About

History of The College

In 1966, the Virginia Assembly enacted historic legislation establishing a statewide system of comprehensive community colleges. This legislation brought most post high school education below the bachelor’s level into one system, and broadened the base of higher education in the state to such an extent that Virginia, for the first time in the twentieth century, took a major step toward democratizing higher education. As comprehensive institutions, the community colleges endeavor to serve all segments of society.
In Southwest Virginia, a committee comprised of local business, civic, industrial and political leaders was appointed by the local governing bodies of Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson Counties and the City of Norton for the purpose of establishing a comprehensive community college. In April of 1970, the college Board had its first meeting at which Judge William C. Fugate was elected chair. Funds for construction were allocated by the State Board for Community Colleges and construction began in early 1971.

• In August 1971, Dr. George B. Vaughan was named president of Mountain Empire community College and groundbreaking ceremonies were held in October of that same year. The first classes were offered in the fall of 1972.

• In January 1978, Dr. Victor B. Ficker assumed his responsibilities as the second president of Mountain Empire.

• The third president, Dr. Ruth Mercedes Smith, served from June 1988 to June 1991.

• Dr. Robert H. Sandel served as the fourth president from January 1992 to July 2001.

• Dr. Terrace Suarez served as the fifth president from January 2002 to June 2010.

• Dr. Scott Hamilton became the sixth president in July 2010.

• Dr. Kristen Westover became the seventh president in July 2017.

Mission & Vision

 Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.

Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is fulfilled through the following avenues:

• General Education: Civic Engagement, Critical Thinking, Professional Readiness, Quantitative Literacy, Scientific Literacy, and Written Communication.

• Career -Technical Education: The career and technical education programs meet the increasing demand for technicians, professionals, and a skilled workforce.

• Transfer Education: The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs at four-year colleges and universities.

• Developmental Studies: Developmental courses are offered to correct deficiencies in basic areas, such as English, reading, and mathematics, and to prepare students who have not had the required course prerequisites for admission to specific programs.

• Dual Enrollment: Dual enrollment courses allow high-achieving students to meet the requirements for high school graduation while simultaneously earning college credit.

• Distance Education: Distance education courses and programs offer accessibility through a number of delivery modes, to include the internet, video, and off-campus locations.

• Student Services: The College provides programs, services, and resources that facilitate college access, enhance student success, develop career readiness, promote student leadership, and provide opportunities for student engagement.

• Workforce Development: Workforce development encompasses credit and non-credit training to meet workforce needs and promote economic development through programs, customized training, and on-going workshops.

• Community Services: College facilities and personnel support the cultural and educational needs of the region through cultural events, workshops, meetings, lectures, conferences, seminars, community projects, and service learning.

Vision Statement

Mountain Empire Community College’s vision is to be recognized by our community as the leader in preparing our region’s educated workforce.

Mountain Empire Community College will pursue its vision by acquiring the following traits:

• Teaching will be characterized by the use of the best practices for knowledge and skills to be developed, including the involvement of businesses, the use of hands-on interactive mediums, and opportunities for real-life applications of knowledge and skills.

• Instructional delivery will employ non-traditional methods with emphasis on the use of technology. Faculty members will be facilitators of learning, mentors, and role models, exhibiting to students the importance of knowledge, competence, and a thirst for learning.

• The college will be the major provider of workforce training and a leader in community development, partnering with businesses, educational institutions, non-profits, and government to strengthen the competitiveness of the region for attracting and retaining jobs.

• The college will be an exemplary model of service and involvement to our students and the community, promoting economic development, appreciation of culture, and the quality of living in rural, southwest Virginia.

College Values

Mountain Empire Community College is committed to these values:

• Community and Cultural Preservation

• Creativity and Innovation

• Diversity, Inclusion and Equity

• Honesty, Integrity and Trust

• Leadership and Service

• Learning

• Student Success

• Teamwork and Communication

Policies

Mountain Empire Community College is one of twenty three community colleges operating under the jurisdiction of the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges. The Virginia Community College System was founded in 1966 by the Virginia General Assembly under the leadership of Governor Mills E. Godwin Jr. Mountain Empire Community College was founded in 1970, and classes began in 1972 with six hundred students and thirty-six faculty members.  Mountain Empire Community College serves the counties of Lee,  Scott, Wise, Dickenson and the City of Norton.

The College operates under a mission statement approved by the Virginia Community College System. The rules and regulations for the Virginia Community College System are stated in the VCCS Policy Manual.

A copy of this manual is available in the offices of the President, the Vice President of Academic and Student Services, the Vice President of Financial and Administrative Services, Admission and records, Student Services, the MECC Wampler Library, the academic divisions of Arts & Sciences, Applied Sciences & Technologies, Business & Information Technology and Health Sciences, the offices of Community Relations and Human Resources. Additional information pertaining to the College may be found in the VCCS Policy Manual, the MECC College Catalog, the MECC Student Handbook, and the MECC Purchasing Manual.

Mountain Empire Community College has established principles and processes to earn the trust of its students, constituents, and the communities it serves. These principles and processes have been historically maintained through accreditation, transparency and ethical and non-discriminatory standards that are guided by its mission, vision and values.