MECC Foundation Announces Teresa K. Lovell Annual Scholarship
The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Teresa K. Lovell Annual Scholarship for nursing students enrolled at MECC.
The Teresa K. Lovell Memorial Scholarship was established by her family in honor of Teresa’s enduring legacy as a devoted mother and grandmother. Teresa passed away in 2024 following a courageous and lengthy battle with health challenges. Originally from Big Stone Gap, she was raised by a single mother alongside ten siblings after losing her father in a mining accident early in her life. These early hardships instilled in Teresa a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to family.
Teresa left home at a young age and married early, seeking an escape from poverty. Unfortunately, her marriage prevented her from completing her high school education. She became a single parent to two sons and initially worked in retail, dedicating countless hours to provide for her family. Recognizing the value of education, Teresa pursued her GED and obtained her diploma, humorously noting that she graduated around the same time as her sons.
After her eldest son graduated, Teresa enrolled at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC), where she completed several courses. It was during this time that she began her career in caregiving by taking a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course alongside her son. Her passion for caring for others, particularly the elderly and sick, was evident throughout her life, including her years as a primary caregiver for her ill mother.
Teresa was steadfast in her belief that hard work, integrity, and love were essential values to impart to her children. She believed that everyone deserves love, often serving as that source of affection for those around her. While she was quick to defend her loved ones, she also demonstrated remarkable forgiveness, offering second and third chances to those who needed it.
Later in life, Teresa found love again and remarried, which provided her with support and companionship. She cherished witnessing her children embark on their careers and exemplify her values of hard work and nurturing fatherhood. Her joy multiplied as she watched her grandchildren grow into fine young men.
The Teresa K. Lovell Memorial Scholarship is established to honor her determination, resilience, and loving spirit. It aims to assist local students who are single parents or are being raised by single parents pursuing a career in nursing. Teresa often remarked, “Everyone needs to be loved,” which is reflected in the capitalized “LOVE” in the scholarship’s name. This scholarship represents both her legacy and her family's hope to support future caregivers who embody her values of compassion and dedication.
For more information on this scholarship or creating a memorial scholarship legacy, please contact Megan Gibson, MECC Foundation Coordinator of Philanthropy, or Dr. Amy Greear, MECC Foundation Executive Director, at (276) 523-7466 or by email at mgibson@mecc.edu or agreear@mecc.edu.