News articles from 2026
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
When Mariah Thien walked down the hallway of McDowell Technical Community College 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.
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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
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.
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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
In response to the recent layoff affecting approximately 90 workers from Baxter Healthcare, one of McDowell County’s largest employers, McDowell Technical Community College has mobilized a wide range of services to help individuals transition to new employment, upgrade their skills, or prepare for a new career.
We are excited at McDowell Tech 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.”
McDowell Technical Community College is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Gracie Jackson, 81, of McDowell County has officially completed the requirements for her Adult High School Diploma through McDowell Tech’s Adult High School program, proving that determination and the desire to learn can endure for a lifetime.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
At McDowell Technical Community College, 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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
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.
Gratitude, inspiration, and the transformative power of education took center stage yesterday as McDowell Technical Community College 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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
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.
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?
Then he began finding champions.
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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
The McDowell Technical Community College 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.
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 McDowell Technical Community College Foundation, Inc. to fund scholarships in Automotive Systems Technology and Basic Law Enforcement Training at McDowell Technical Community College.
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.
District Court Judge Ellen Shelley of Marion, NC, administered the oath of office to two new and three returning members of the McDowell Technical Community College Board of Trustees at the trustees first meeting of the new academic year on August 15th.
Check out this list to see who made our summer 2025 President’s, Dean’s and Honors Lists at McDowell Technical Community College.
For McDowell Technical Community College 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 McDowell Tech.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
The McDowell Tech 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.
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.
McDowell Technical Community College (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.
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.
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. McDowell Technical Community College is proud to be part of this effort, ensuring that students receive the support they need to continue their education and rebuild their lives.
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. McDowell Technical Community College is proud to be part of this effort, ensuring that students receive the support they need to continue their education and rebuild their lives.
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. McDowell Technical Community College is proud to be part of this effort, ensuring that students receive the support they need to continue their education and rebuild their lives.
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. McDowell Technical Community College is proud to be part of this effort, ensuring that students receive the support they need to continue their education and rebuild their lives.
As communities across Western North Carolina continue to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, McDowell Technical Community College (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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
McDowell Technical Community College 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.
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 McDowell Technical Community College on Thursday and Friday, February 6-7. The workshops will combine presentations with practical applications of AI said Dr. J.W. Kelley, McDowell Tech President.
McDowell Technical Community College, 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.
Congratulations to the following students who made the Dean’s, President’s and Honors Lists at McDowell Technical Community College during the fall semester, 2024:
