Mountain Empire Community College

This Academic Catalog outlines the mission, vision, policies, and procedures of Mountain Empire Community College for the academic years 2024-2025. It details information on admission requirements, financial aid, academic programs including associate degrees, certificates, and career studies certificates, as well as student services and graduation requirements. The college aims to provide accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to prepare an educated and globally competitive workforce.

Key discussions included administrative reports detailing Fall enrollment figures showing increases in both Summer and Preliminary Fall headcount and FTE compared to the previous year. Dr. Westover provided updates on Dual Enrollment course cost structures, recent changes to Pell legislation, and confirmed the college met all Accelerate 2030 goals for the prior year. Further administrative reports covered Cyber Security and AI grants, and the upcoming submission of the SACSCOC Interim Report ahead of schedule. Dr. Pinion reported on securing $1M in funding from the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation to support the new MECC Honors Program, scholarships, and the hiring of a retention specialist. He also detailed the 'Welcome Home' Caring Campus Initiative metrics. Ms. Hall reported on campus facilities projects, including chiller replacement, sidewalk repairs, and design phases for the Amphitheater and HVAC upgrades. Dr. Greear's foundation update highlighted grant activity totaling $2.3M. Old Business focused on Mr. Wilson reviewing the Charter for the Virginia Community College Advisory Board, emphasizing the advisory role and detailing Virginia's low state funding ranking for Community Colleges per FTE compared to peer states, suggesting a reception to inform the Board of Supervisors.

Key discussions during the meeting included the welcoming of a new board member from Wise County and a review of the 2025-2026 Board Committee Assignments. The President's Report covered steady fall 2025 preliminary enrollment figures, an update on College and Career Ready Virginia (CCRV) initiative impacts leading to a significant tuition revenue reduction, and progress toward 2026 Strategic Planning goals related to credentials, FastForward completion, and professional development. The Board also received updates on the establishment of an AI Taskforce with pilot projects planned. Academic Affairs reported on a successful Welcome Week, securing a $1 million grant from the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation for a new Honors Program, expansion of the Flatwoods Job Corps partnership, and updates on the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan. Financial and Administrative Services provided updates on the Local Funds Expenditure Report, a personnel report, and progress on facilities projects, including the Life Safety Project in Godwin Hall and the Solar Roof Project. The Institutional Advancement/Foundation reported strong revenue growth compared to the previous year, updates on scholarships, and a planned scaled-down amphitheater design presentation. Action items included the unanimous approval of the 2025-2026 Curriculum Advisory Committee Membership and the approval of a new Criminal Justice (AAS) degree, an Advanced Science - Career Studies Certificate (CSC), and the discontinuance of the Police Science program (due to renaming).

The meeting featured administrative reports, including an update on Fall 2025 preliminary enrollment figures, which showed a 1% decrease in headcount but a 1% increase in FTE. President Westover discussed the MECC AI Taskforce's pilot projects concerning administrative tasks and teaching/learning, and detailed the approved college restructuring plan intended to reduce recurring expenditures by over $2 million annually through efficiencies and personnel realignment, involving 14 departures and 20 role transitions. MECC was also selected for an Achieving the Dream initiative grant and named one of the Aspen Top 200 institutions. Dr. Pinion reported on the program viability review, leading to the recommendation and subsequent approval for discontinuing 10 specific, under-enrolled programs, and discussed the new academic structure effective January 1, 2026. Financial updates included a review of local funds expenditures and facility projects such as the Life Safety Project in Godwin Hall and the Solar Roof Project across main campus buildings. The Foundation reported on approved operational costs totaling $348,000 to support the College. The Board approved the 2025-2026 Curriculum Advisory Committee Membership and the discontinuation of ten specified academic programs.

The Mountain Empire Community College Advisory Board convened to discuss several key topics, including enrollment updates, COVID-19 protocols, and legislative matters. Enrollment figures for the Fall 2021 and preliminary Spring 2022 semesters were reviewed, revealing decreases attributed to COVID-19 concerns. Updates were provided on COVID-19 cases among employees and the rescinding of mandatory vaccination and testing requirements. The board also discussed a budget amendment for the purchase of the Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia (CWIA) building and concerns regarding potential cuts to tuition scholarship funding by the Tobacco Commission. Additional discussions covered the search for a new VCCS Chancellor, regional childcare initiatives, and the college's 50th-anniversary fundraising efforts. The Foundation's success in distributing scholarships and securing funds for an outdoor amphitheater was highlighted, along with upcoming events and grant opportunities. Updates were provided on replacing the fiberoptic network and Lot B upgrades.