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. Terrance Suarez became the fifth president in January 2002.

Accreditation

Mountain Empire Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree. Programs are approved by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia, and are also approved for listing in the U.S. Office of Education directories and participation in various federally-sponsored programs of student aid and education assistance. The College is authorized by the Veterans Administration to certify students to receive veterans benefits and is approved by the Department of Health and Human Services for students who receive Social Security and Vocational Rehabilitation benefits. The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. The Nursing Program is accredited by the Virginia State Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing. The Practical Nursing Program is accredited by the Virginia State Board of Nursing. The Emergency Medical Services Technology program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Care Education Programs.

About the Campus

Mountain Empire Community College is located on 95 wooded acres.
Holton Hall was the first building on MECC's campus, named after Big Stone Gap native and former Virginia governor, Linwood Holton. Godwin Hall was built next and named for the founding governor of the Virginia Community College System, Mills Godwin. The two people most responsible in state government for the construction of MECC's industrial technology building were Delegate Orby Cantrell and Governor John Dalton. Dalton-Cantrell Hall was completed in the fall of 1984. Robb Hall, named for former Virginia governor and U.S. Senator, Charles Robb, was dedicated in April of 1989. It houses the Wampler Library, named in memory of Mabel C. and John Barbour Wampler, who were business and civic leaders in Wise County. The new $6.2 million, 50,000 square-foot Phillips-Taylor Hall, named for East Stone Gap sisters and benefactors Nelle Taylor Phillips and French Taylor, is distinguished by the Goodloe Center, in honor of Big Stone Gap pioneers John Mills, Edward Everett and William Trevenor Goodloe, and the Slemp Commons, named for the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation.

Non-discrimination Notice

Mountain Empire Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Vice-President of Financial and Administrative Services, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219, 276-523-2400.