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MTCC Honors List Recipients, Summer 2026

Congratulations to the following students who made the President’s, Dean’s and Honors Lists at �鶹��Ƶ during the summer semester, 2026:

Nominations Open for 2026 Alumni Awards

The �鶹��Ƶ Foundation is now accepting nominations for the college’s 2026 Alumni Awards, recognizing graduates whose professional achievements, community service and contributions reflect the lasting impact of a �鶹��Ƶ education.

Three Returning Trustees Sworn In; Kehler Elected Chair of Trustee Board

Three returning members of the �鶹��Ƶ Board of Trustees were sworn in for new four-year terms during the board’s August 13 meeting, while trustees also elected new leadership.

A Shared Map for the Work Ahead

I clearly remember land navigation training while serving in the Army. The clarity, however, is in my memory not necessarily in my ability to clearly read a compass and map. During basic training in the 1980s, we used a paper map and compass. Mapping the route, shooting the azimuth, and calculating distance by step count was actually fun, at least in the daylight. At night, my skills diminished quickly, and I passed the test by the skin of my teeth.

After 30 Years at Baxter, April Washburn Is Building Her Next Career at �鶹��Ƶ

For more than three decades, April Washburn knew exactly where she'd be every workday. She'd lace up her steel-toe shoes, head into Baxter, and spend the next 12 hours on her feet. It was steady work that helped her and her husband raise two children, put both of them through college, and build a life together. What she didn't expect was that, at 53 years old, she'd become the student.

Route 70 Cruisers Help Drive Student Success with $1,500 Gift to �鶹��Ƶ

The Route 70 Cruisers, a nonprofit car club based in Old Fort, have once again shifted their love of classic cars into meaningful support for McDowell County students. The club has donated $1,500 through the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation, Inc. to support scholarships and student assistance in Automotive Systems Technology and Basic Law Enforcement Training at �鶹��Ƶ.

�鶹��Ƶ Welding Student Receives HopeMill Resilience Scholarship After Turning Helene Hardship into Service

On the morning Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, Mason Thompson did not wait for someone else to clear the way. The �鶹��Ƶ welding student had been awakened by a power outage, heavy rain and wind “whistling” through the porch of his family’s Montford Cove home, a small community near the McDowell-Rutherford county line. When the storm passed, Thompson and his father climbed onto a farm tractor and began clearing fallen trees from the road betwee

�鶹��Ƶ Students Receive National Technical Honor Society Scholarships

Two �鶹��Ƶ students have earned national recognition from the National Technical Honor Society, with Charlotte Kendall and Keri Randolph-Frisbee each receiving a $1,000 Jon H. Poteat Scholarship.

Good Jobs, Good Futures

What makes a job a “good job”?

�鶹��Ƶ Students Win Silver Medal in National SkillsUSA Robotics Competition

�鶹��Ƶ is celebrating a major national achievement after two �鶹��Ƶ students, Carter Wyatt and Kevin Rodriguez-Ramirez, placed second in the nation in the SkillsUSA National Robotics: Urban Search and Rescue Competition, competing against more experienced teams from veteran programs across the country to earn a Silver Medal.

From Star Trek to �鶹��Ƶ: Learning for Life with AI

As a child of the 60s, anything involving space flight and adventure still excites me. The recent Artemis II mission rekindled that childhood sense of wonder. If I had the chance to travel to the Moon tomorrow, my answer would be immediate: yes.

�鶹��Ƶ Names Penny Lonon 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient

�鶹��Ƶ is proud to announce that Mrs. Penny Lonon has been named the recipient of the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award, one of the college’s highest honors, recognizing outstanding full-time faculty.

From the Machine Shop to the Future: Meet �鶹��Ƶ Student Mariah Thien

When Mariah Thien walked down the hallway of �鶹��Ƶ one afternoon looking for a place to cut metal, she had no idea that a single conversation would change the direction of her education. That chance encounter introduced her to the Machining program and a version of herself she had not yet discovered.

Finish Line

While watching the college basketball games during March Madness, I noticed that most teams seemed to play with a higher level of energy and anticipation as they approached the end of the game. Especially in a close game, the intensity goes off the charts as every play feels more important than the opening tipoff.��

48th Annual Fire, Rescue and EMS College Concludes with Strong Regional Participation

�鶹��Ƶ completed the 48th Annual Fire, Rescue and EMS College this past weekend, welcoming emergency responders from across Western North Carolina and beyond for a week of intensive, hands-on training.

‘Right Where They Belong’ Begins Early

In 1979, I graduated from Strayhorn Junior High School. Strayhorn, Mississippi, was a community, not a township or city. We only had a small local convenience store and a combined elementary and junior high school. After graduating from junior high, we were bused about 30 minutes away to the county high school in Coldwater. The junior high commencement carried all the pomp and circumstance you might expect from a high school or college ceremony. Eighth grade felt like a genuine rite of passage, a move from “child” to “young adult.” It was an exciting time of choosing classes and beginning to think about the future.

Registration Opens for �鶹��Ƶ's Accelerate and Innovate Bootcamp

The next AIM cohort is scheduled to begin in Aunews-AIM-gust, and registration is now open. AIM is currently offered at no cost to participants. While the program carries an estimated value of $625, all fees are currently waived through grant and partner support.

Kim Ledbetter Memorial Scholarship Reaches Endowed Status, Honoring a Legacy of Student Support

�鶹��Ƶ is proud to announce that the Kim Ledbetter Memorial Scholarship has reached endowed status, ensuring that the legacy of the college’s former Director of Financial Aid and Veteran’s Affairs will continue to support students for generations to come.

�鶹��Ƶ Expands Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning Opportunities, Implements Innovative Craft Platform

�鶹��Ƶ is strengthening its commitment to career-connected education by expanding apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities for students and employers, while implementing new technology to enhance the efficiency, growth, and long-term impact of these programs.

Dr. Valerie Dobson Earns Doctorate, Advances Vision for Student Success at �鶹��Ƶ

�鶹��Ƶ is proud to announce that Dr. Valerie Dobson, Vice President of Academics & Student Services and Chief Academic Officer, has completed the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University. Her achievement reflects both personal perseverance and a deep professional commitment to expanding opportunity and student success in rural communities.

�鶹��Ƶ Launches Two NC Edge Projects to Strengthen Local Workforce and Industry

�鶹��Ƶ has launched two major workforce development initiatives through the NC Edge Customized Training Program, partnering with local employers to deliver targeted training that strengthens operations, supports employees, and enhances economic growth across McDowell County.

�鶹��Ƶ Celebrates Dedication of Renovated Crane Resistoflex Auditorium

�鶹��Ƶ recently celebrated the dedication and ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Crane Resistoflex Auditorium, marking the first major renovation of the facility since it was constructed in the early 1970s.

�鶹��Ƶ Offers Rapid Response Services for Displaced Workers

In response to the recent layoff affecting approximately 90 workers from Baxter Healthcare, one of McDowell County’s largest employers, �鶹��Ƶ has mobilized a wide range of services to help individuals transition to new employment, upgrade their skills, or prepare for a new career.

It's Personal

We are excited at �鶹��Ƶ for our record-breaking growth. In four of the past five years, the college has grown by at least 8%. In three of those years, growth has been over 10%, including this year. I’ve been asked several times what I attribute that growth to. My answer: “It’s personal.”��

Gracie Jackson Earns Adult High School Diploma at 81, Proving It Is Never Too Late to Finish

�鶹��Ƶ is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Gracie Jackson, 81, of McDowell County has officially completed the requirements for her Adult High School Diploma through �鶹��Ƶ’s Adult High School program, proving that determination and the desire to learn can endure for a lifetime.

�鶹��Ƶ Launches FAFSA Completion Campaign to Help Students Access Maximum Financial Aid for 2026-27

�鶹��Ƶ has kicked off a new campaign encouraging students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early to maximize eligibility for financial support for the 2026-2027 school year.

�鶹��Ƶ Employees Earn New Degrees, Reinforcing a Culture of “Learning for Life”

At �鶹��Ƶ, the phrase “Learning for Life” means far more than helping students begin or continue their education at any stage of life. It also reflects the college’s commitment to building a culture where faculty and staff continually sharpen their skills, grow professionally, and remain lifelong learners.

�鶹��Ƶ Celebrates EMS Graduates at Ceremony Highlighting Service, Survival, and Second Chances

�鶹��Ƶ honored the commitment, compassion, and life-saving skills of its Emergency Medical Services graduates during a graduation ceremony held in December, recognizing students who completed Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programs during the fall semester. These graduates will soon enter the workforce in McDowell County and throughout the region.

�鶹��Ƶ Engages Broad Stakeholder Voices to Shape Next Strategic Planning

�鶹��Ƶ is laying the groundwork for its future by engaging a wide range of stakeholders in a comprehensive strategic planning process designed to reflect the needs, priorities and aspirations of the community it serves.��

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Outdoor Economy Part 3 - Awesome

I think we can all agree that this planet is awesome. Kathy and I enjoy Marion’s Main Street Christmas decorations in the evenings and the views of the surrounding mountains. However, if we’re not careful, we can become numb to it over time. A sunrise and sunset become just the beginning and ending of another day. The mountains become a driving obstacle. The forest becomes something we pass through on the way to our next destination.

Scholarship Donors and Student Recipients Share Powerful Stories at �鶹��Ƶ Foundation Scholarship Luncheon

Gratitude, inspiration, and the transformative power of education took center stage yesterday as �鶹��Ƶ Foundation held its annual Scholarship Luncheon, bringing together students whose dreams are being fueled by scholarship support and the donors who make those opportunities possible.

Room at �鶹��Ƶ Dedicated in Honor of Fallen Firefighter Steven Lytle

�鶹��Ƶ honored the life, legacy, and extraordinary service of the late Steven “Steve” Lytle on Wednesday, November 12th, with the dedication of Room 106 in the William Harold Smith Building as the Steven Lytle Fire Training Room. Lytle, a highly respected McDowell County firefighter, instructor, mentor, and public servant, passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2025.

From Mountain Trails to Career Trails: Expanding �鶹��Ƶ’s Outdoor Economy Programs

There is something rejuvenating about being in creation: the sound of boots on a trail, the wind in the trees, and the river flowing over the rocks. Kathy and I often find ourselves on those paths. One day, while we were watching the wildlife, a group of people came toward us carrying tools and equipment. They were a maintenance team inspecting the trail for erosion and bridge safety. I was surprised by how quickly and efficiently they repaired areas or reinforced a creek crossing. Before long, they were moving on down the trail.

Finding Champions: Thomas Smith’s Journey from Silence to Success

When Thomas Smith looks back on his childhood, he remembers the silence. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, he spoke very little, struggled with social anxiety, and often felt out of place. His family worried—not from a lack of love, but from the hard reality of what the future might hold. Would he finish high school? Would he ever find the right environment to grow?

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Then he began finding champions.

Outdoor Economy - More Than Hiking Boots & Bicycles

When Kathy and I first moved to McDowell County, we were excited to explore the area's natural beauty by backpacking and camping on the numerous mountain trails. We have always preferred the charm of small-town communities and have enjoyed getting to know the local businesses in Marion and Old Fort. Over the past year, I have come to appreciate even more how these natural treasures are not just places for recreation; they are also powerful engines of opportunity for the people who live here.

Elmer Macopson Named �鶹��Ƶ’s Staff Member of the Year

�鶹��Ƶ announced today that Elmer Macopson, Jr., Director of Technology and Information Systems, was recently named Staff Member of the Year for 2025 in recognition of his outstanding service, diverse talents, and nearly three decades of commitment to the college and its mission.

Crane Charitable Funds Continues Support for �鶹��Ƶ Students

The �鶹��Ƶ Foundation has received a new $3,500 gift from Crane Charitable Funds, thanks to a recommendation by local Crane associate Anthony Frady of Crane ChemPharma & Energy. The donation will be used to provide scholarships and address pressing student needs, reinforcing Crane’s long tradition of community investment.

Route 70 Cruisers Keep the Wheels Turning with $1,500 Gift to �鶹��Ƶ

The Route 70 Cruisers, a nonprofit car club based in Old Fort, NC, have again demonstrated their commitment to local students by donating $1,500 through the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation, Inc. to fund scholarships in Automotive Systems Technology and Basic Law Enforcement Training at �鶹��Ƶ.

Education and Work: What's Next For Our Young Men and Women?

At community events across McDowell County, I often hear young people asking big questions about their future: College? University? Military? Or just go to work? Whether graduating from high school, community college, or university, finding a clear vision for the future can be stressful and confusing. Those of us in older generations know the discomfort of making these decisions—but today’s students may face even greater uncertainty.

Five Trustees Sworn in to Serve �鶹��Ƶ

District Court Judge Ellen Shelley of Marion, NC, administered the oath of office to two new and three returning members of the �鶹��Ƶ Board of Trustees at the trustees first meeting of the new academic year on August 15th.

MTCC Honors List Recipients, Summer 2025

Check out this list to see who made our summer 2025 President’s, Dean’s and Honors Lists at �鶹��Ƶ.

One Year In a Row

A message from President J.W. Kelley

Nursing Student Skylar McIntosh Finds Second �鶹��Ƶ at �鶹��Ƶ

For �鶹��Ƶ nursing student Skylar McIntosh, the path to becoming a registered nurse hasn’t followed a straight line—but it’s a journey she says she wouldn’t trade for anything. From dual enrollment classes in high school to pursuing her Associate Degree in Nursing through the LPN-to-RN Bridge Program, McIntosh has found both academic rigor and a deep sense of belonging at �鶹��Ƶ.

�鶹��Ƶ Offering No-Cost Early Childhood Academy, July 14th–25th

�鶹��Ƶ is debuting a free, fast-track Early Childhood Academy from July 14th to 25th, offering both workforce credentials and academic credit for Introduction to Early Childhood (EDU 119). The program is designed for individuals preparing for careers in childcare centers, preschools, Head Start, and other early childhood education settings.

�鶹��Ƶ Awarded $25,000 Duke Energy Foundation Grant for HVAC Students

�鶹��Ƶ is among 19 North Carolina community colleges recently selected to receive funding from the Duke Energy Foundation as part of a $500,000 statewide workforce development initiative. The college was awarded $25,000 to support its innovative HVAC training program focused on A2L refrigerant technology—an environmentally friendly alternative that represents the future of the heating and cooling industry.

Dreams Come True at �鶹��Ƶ

The �鶹��Ƶ commencement ceremonies are more than formal traditions—they're powerful celebrations of dreams realized. As I handed Emilee Brooks her diploma this spring, a young man rushed the stage, knelt down, and proposed marriage. In that moment, two dreams came true—one academic, one personal—and the crowd erupted in celebration.

“Celebrate Good Times - Come On!”

We all love a good celebration. Whether it's a song on the radio, a scene from a favorite movie, or a real-life moment of achievement, we’re wired to cheer for people when they accomplish something meaningful, overcome adversity, or give selflessly in service to others. You probably already have someone in mind who’s worthy of such a celebration.

�鶹��Ƶ to Launch New Student Success Program through NC Community College’s Boost Initiative

�鶹��Ƶ (MTCC) is proud to announce its selection as one of 14 North Carolina community colleges participating in the NC Community Colleges Boost program—an innovative initiative aimed at accelerating student success and fueling workforce development across the state.

MTCC Ready to Assist Old Fort Businesses With Hurricane Helene Rebuilding Together Grants

Small businesses in the heart of downtown Old Fort now have a critical opportunity to receive financial support as they continue to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. The Old Fort Rebuilding Together Grant is officially open for applications, offering up to $25,000 in direct funding to eligible businesses that suffered physical damage during the storm.

�鶹��Ƶ Opens Nominations for 2025 Alumni Awards to Honor Outstanding Graduates

When disaster strikes, Americans rally to support those in need. The response to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina is a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. �鶹��Ƶ is proud to be part of this effort, ensuring that students receive the support they need to continue their education and rebuild their lives.

�鶹��Ƶ Opens Nominations for 2025 Alumni Awards to Honor Outstanding Graduates

When disaster strikes, Americans rally to support those in need. The response to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina is a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. �鶹��Ƶ is proud to be part of this effort, ensuring that students receive the support they need to continue their education and rebuild their lives.

Disaster Recovery Funding Provides Life-Changing Support for Students

When disaster strikes, Americans rally to support those in need. The response to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina is a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. �鶹��Ƶ is proud to be part of this effort, ensuring that students receive the support they need to continue their education and rebuild their lives.

Disaster Recovery Funding Provides Life-Changing Support for Students

When disaster strikes, Americans rally to support those in need. The response to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina is a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. �鶹��Ƶ is proud to be part of this effort, ensuring that students receive the support they need to continue their education and rebuild their lives.

47th Annual Fire, Rescue and EMS College Continues To Deliver Critical Training Despite Challenges

As communities across Western North Carolina continue to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, �鶹��Ƶ (MTCC) and its local agency partners are once again answering the call to provide high-quality, life-saving training at the 47th Annual McDowell Fire, Rescue, and EMS College. This year's Fire School, which began earlier this week and will run through Sunday afternoon, will bring hundreds of emergency responders from across the region to Marion for a week of specialized, hands-on training.

�鶹��Ƶ Photography Students Showcase Work at MACA, Now Including Documentary Films

�鶹��Ƶ announced today that the college’s photographic technology program will once again host its annual student gallery exhibit at McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA). This year’s exhibit, which runs from March 13th through the end of March, offers visitors a chance to experience a diverse range of photographic work from emerging student photographers — and for the first time ever, documentary films will also be featured.

MACA To Host �鶹��Ƶ Graphic Design Show Throughout February

�鶹��Ƶ is pleased to announce the opening of the college’s annual graphic design exhibit at McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) on Main Street in Marion, showcasing academic and personal projects completed by fourteen students in the college’s Graphic Design program. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular business hours for the entire month of February.

Professional Development Workshops at �鶹��Ƶ to Explore AI in Education

In an effort to equip educators and staff with the knowledge and tools to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their work, Dr. Lane Freeman from the NC Community College System Office will be leading half-day professional development workshops at �鶹��Ƶ on Thursday and Friday, February 6-7. The workshops will combine presentations with practical applications of AI said Dr. J.W. Kelley, �鶹��Ƶ President.

�鶹��Ƶ Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Workforce Education Center in Old Fort

�鶹��Ƶ, alongside local dignitaries and partner organizations, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the college’s new Workforce Education Center in Old Fort, NC on Wednesday, the college’s first presence in the town. The new center will provide workforce training opportunities and diversify the local and regional economy with focused opportunities in manufacturing, construction, trail development and other areas with emerging workforce needs.

MTCC Honors List Recipients, Fall 2024

Congratulations to the following students who made the Dean’s, President’s and Honors Lists at �鶹��Ƶ during the fall semester, 2024: