynn Woodby, II
Associate of Arts and Sciences
General Studies: Software Engineering Specialization
Tyler Jay Tibbs***
Associate of Arts and Sciences
Pre-Teacher Education
Olivia Brooke Baker***
Rashell P. Barton*
Miranda LaShay Garrett
Karrie L. Powers
Jodie N. Smith
Bridget Eileen Stidham**
Holly Lorraine Williams
Associate of Arts and Sciences
Science
Sarah Nicole Davidson
Stephanie Nicole Flinders
Caleb Zachary Mullins
Ken Kim-Long Vo***+
Associate of Applied Science
Administrative Support Technology
Pamela Lynn Castle***
Pamela Jordan Hall***
Brandy Nicole Jones*
Kendra D. Sexton**
Michael P. Sizemore**
Associate of Applied Science
Administrative Support Technology: Medical Office Specialist
Associate of Applied Science
Correctional Services Matthew Jonathon Glass**
Jeffrey Allen Kilbourne***
Christian T. Mullins
Robert Aaron Stidham
Angelina Corette Woodard
Associate of Applied Science
Emergency Medical Services Technology
Bobby L. Kern*
Nicholas Blake Noble
Brian A. Potter**
Lisa J. Rife***
Sakorra Michelle Rivera**
Paul Dragon Seiber
Michael Jaclyn Short
Jeffrey Tyler Ward**
Associate of Applied Science
Energy Technology
Dalton Joseph James Brown***
William Edward Hunsaker, II**
Associate of Applied Science
Energy Technology: Electrical Specialization
Zachary Scott Hall
Tristan Cole Hayes*
Gregory Maggard***
Austin G. Mullins
Aaron James Stacey
Associate of Applied Science
Environmental Science
Trevor Silas Coleman
Samantha Lynn Johnson**Associate of Applied Science
Forest Science
Adam D. Bowen*
Daniel Lee Hartley**
Catherine LeAnn Nixon***
Daniel Steven Salling*
Associate of Applied Science
Health Information Management
Jennifer Carol Bailey
Amber M. Funk
Briana R. Gilbert*
Kristy Charlene Hood-Pickell*
Alana Nicole Jones**
Catherine Elswick McCowan***
Courtney Lynn Stidham*
Associate of Applied Science
Management
Elizabeth Nicole Hall
Paul Linden Harvey
Christa Renee Holmes***
Misty Rae Kilgore
Allison Marie Lawson
Matthew Hunter McMahan**
Amanda Jean Murphy
Sarah Lynn Rose***
Associate of Applied Science
Nursing
Britany LeAnne Barnes
Carissa D. Blanton
Angela Jewel Marie Bray
Brandi Viers Burnham*
Chelsea Paige Charles*
Rebekah Stacy Christian
Racheal Danielle Cross*
Victoria Lynn Culbertson*
Jarred Alan Day
Alicia Mae Deel*
Bobbie A. Deel
Emily Rachael Deloach
Dillon Wyatt Dotson
Tiffanie D. Epperson
Lacey Dee Fischer
Kirsten Flanary
Charity Brooke Franklin
Alyssa Danielle Fultz
Christina Jean Harvel
Kayla Ann Marie Hatley
Kelli L. Honaker
John Fitzgerald Honeycutt
Carla J. Humphreys
Michael Wayne Ingle***
Vernon Quillion Kerns
Ashley Kilgore
Hannah Brooke Kilgore**
Ashlyn Brooke Lane*
Mia Renee Masters
Sheena Mychelle McGraw*
Alexandria Rain Middleton
Torie Shay Morgan
Natasha Fay Mullins*
Sarah Jane Mullins*
Amanda Celesta Muncy**
Rebecca Sue O’Quinn***
Candy R. Osborne*
Daniel Dalton Parker*
Eliza Louise Peters*
Candice D. Porter
Kristi D. Russell
Taylor Nicole Salyers**
Sareena Lynn Scott
Kayla Marie Simons
Jessica Danielle Spears*
Cricket Thelma Margaret Stanley
Crystal L. Stanley*
Heather Paige Stevans
Sarah Alison Grace Vanover
Associate of Applied Science
Paralegal Studies
Wendy Morgan Bennett
Tamara S. Davidson***
Jennifer Michelle Evans
Bonnie Carroll Hamilton
Jennifer L. Harvey
Elizabeth Lea Rachelle Laster
Sarah Grace Owens
Jessica Audrey Wells**
Associate of Applied Science
Police Science
Williams Wesley Bausell***
Brett Madison Freeman**
Matthew Jonathon Glass**
Charles E. Hill
Austin Blaine Jessee
Jeffrey Allen Kilbourne***
Christian T. Mullins
Dominic S. Nickels*
Ethan James Penley**
Bailey Shawn Smith
Natasha Brooke Smith
Robert Aaron Stidham
Angelina Corette Woodard
Associate of Applied Science
Respiratory Therapy
Breanna Nicole Bevins**
Keisha Renee Boldon*
Cieara B. Davenport*
Sherry K. Deaton
Abigail Faith Grabeel**
Michael Brandon Grimes**
Chelsea D. Lawson*
Christian Blake Minnick**
Tracie LeAnn Powers**
LeAnn Terenda Ramey*
Associate of Applied Science Technical Studies:
Welding
Adam Maurice Bowers
Jeffery Coty Cheyenne Collins*
Joseph Edward Freeman*
Scottie Hunley***
Brandon Mitchell Perry**
Devin Allen Rose
Dustin Kincaid Whisenhunt*
Certificate
Accounting
Dana Elaine Barnette*
Heather R. Boggs***
Certificate
Administration of Justice: Corrections Option
Robert Aaron Stidham
Certificate
Administration of Justice: Law Enforcement Option
Williams Wesley Bausell***
Robert Aaron Stidham
Certificate
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Shane Douglas Boggs
Zachary Scott Hall
Joshua S. Jones
Certificate
Clerical Assistant
Crystal S. Phillips*
Michael P. Sizemore**
Rhiannon Lynn Willis
Certificate
General Education
Tyler Jackson Adams**+
Justin Glenn Anderson-Woodard**
Mackenzie Brooke Arney*
Kaylee Rhea Austin
Burley Walter Ball, III***+
Rashell P. Barton*
Ethan Scott Bishop
Hannah Elisabeth Grace Blair+
Mackenzie Nichole Blanton
Madison Brooke Blanton***+
Randall Scott Bradley
Tamra Noel Brewer**
Megan Aimilee Bright
Sarah A. Chandler
Andrea Ellen Church***+
Verity Abigail Victoria Collingsworth*
Ally C. Connell*+
Kristi Nicole Coomer**
Sarah Nicole Davidson
Madison Leigh Davis***
Richard Bronson McCaine Dishner***+
Katherine Rebekah Dotten+
Daniel Charles Edwards*
Opal Elizabeth Evans**
Jarrod Logan Lee Gardner**+
Cody Dwayne Gentry
Madison R. Gibson**
Colleen Elizabeth Gilliam+
Aaron Christopher Gilly
Alyssa Anne Gollaway+
Asya Unique Goode+
Noah Zachary Hall+
Ashley Brooke Hampton+
Robbie Scott Hicks
Colton Ray Holcomb***+
Savannah Fay Jarvis*
Richard Elmer Jones, II**
Alexis M. Kilbourne
Hannah Nicole Kilgore**+
Cade Everette Lane***+
Lydia Mae Lane***
Jordan M. Lawson***
Dustin Lane Lee**
Brittany Jaid Lester
Christopher Nathaniel James Lewis***
Margo D. Lewis*
Emily Joy Livingston**
Kelly Elizabeth Long**
Summer Leane McCoy
Dayna Kay McLaughlin
Marcus Jerryd Meade**+
Caleb Zachary Mullins
Chandler Blake Mullins**
Crystal Mary Jade Mullins
Daniel Wayne Mullins
Sophie Elise Mullins***+
Marglo Sarah-Jo Osborne***
Stephen Michael Pennington
Hope Nicole Phillips***+
Emma Katherine Poe**
John David Poe**
Terry W. Price**
Alexander O’Neal Pritchard***+
Hannah Kristen Quillen+
Seth Trent Rhoton**+
Ryan A. Roberson**
Alexis Breann Sexton***
Jordan Matthew Skeen**
Sierra Paige Spriggs**+
Haley Michelle Stallard**
Shawnna Caitlin Stallard
Bridget Eileen Stidham**
Lauren Elizabeth Tankersley**
Tyler Jacob Underwood
Emilee Marie Vance+
Conner Brenda Margaret Wharton+
Heather Nicole Whisenhunt
Cindy Renee White***
Cody Leon Ward Wolford*
Jamie Lee Ward Wolford**
Certificate
Industrial Maintenance
Joseph Gabriel Baker
Gage Brayden Blakely
Jason G. Crabtree*
Jesse James Egan
Brian Nicholas Fields***
Chad Ryan Harkleroad**
Jonathon Robin Allen Hood
Johnathan E. Allen Stapleton***
Derrick Paul Edward Watkins*
Certificate
Medical Office Coding and Procedures
Bethany Nicole Adkins
Emily Rebecca Baker*
Jerald Michele King**
Laura E. King
Angelina J. Mullins***
Certificate
Practical Nursing
Maggie Lee Begley
Caitlyn JoAnn Beverly-Boatright
Laken Savannah Bryant
Alexandra Devon Carroll***
Allison Caitlin Christian
Samantha Lea Clark
Latisha Lynn Clifton
Barbara Alyn Coleman
Angela Diane Cooper
Beverly M. Doss
Amber G. Dotson
Kayla Denise Edwards*
Christopher R. Hamblin**
Haylee Brook Hazlett
Emily Kaitlyn Hobbs
Kaitlyn Adrianna Kelly
Brittany A. Lewis*
Jade Mo’ney Marshall
Leigh-Anne C. McDaniel
Alexandria Luree Meade
Lyndsay Ann Oakes
Samantha Faye Phillips
Adam Rose
Alyssa Dawn Rose
NaKesha Nicole Sargent
Dylan Anthony Smith**
Emilee B. Smith*
Hunter May Smith
Megan Lea Smith
Samantha Fae Stallard
Toni Brooke Stamper
Kierstien Sharae Stanley
Kari Danielle Stapleton
Lynzee Danielle Sturgill
Meghan Brooke Woodsby
Honey D. Wyatt
Certificate
Welding
Adam Maurice Bowers
Jeffery Coty Cheyenne Collins*
Joseph Edward Freeman*
Scottie Hunley***
Devin Allen Rose
Gentry Lane Shreve
Career Studies Certificate
3-D Design
Justin Tyler Bright
Career Studies Certificate
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Rodney Craig Baker
John H. Bledsoe
Dakota T. Dahley
Joey Duwayne Justice
Garrick W. Miller
Matthew James Ollerton
Career Studies Certificate
Chemical Process Operator
Jason G. Crabtree
Career Studies Certificate
Child Development
Rachel Elizabeth Britton
Dorothy Fay Leann Collins
Brittney Ann Duty
Melissa R. Mullins
Amanda Geneva Russell
Career Studies Certificate
Child Development: Infant and Toddler Option
Brittney Ann Duty
Kelly Leigh Sykes
Career Studies Certificate
Child Development:
Pre-school Option
Rachel Elizabeth Britton
Brittney Ann Duty
Melissa R. Mullins
Amanda Geneva Russell
Career Studies Certificate
Computer Software Specialist: Mobile Applications Development
Adam K. Collins
James Christian Croley
John P. Jones
Career Studies Certificate
Electricity
Nickolas Colby Britton
Dalton Joseph James Brown
Hunter Andrew Maine
Garrick W. Miller
Matthew James Ollerton
Jacolby Blake Patrick
Patrick W. Withen
Career Studies Certificate
Emergency Medical Technician: Basic
Jesse L. Blair
Jacob Clinton Hamilton
Zachary Alexander Holcomb
Andrew Koby Michael Kilbourne
Giles Robert Sartin
Career Studies Certificate
Emergency Medical Technician: Intermediate
Justin Dwayne Allen
Caleb Ryan Cox
Ricky A. Cox
Johnathon Matthew Hollyfield
Whitney Nichole Kelly
William Lee Kennedy
Adrian Scott Curtis Mullins
Michael Paul Ramey
Caleb Edward Starnes
Career Studies Certificate
Energy Technology: Electrical Emphasis
Dalton Joseph James Brown
Career Studies Certificate
Energy Technology: HVAC Emphasis
Dalton Joseph James Brown
Career Studies Certificate
Funeral Services Assistant
John Michael Britton
Chelsea Rae Carico
Christina D. Cornett
Ricky Cody Lewis
Career Studies Certificate
Geographical Information Systems
Grant Bloomer
Jessee Matthew Cole
Zachary R. Holbrook
Emmanuel Muzungu
Jonathan Dean Pleasant
Alexander Vastine Schwartz
Career Studies Certificate
Graphic Design
Robert A. Phipps
Career Studies Certificate
Health Sciences
Rachel Katra Adams
Viola Carol Adams
Skyler Edward Allen
Rachaelle Elizabeth Bailey
Autumn Camille Bentley
Chase Austin Beverly
Katelyn Hope Bishop
Kayla Tianna Bishop
Natasha Kaitlyn Bishop
Emily Christine Blankenship
Joshua D. Blankenship
Elizabeth Leann Boggs
Angela Jewel Marie Bray
Angie N. Calhoun
Charley Rae Carroll
Sheena Cheyanne Carroll
Rosetta M. Carter
Chelsea Paige Charles
Emily Beth Charles
Verity Abigail Victoria Collingsworth
Juanita Lucille Collins
Tamela D. Collins
Christina D. Cornett
Melodee Lynn DeBoard
Alicia Mae Deel
Dillon Wyatt Dotson
Julia Summer Eldridge
Natasha B. Estep
Karla KreeAnn Fogarty
Brooke Lashae Garcia
Amber Jordan Gilliam
Alli Quinn Gray
Kendra Brooke Hamilton
Christina Jean Harvel
Erica Danielle Hayes
Hunter A. Helbert
Jennifer Nicole Hensley
Alexis Abigail Herrera
Samantha Nicole Hurd
Kelsey R. Kennedy
Brittany Danielle Kilgore
Amber N. Kiser
Kipp S. Kiser
Ashlyn Brooke Lane
Briana Danielle Lawson
Dakota Cheyenne Lewis
Valerie E. Marshall
Mia Renee Masters
Jonathan C. McDaries
Rebekah Elizabeth Messer
Kathryn Rene Morris
Allison Gabrielle Mullins
Alyssa Grace Mullins
Amy Joann Mullins
Deborah A. Mullins
Karisa Dawn Norman
Brandi Cierra Osborne
Elliott Blake Owens
Rebekah L. Owens
Camron Darold Phipps
Tiffany Marie Pigott
Emma Katherine Poe
Ashley Marie Ramey
Jonathon Brett Ramsey
Nina Susan Rhoton
Adrienne Danielle Scardo
Sareena Lynn Scott
Katy Anna Senter
Chantarae M. Shepard
Stephanie E. Slone
Amanda Elaine Smith
Stacie S. Smith
Ruth Natali Spiers
Kelsie Brooke Stallard
Allyson B. Stanley
August Kay Stanley
Billy R. Stanley
Millie Melissa Stanley
Sheena Diane Stanley
Chelsey R. Stapleton
Jacqueline Nicole Stewart
Alicia Louise Stiltner
Morganne Danielle Sturgill
Sarah B. Sturgill
Taylor Brooke Swinney
Michelle R. Taylor
Shelby M’Lynn Thomas
Courtney Brooke VanHuss
Elizabeth Diana Vanover
Jeffrey Tyler Ward
Nathan A. Ward
Brittany Johnetta Wheatley
Hayley Elizabeth Wolfe
Montica Lee Yates
Career Studies Certificate
Law Enforcement Management and Supervision
Douglas M. Berry
Timothy W. Carroll
David B. Collins
Dewitt Cooper
Charles W. Foster, Jr.
Christopher Todd Kent
Justin P. McCulley
Ryan Clark Phillips
Tammy L. Robinson
Robert Aaron Stidham
Ronald Christian Whitt
Career Studies Certificate
Medical Receptionist and Transcriptionist
Brandy Dawn Bates
Sherri D. Miller
Tracy L. Reece
Career Studies Certificate
Medical Records Technician
Marie Sue Hopkins
Sandra Lucina Robles
Career Studies Certificate
Nursing Assistant
Chelsie JoAnn Deel
Barbara E. Fleming
Prell Honey Manalim Hackney
Christopher M. Neece
Robin Kayla Smith
Career Studies Certificate
Old Time Music
Ginger Alvonia Joseph
Career Studies Certificate
Pharmacy Technician
Margaret Brooke Buchanan
Rosetta M. Carter
Hannah Caitlin Coleman
Rachel Ann Crago
Abigail Tayco Demegillo
Deanna Rebekah DeWein
Jessica Brooke Eldridge
Kristy LeAnn Griffin
Madison Lorraine Holloway
Jamie R. Keltner
Kelsey R. Kennedy
Savahanna Faith Kern
Michael Shane Kilgore, Jr.
Valerie E. Marshall
Leigh-Anne C. McDaniel
Amber Marie McElroy
Samantha Renee Miller
Andrea Leeann Moore
Sarah Elisabeth Morgan
Cassandra Nicole Page
Hayley Alyssa Penley
Cody Blake Roberts
Briana Rachelle Rose
Crystal Marie Gail Snodgrass
Janet C. Stout
Alexandra Brianna Tunnell
Chelsie Leshell Turner
Elizabeth Diana Vanover
Valerie Elizabeth Vick
Allison Victoria Williams
Career Studies Certificate
Phlebotomy
Amanda J. Back
Sharessa Marie Blair
Lisa D. Briggs
Rosetta M. Carter
Kasey Amanda Ruth Dalton
Tiffany BreAnn Farmer
Makayla Leanna Fields
Channie R. Franklin
Lila Grace Gilliam
Jordan Douglas Kelley
Jennifer Morgan Kelly
Stephanie Kristen Lamb
Savannah B. Lambert
Hannah M. Maness
Judi Denise Mathieson
Melissa Marie McGahy
Chasity Hope McKinney
Ashlyn Marie Mitchell
Gabriela Tuma Moore
Shasta Renee Myers
Jason R. O’Quinn
Peyton Andrew Palmer
Maria Dawn Pridemore
Rochelle Lynne Pritchett
Asia Savannah Ramey
Rachel Michelle Reece
Cobye Ray Robbins
Belinda S. Scott
Caley Ann Shearin
Kady Delia Sowards
Kandace Brooke Sturgill
Brittany Leshae Wilder
Allison Victoria Williams
Taryn Rashalee Williams
Career Studies Certificate
Real Estate
Logan Lorenzo
Career Studies Certificate
Small Business Management
Allison Marie Lawson
Kayla Nicole Terry
Career Studies Certificate
Software Development I
James Christian Croley
Everett Rece Hunsaker
John P. Jones
Candace Makenze Keith
Ashlee Nicole Lewis
Zachary Shane Pilkenton
Anthony S. Redman
Thomas Hunter Triplett
Career Studies Certificate
Software Development II
James Christian Croley
Everett Rece Hunsaker
John P. Jones
Candace Makenze Keith
Ashlee Nicole Lewis
Zachary Shane Pilkenton
Anthony S. Redman
Thomas Hunter Triplett
Career Studies Certificate
Welding Operator
Joshua Adam Barnett
Adam Maurice Bowers
Isaac Devin Deel
Joseph Edward Freeman
James Darwin Gilmer
Justin T. Hall
Jared Allen Harvey
Brian Keith Humphrey
Scottie Hunley
Jessie J. Middleton
Devin Allen Rose
Paul Jarrod Slayton
Jimmy D. Spears, Jr.
Dakota Tyler VanHuss
Wesley R. Whitman
Daniel S. Yeary
GRADUATION WITH HONORS
To be eligible for graduation with honors, a student must have at least the following grade point average and complete an associate degree or certificate:
*Honors (cum laude), 3.2
**High Honors (magna cum laude), 3.5
***Highest Honors (summa cum laude), 3.8
+High school students
Individuals have been designated in the program as honor students based on their grade point average at the completion of the semester prior to the one in which they will graduate. Students wearing gold tassels are honor students. Students wearing gold stoles are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society. Students wearing red, white, & blue cords are U.S. Military Veterans.
Big Stone Gap, VA — The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation will induct Mr. Ben E. Allen into its Hall of Honor at the 2017 spring Gala to be held on campus Saturday, May 20, at 6 p.m. Mr. Allen will be recognized for his many years of exemplary service to Mountain Empire Community College and to the region.
The MECC Foundation Hall of Honor was created in 2001 to recognize citizens who have made significant contributions to the area or to the development of Mountain Empire Community College. Mr. Allen began his service on the MECC Foundation Board of Directors in July 1996, and he has served continuously since that time, serving as Chair of the Board in 2006 and 2007. He was made an Emeritus member in July of 2001.
In addition to Mr. Allen’s service to Mountain Empire Community College, he is a leader in service to his community, having served on the Boards of Lenowisco Planning District Commission, the Wise County Industrial Development Authority, Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital, Wellmont Foundation, Big Stone Gap Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and Holston Home for Children, among others.
Mr. Allen served on the Big Stone Gap Town Council during the 70s and again in the 90s, and served as Mayor of Big Stone Gap twice. He has been a member of the Big Stone Gap Lions Club since 1960, and served a President twice.
Mr. Allen was President and General Manager of Southwest Oil Company for over 40 years. Upon retirement from that organization, he served as promoter of Lonesome Pine Raceway, and he, along with Ken Crowder and his son, Mike, has hosted Pigskin Picks, a popular weekly radio sports show, for the last 17 years. Mr. Allen has also served South-West Insurance Company in a public relations capacity for over 20 years. He was the public address announcer for Powell Valley football for four decades. He has been a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for over 50 years, and has served on various church committees.
Mr. Allen has worked tirelessly to make our region a better place to live. He truly cares about others, and he is a friend to all.
The 2017 Gala theme is “You’ve Got a Friend in Ben.” The evening will begin with a reception in the Slemp Commons of Phillips-Taylor Hall at 6 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner in the Goodloe Center at 6:45 p.m. A short recognition program will follow dinner, and musical entertainment by The Virginians will top off the evening.
Proceeds from the event will establish the Ben E. Allen Hall of Honor Opportunity Fund, an unrestricted fund that will allow the resources to be used where they are needed most.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit www.meccfoundation.org for more information.
Tickets to the May 20 Gala are $75 each and may be purchased by calling Jeri Bledsoe at (276) 523-2400, ext. 287, or by e-mailing her at jbledsoe@mecc.edu. Tickets may be purchased or donations made online by going to the MECC Foundation website, www.meccfoundation.org and selecting the “Make a Gift” button. When completing the information, the form will ask for “Gift Instructions.” Please specify that the funds are for Gala Tickets, or Gala Donation, or Gala Sponsor, as the case may be.
Donations may also be mailed to MECC Foundation, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA, 24219, Please make checks payable to MECC Foundation and indicate in the memo section of your check “Ben E. Allen Hall of Honor Opportunity Fund.”
If you have questions, or need additional information about the event, please contact Jeri Bledsoe at 276-523-2400, extension 287, or by e-mail at jbledsoe@mecc.edu.
The Mountain Empire Community College Local Advisory Board will meet next Friday, May 12 at 3 p.m. in the Dalton-Cantrell Hall Kline Foundation Board Room. This will be a closed session meeting to discuss results of the presidential candidate interviews. The Board will deliberate and make a recommendation to the Virginia Community College System Chancellor on the preferred candidate. For more information, contact the MECC Office of Community Relations at 276.523.7480.
RICHMOND – The State Board for Community Colleges has certified four finalists for the position of president at Mountain Empire Community College. The finalists were among more than 80 applicants from across the nation.
The four finalists are Dr. David L. Brand of Fayetteville, NC; Dr. Brian W. Van Hornof Murray, KY; Dr. Kristen A. Westover of Martinsville, VA; and Dr. Steven K. Yohoof Roswell, GA.
“The Mountain Empire Community College presidency is appealing to an impressive collection of community college leaders from around the country,” said Glenn DuBois, chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges. “The focus our colleges place on student success, our innovative approaches to providing short-term workforce training, and our stability make us attractive to high-performing education leaders seeking their next career step.”
Dr. David L. Brand has worked in higher education for the last 18 years, following a 23-year career in the United States Army from which he retired at the rank of Major. Brand currently serves as the senior vice president and chief academic officer of Fayetteville Technical Community College in North Carolina, a role he has held since 2012. Prior to that, he worked as the director of the Department of Education, a senior civilian role at the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, NC. He also worked as the senior military training and education analyst at the Center for Army Lessons Learned, based at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Brand previously served as the chief academic officer and dean of the college at Bauder College in Atlanta. For six years, he worked at DeVry University and the Keller Graduate School of Management in Atlanta, where he began as a director of academic operations, rose to become dean of the education center and then the regional director of operations. Brand earned a doctorate from the University of South Carolina; a master’s degree from the University of Houston, and a bachelor’s degree from Troy State University.
Dr. Brian W. Van Horn has nearly 20 years of experience in higher education. He currently serves as the associate provost and dean of regional academic outreach at Murray State University, in Murray, KY, a position he has held since 2008. His MSU career began in 1998 when he served as an assistant professor and director of the MSU Paducah Regional Campus, and then as the university’s assistant dean of regional academic outreach in 2001. Van Horn has served as both vice president, in 2013, and president, in 2014, of the Association for Continuing Higher Education. He holds a doctorate from the University of Memphis, and both a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from Murray State University.
Dr. Kristen A. Westover has more than 25 years of experience in higher education. She currently serves as the vice president for academic and student services at Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, a position she has held since 2011. Previously, she served as higher education program coordinator at the University of Texas in Austin, from 2009-2011. From 2008-2009, she served as director of technical programs for the Kansas Board of Regents. In 2016, the Aspen Institute selected Westover for inclusion in the inaugural class of its national Aspen Presidential Fellows program. She holds a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, and both a master’s degree in instructional technology and a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University in Kansas.
Dr. Steven K. Yoho has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, intermixed with positions he has held in other industries. He currently serves as president of both the Atlanta campus and Northern Virginia campus of Argosy University, a position he has held since 2013. Yoho began his academic career in 1992 as an adjunct professor at Marietta College and Washington State Community College. He became the business chair and athletic director of Ohio Valley University in Vienna, WV in 1994. Yoho went on to become associate dean of the Lipscomb University College of Business in 1999, and later worked in the University System office of South University in Savannah, GA, for seven years as dean of the College of Business in 2007, and later as vice chancellor for academic affairs in 2008. He holds a doctorate from Ohio University; a master’s degree from West Virginia University; a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Christian University; and an associate degree from Ohio Valley College.
The four finalists seek to succeed Dr. Scott Hamilton, the college’s sixth president, who is retiring at the end of June after serving in that role since 2010.
The finalists will each visit the campus of MECC in May, to meet with faculty, staff, students and community members.
Mountain Empire Community College, founded in 1972 and located in Big Stone Gap, VA, is a comprehensive two-year college serving approximately 3,800 credit students and more than 1,000 noncredit students annually from the counties of Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson, and the city of Norton.
About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened. By making higher education and workforce training available in every part of Virginia, we elevate all of Virginia. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve more than 252,000 students each year. For more information, please visit [www.vccs.edu]www.vccs.edu.
Big Stone Gap – Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to participate in the 2017 Mountain Empire Community College Governor’s School to be held June 12 through June 23 on the college campus.
MECC Governor’s School is open to public and home school students in the counties of Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson, and the City of Norton, who have a 3.0 GPA or higher. This two-week program features a variety of hands-on activities in one of several subject areas selected by the student. Students spend time in the field, in labs, on tours, and in the classroom with the faculty of Mountain Empire Community College. Students who complete the session will receive six college credit hours, tuition-free. In addition to classroom activities, students will participate in field trips to area colleges.
Ten academic strands will be offered this summer, including:
3-D Animation/Game Design – Are you a gamer? Take your skills to the next level by learning the basic techniques of game design. Create your own 3D game from concept to implementation using traditional and computer-generated animation.
Art Illustration for Graphic Novels – Love a good story? Create your own narrative by learning character development and illustration techniques. Students will complete a graphic novel they design.
Cyber Security – The FBI anticipates that cyber-attacks will soon become one of the greatest threats to our nation’s security. Fight crime by delving into the minds of hackers. Learn how to prevent cyber-attacks while also preparing for one of the nation’s most in-demand career fields.
Drama – Calling all drama queens and kings! Produce your own full-length play and learn the basic components of play production, from lights to sound, set design and character study. Students will premiere a full-length production of their own creation.
Drones – Immerse yourself in one of the world’s most innovative new technologies. Learn to build, configure, maintain, and legally fly drones both for fun and for commercial use. An exciting career pathway for those interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
Engineering – Be an innovator! Use your technical and creative skills to design 3-D models and animation and solve complex engineering problems. Invent your future in engineering in this exciting field.
Entrepreneurship and Regional Tourism – Interested in starting your own business? Southwest Virginia’s tourism industry is dependent on small businesses. Develop your own business concept while exploring the best of our region’s assets.
Environmental Science – The mountains are calling. You must go! Learn about the mountains and streams of Southwest Virginia and current and potential threats to these ecosystems. Students will engage in a water quality study on the Clinch and Powell Rivers that will have a long-term positive impact on our region’s water systems.
Solar Energy – Want to change the world? The future of energy technology is solar power! Learn basic electrical theory while exploring solar and wind technologies in an exciting new career field.
Web Design – The future of technology is endless. Learn more about computer programming, application design and development, and robotic technologies. Students will explore career paths in high-paying, high-demand technological fields.
Applications to attend the 2017 Governor’s School will be accepted until May 26, 2017 or until spaces are filled. Limited space is available and students are encouraged to apply early. To view additional information or to download the 2017 application, please visit the Mountain Empire Community College Governor’s School website at www.mecc.edu/govschool or contact John Bledsoe, Governor’s School Coordinator, at (276) 523-2400 ext. 307.
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College, in partnership with Frontier Health, will host the Heart Gallery, a traveling photographic exhibit to promote adoption awareness.
The exhibit, on display in MECC’s Slemp Commons in Phillips-Taylor Hall from May 3-15, was created to find forever families for children in foster care. The exhibit features photographs and profiles of adoptable youth from across the Commonwealth. A special grand opening for the Heart Gallery will be held Wednesday, May 3 at 1 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.
The state of Virginia has a high rate of youth in foster care without a permanent placement. Frontier Health and MECC’s Great Expectations program are working to change the perception of foster youth and raise awareness about the number of youth in our area that are available for adoption.
After leaving MECC, the Heart Gallery will travel to DePaul Community Resources in Abingdon, VA. The Heart Gallery is made possible by a grant awarded to Frontier Health by the Virginia Department of Social Services.
For more information on the event, contact Elizabeth McMurray, Frontier Health Post Adoption Services at emcmurra@frontierhealth.org or Kari Paschetto, MECC Great Expectations (kpaschetto@mecc.edu).
Big Stone Gap, VA — Mountain Empire Community College is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2017 Phlebotomy cohort. Students interested in completing this two-semester, 25 credit program are encouraged to apply online at www.mecc.edu/forms.
The deadline to apply for the next phlebotomy cohort at MECC is July 15. Students who need to complete pre-requisite courses for the cohort must enroll for the Summer 2017 semester which begins this June.
MECC is pleased to announce the following students are completing the requirements for a Career Studies Certificate in Phlebotomy. The Spring 2017 Phlebotomy cohort graduates are:
Taryn Williams, Allison Williams, Caley Shearin, Asia Ramey, Kady Sowards, Sharessa Blair, Gabriela Moore, Cobye Robbins, Peyton Palmer, Jason O’Quinn, Stephanie Lamb, Channie Franklin, Rochelle Pritchett, Makayla Fields and Maria Pridemore.
For more information on MECC’s Phlebotomy program or other health science programs, contact Kim Dorton, Health Sciences Coordinator, at 276.523.7456 or by email at kdorton@mecc.edu.
-MECC-
Photo
Front Row (L-R): Taryn Williams, Allison Williams, Caley Shearin, Asia Ramey, Kady Sowards, Sharessa Blair, Gabriela Moore
Back row (L-R) Cobye Robbins, Peyton Palmer, Jason O’Quinn, Stephanie Lamb, Channie Franklin, Rochelle Pritchett
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College will offer a Trac Pipe Counterstrike flexible gas line piping course on Wednesday, May 3, at 8:30 a.m. to noon. This free course is open to students and community members. Completion of the class is a requirement to purchase Trac Pipe supplies. Trac Pipe flexible gas piping is considered a faster and easier way to install gas line in both residential and commercial applications. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register, contact Lori Dingus at 276.523.2400 ext. 372 or by email at ldingus@mecc.edu.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will offer a Saturday-only Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses this summer. Classes will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Big Stone Gap campus beginning May 20 through August 19. Financial aid is available, but students should apply now. Employers will be interviewing students who successfully complete the course to fill open positions. For more information or to register, please contact Mitzi Jones at mjones@mecc.edu, or call 276.523.7456.
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College and the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board will host a second intensive, 80-hour welding course for individuals who have been laid off due to mining and mining-related industry labor reductions.
A recent MECC welding class for dislocated coal industry workers, taught by Ben Kennedy of Dickenson County Schools, began in late March at Ridgeview High School in Clintwood. The response was so overwhelming that additional class nights were proposed and now a second, concurrent class has been scheduled to begin Monday, April 17. It will be held Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. or Mondays and Thursdays from 3:45 p.m. to 9 p.m., depending on students’ schedules and preferences. Both MECC welding courses will run through June 1.
Laid-off coal miners, power plant workers, and other dislocated coal industry workers may qualify for free educational training supported by Mountain Empire Community College, the POWER-Resource Full National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG), the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), and the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board.
Those interested in applying should call Stephen Mullins, Regional POWER Grant Coordinator, at 276.608.0369.
Big Stone Gap — Mountain Empire Community College is pleased to announce that several students enrolled in Business and Information Technology classes recently placed in the statewide Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) competition.
Six members of MECC’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter traveled to Richmond to complete in 11 different business categories. Five MECC students placed first and second in 8 of the 11 categories. The competition includes students from Virginia community colleges as well as four-year institutions.
Winners are:
Andrew Kerr – 1st place –Job Interview
Andrew Kerr & James Lane – 2nd place – Business Law
James Lane – 1st place – Desktop Publishing
Jessica Wells – 2nd place – Business Communications
Jessica Wells – 2nd place – Information Management
Kevin Cooper – 2nd place – Administrative Technology
Christian Hale – 2nd place – Future Business Educator
Christian Hale – 1st place – Sales Presentation
Sierra Holmes – participant – Principles of Accounting
Sierra Holmes – participant – Personal Finance
Kevin Cooper – participant – Marketing Concepts
Five students, Andrew Kerr, James Lane, Jessica Wells, Kevin Cooper and Christian Hale, are now eligible to compete at the national Phi Beta Lambda competition held in Anaheim, CA this summer. The competitive events are the capstone activity of their academic careers.
The Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, Inc., the largest and oldest student business organization, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education association with a quarter million members and advisers in over 6,500 active middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Its mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. The association is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. For more information, visit fbla-pbl.org.
For more information on MECC’s Business Programs, visit the college’s website at www.mecc.edu or contact the Business & Information Technology division at 276.523.2400 ext. 462.
Big Stone Gap — The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation and Auto World of Big Stone Gap will conduct the Auto World – MECC Golf Classic on Friday, April 28th at Lonesome Pine Country Club to benefit scholarships at MECC.
Registration for the captain’s choice tournament begins at 8 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9:15 a.m. The tournament will feature two flights and will have “most accurate drive” and “closest to the pin” prizes, as well as chipping and putting contests. Mulligan packages will be available for $10 each.
All players hitting a hole-in-one on hole #10 will win a 2017 Jeep Cherokee sponsored by Auto World of Big Stone Gap. There is also a prize of $1,000 for hitting to within 12 inches of the pin on hole #10. If more than one player accomplishes this feat, they will divide the prize money.
Following the tournament, there will be a cocktail reception featuring delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres. During that time, golfers may bid on some great items during the live auction. There will also be a silent auction which will be ongoing throughout the event.
The entry fee of $100 per person includes a continental breakfast, golf shirt, cart and green fees, post-tournament reception, most accurate drive and closest to the pin contests.
Tournament Sponsorships are available at three levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold for financial support in the amounts of $500, $1,000, and $1,500 respectively. All tournament sponsors will receive a complimentary team and will be recognized during the tournament welcome and in the printed materials for the tournament.
Hole sponsorships are available for a $100 gift to the MECC Foundation. Hole sponsors will be recognized in the golf tournament program and by signs erected on the golf course.
Individuals or businesses who would like to sponsor the tournament in any way, provide an item for the auction, or provide a door prize may contact Jeri Bledsoe, Tournament Coordinator, by e-mail at jbledsoe@mecc.edu, or by telephone at 276-523-2400, extension 287.
Registrations may also be faxed to 276-523-7485, e-mailed to Jeri Bledsoe at jbledsoe@mecc.edu, or called in to Jeri at 276-523-2400, extension 287. For questions, please contact Jeri at the previously mentioned telephone number or e-mail address.
All proceeds from the event will help provide scholarships for Mountain Empire Community College students.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College’s Small Business Development Center will host two upcoming free workshops for small businesses on search engine optimization (SEO). “Climbing MT Google” will be held Tuesday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Pioneer Center in Duffield. A second session will be offered on Monday, April 3 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Bridge Meeting Room in Gate City. The workshops are designed to increase participant’s understanding of what SEO is and why it is important; how modern consumers find businesses and spend money; and how to improve your SEO and web page rankings.
Big Stone Gap – Mountain Empire Community College will host a Fitness Walking for Life course this spring. PED 195 – Fitness Walking for Life is a one credit course to be offered on Tuesdays from 4:45 p.m. to 5:40 p.m., March 13 through May 5 in the Godwin Hall Fitness Center. Participants will learn how to implement and evaluate an individualized program of walking based upon their fitness level. Participants should wear comfortable shoes because they will be expected to walk during a portion of the class period. The course will be led by Instructor Jacqueline Cusano. For more information, or to enroll, contact MECC’s Enrollment Services office at 276.523.7474.
Big Stone Gap, VA – The Mountain Empire Community College Alumni & Friends Advisory Committee is seeking nominations for the MECC Distinguished Alumni Award.
The award 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 Board and the MECC Foundation Board 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 below. There is no limit to the number of nominations that one may submit. The deadline for nominations for the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award is Tuesday, February 28.
A subcommittee of the MECC Alumni and Friends Advisory Committee will select the winner of the award, and the winner will be announced at the annual Scholars’ Recognition Night Banquet held in April.
For questions, please contact Jeri Bledsoe in the MECC Foundation office at 276-523-2400, extension 287, or by e-mail at jbledsoe@mecc.edu.
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College will host the fourth annual MECC PROUD week, recognizing the college’s important contributions to higher education and regional economic development October 16-22.
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College will once again welcome thousands of visitors to the campus this fall for the 46
Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College held its 44th commencement ceremony Friday, May 12 at 6 p.m. at the Big Stone Gap campus.
Big Stone Gap – Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to participate in the 2017 Mountain Empire Community College Governor’s School to be held June 12 through June 23 on the college campus.
Big Stone Gap, VA — Mountain Empire Community College is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2017 Phlebotomy cohort. Students interested in completing this two-semester, 25 credit program are encouraged to apply online at 
