Mountain Empire Community College

Mountain Empire Community College is located in Big Stone Gap, Virginia and is a two-year college while residents of Lee, Scott, Dickenson, Norton or Wise make up the majority of students at Mountain Empire Community College. This two-year college offers students the chance to obtain an associates degree or complete a certificate program. Students at Mountain Empire Community College can complete an associate’s degree program in subjects such as Arts & Humanities and Engineering or complete a certificate program in subjects such as Business and Health & Medical Services. General Education goals are also extremely important at Mountain Empire Community College, as demonstrating competency in communication, critical thinking and scientific reasoning is important for students and graduates. Thanks to funds paid by the State Board for Community Colleges, construction began in 1971 at Mountain Empire Community College as George B. Vaughan was named president of the school. One year later, classes were officially offered at Mountain Empire Community College. Mountain Empire Community College is a part of the Virginia Community College System. Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide geographically and financially accessible education and workforce training programs and services to students. The vision of the community college is to help students develop skills they need to succeed as well as helping students understand a global community among diverse students. Their goal is to the use the best teaching practices, provide workforce training, commit to service and involvement as well as use non-traditional methods when teaching by incorporating the use of technology in the classroom. Mountain Empire Community College is also built on a set of values which include honesty, integrity, creativity and innovation, continual quality enhancement and trust. In order to complete their mission, Mountain Empire Community College follows certain avenues. General Education and Development Studies include certain competencies as well as developmental courses in basic areas. Distance Education and Student Services are offered for easy accessibility and to enhance a student’s success at the school. Workforce Development and Community services are also important as they promote economic development and support cultural and regional needs.

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