New Collection in MECC Library Honors Late Professor

Last August, faculty, staff, and students of Mountain Empire Community College mourned the loss of William Delaney "Bill" Carter, former Associate Professor of History and longtime friend of the college.  Carter began teaching at MECC in 1975 and continued until his retirement in 2003.  After retiring, he was named Professor Emeritus for his many years of service and countless contributions to the college.

"Bill was a dedicated teacher and faculty advisor for all the years he worked at the college," states Carolyn Reynolds, MECC interim Vice-President of Academic and Student Services.  "He was also a gentleman and a good friend to his colleagues at MECC." 

Carter had requested that friends contribute to the Wampler Library at MECC in lieu of flowers after his death.  These contributions were made to the MECC Foundation, which transferred the funds to the library so that a special collection in Carter's honor could be established.   

"This collection is a fitting memorial to Bill, who was one of our outstanding teachers," says John Cotham, Directory of Library Services at MECC.  "We are honored to remember him in this way."

The collected works showcase the variety of hobbies and interests Carter pursued outside of teaching at MECC, such as modern architecture, cinema studies, and Japanese gardening.  History books from his private collection were added, as well.

"Brian McKnight, a History Professor at UVA-Wise and one of Bill's former students, selected some of his history books to be added to the collection," states Cotham.

Reynolds believes that the special tribute is the perfect way to remember Carter, whose reputation of generosity while helping others is well-known at MECC.  "Bill especially enjoyed assisting students, faculty, and staff in their research projects," she says.  "He freely shared books from his extensive personal collection.  One of my favorite memories is of Bill standing at my office door with a stack of books and jazz CDs that he thought my sons and I might enjoy.  I think this collection of books is an ideal way to honor his memory.  Students can continue to benefit from Bill's passion for books and scholarship."  

MECC honors Professor Emeritus William Delaney "Bill" Carter with a special book collection in the Wampler Library on campus.

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