Phillips to Follow Strategic Direction of MECC in New Role

Dr. Richard Phillips has worn many hats throughout his career, and now the North Carolina native and current Big Stone Gap resident will hold the title of Vice-President of Academic and Student Services.  On July 3, he takes on this role at Mountain Empire Community College.  He now serves as the college's Dean of Health Science and Industrial Technology.

Phillips has experience in both private industries and public educational institutions, having changed from one to the other somewhat seamlessly due to a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning.  One of his very first jobs was as a sheet metal worker at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in southeastern Virginia.  During this time, he was also able to complete two associate degrees at a nearby community college, the College of the Albemarle. 

He went on to attain a bachelor's degree from Western Carolina University, a master's degree from Ball State University, and ultimately a doctorate from Texas A&M University.  Along the way in garnering his own achievements in higher education, Phillips gained professional experience teaching at Texas A&M University and Southwest Missouri State in Springfield. 

Phillips re-entered private industry and life in Virginia when he took an administrative role at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding.  It wasn't until March 1993 when his journey at MECC began as he became Chair of the Industrial Technologies Division.  Since that time, Phillips says he has seen a number of changes at the college, especially from a reorganization standpoint.

"We have had an amazing number of program changes," he states.  "I feel that we have been as active in that area as anyone in the state."

During his past 13 years working at the college, Phillips has seen 30 new programs added, including career studies certificates, as well as degrees.  He points to the building of Phillips-Taylor Hall as another high point for MECC.  "Moving into that facility was a great accomplishment for the college," he says.

Phillips believes all the challenges MECC has faced over the years have been positive.  "The college has been able to stay on the cutting edge of technology due to infrastructure and professional development.  Our professors and technology are as good as any."

Since learning of his promotion to Vice-President of Academic and Student Services, Phillips says he is grateful for the amount of support from fellow co-workers.  "I am excited by it and to an extent, humbled by it.  Hiring an internal candidate is a measure of support for what you've done previously.  When you've lived with people for over a decade, they get to know you pretty well."

One of the supporters in Phillips' corner is MECC President Terrance Suarez, who praises his past efforts at the college while encouraging him in his new role.  "Dr. Phillips has had a long and successful career at MECC in the role of division dean," states Suarez.  "I look forward to working with him as Vice-President and I fully expect continued success in this new role."

Phillips sums up his outlook on the new responsibilities by saying, "I don't want to go into the job with a pre-set agenda.  I plan on following the strategic direction of the college, guided by President Suarez.  I also want to talk to various faculty and staff and get their input."

As for his personal goals in the new job, "I want the college to continue to maintain and increase advancements in the technology areas since that is a strong part of MECC.  MECC is also well-known for the treatment of our students, so I want to keep this as a student-friendly campus.  I want the college to continue to train faculty and staff, and make sure the curriculum is what will serve students and is needed in the community and by employers."

On July 3, Dr. Richard Phillips will assume the role of Vice-President of Academic and Student Services at MECC.