Mountain Empire Community College Announces Closure of the Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2026
Contact:
Dr. Amy Greear, Vice President of Institutional Advancement
276-523-7480, agreear@mecc.edu
Justin Barker, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
276-523-9149, jbarker@mecc.edu
Mountain Empire Community College Announces Closure of the
Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia
Big Stone Gap, Virginia — Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) today announced the planned closure of the Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia (CWIA), a facility that has served as a hub for workforce education and skills training since opening in 2019.
Developed to expand workforce training capacity in the region, the CWIA, located in the former Appalachia Elementary School, was established to house the college’s Power Line Worker Training Program, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training, Dental Assisting program, additional welding instruction, and other workforce-focused educational offerings. Since its opening, the facility has played a significant role in preparing students for high-demand careers and supporting the workforce needs of Southwest Virginia and the broader Appalachian region.
The decision to close the facility follows a comprehensive review of enrollment trends, program needs, and operational efficiencies. College leaders noted that post-pandemic enrollment patterns have shifted significantly, with more students utilizing online learning opportunities, creating additional instructional space on the main campus. Additionally, MECC has paused enrollment in its Dental Assisting program while the College evaluates strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of program operations and explores opportunities to expand into other oral health-related training fields that align with regional workforce needs.
The College has completed the relocation of the Power Line Worker and CDL training programs to the main campus, with classes ongoing. College leadership indicated that the transition will allow the institution to direct more resources toward educational programming and student success rather than facility operations.
“The Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia has been an extraordinary asset for our college and our region,” said Dr. Kristen Westover, President of Mountain Empire Community College. “Since opening in 2019, the facility has provided hands-on training opportunities for over 500 students pursuing careers in essential industries. The CWIA helped us expand access to workforce education, strengthen partnerships with employers, and prepare graduates for meaningful careers. We are proud of the accomplishments achieved within its walls and the impact it has had on our students and communities.”
College officials emphasized that the closure of the building will not diminish MECC’s commitment to workforce education. Programs currently offered through the facility will continue to serve students through campus-based instruction and other delivery models designed to meet industry and student needs.
“The success of the CWIA is measured not by the building itself, but by the students whose lives and careers were transformed through the education and training they received there,” Dr. Westover added. “We remain committed to providing high-quality workforce education that supports economic growth and opportunity throughout our service region.”
Dr. Westover also noted her sincere appreciation to the Wise County Board of Supervisors for its longstanding partnership in leasing the Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia facility and supporting workforce development opportunities for the region. MECC is equally grateful for the significant investments made by GO Virginia and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, whose funding helped equip the facility with state-of-the-art training equipment that enhanced educational opportunities for students across multiple programs. As operations transition to the main campus, this equipment will continue to serve students and employers throughout the region, ensuring that the impact of these investments endures for years to come.
Dr. Westover added that the CWIA’s legacy will continue through the graduates who now serve employers and communities across the region.
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