About the College

Accreditation and Program Approvals

Mountain Empire Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Mountain Empire Community College. Normal inquiries about the institution, such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly to the institution and not to the Commission’s office. Degree programs are approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and are also approved for listing in the U.S. Office of Education directories for participation in various federally-sponsored programs of student aid and educational assistance. This institution is approved to offer GI Bill® educational benefits by the Virginia State Approving Agency 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 approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326). The Practical Nursing and Nursing Assistant programs are approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing. The Emergency Medical Services Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The Health Information Management accreditor of Mountain Empire Community College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2027. The Phlebotomy program is approved by the National Phlebotomy Association. The Computer Aided Drafting & Design Technology, Technical Studies- Welding, Computer Manufacturing Technology - Electromechanical Technology, and Computer Manufacturing Technology -Industrial Electronics are accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). 

Non-Discrimination Statement

Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) is an open entry institution. Its mission is to provide quality higher education and workforce training programs and services that are financially and geographically accessible and meet individual, business, and community needs. The following pathways exist:

MECC is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law.

Harassment of an individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission has no place in a learning or work environment and is prohibited. Sexual violence has no place in a learning or work environment. Further, MECC shall work to eliminate violence in all its forms. Physical contact by designated system, college, and university staff members may be appropriate if necessary to avoid physical harm to persons or property.

Lack of English skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation. In order to eliminate barriers, we take appropriate measures to assess each student’s ability to participate and benefit through placement testing and counseling. Based on the assessment and counseling, students are then provided with campus services or a referral to community services to be better prepared for successful participation.

Nondiscrimination Coordinators:

• Title IX Coordinator - Kristy Hall, Room 136, Godwin Hall, 276.523.7480
• Title IX Coordinator (Students) - Lelia Bradshaw, Room 133, Holton Hall, 276.523.9107
• Title IX Coordinator (Employees) - Val Lee, Room 138, Godwin Hall, 276.523.9079
• Disabilities Coordinator - Dale Lee, Room 131, Holton Hall, 276.523.9108 

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Consumers with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.

Mission Statement

Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.

Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is fulfilled through the following avenues:

• General Education: General Education, a component of academic programs, includes the following competencies: Communication, Critical Thinking, Cultural and Social Understanding, Information Literacy, Personal Development, Quantitative Reasoning, and Scientific Reasoning.
• Career -Technical Education: The career and technical education programs meet the increasing demand for technicians, professionals, and a skilled workforce.
• Transfer Education: The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs at four-year colleges and universities.
• Developmental Studies: Developmental courses are offered to correct deficiencies in basic areas, such as English, reading, and mathematics, and to prepare students who have not had the required course prerequisites for admission to specific programs.
• Dual Enrollment: Dual enrollment courses allow high-achieving students to meet the requirements for high school graduation while simultaneously earning college credit.
• Distance Education: Distance education courses and programs offer accessibility through a number of delivery modes, to include the internet, video, and off-campus locations.
• Student Services: The College provides programs, services, and resources that facilitate college access, enhance student success, develop career readiness, promote student leadership, and provide opportunities for student engagement.
• Workforce Development: Workforce development encompasses credit and non-credit training to meet workforce needs and promote economic development through programs, customized training, and on-going workshops.
• Community Services: College facilities and personnel support the cultural and educational needs of the region through cultural events, workshops, meetings, lectures, conferences, seminars, community projects, and service learning.

Vision Statement

Mountain Empire Community College’s vision is to be recognized by our community as the leader in preparing our region’s educated workforce. Mountain Empire Community College will pursue its vision by acquiring the following traits:

• Teaching will be characterized by the use of the best practices for knowledge and skills to be developed, including the involvement of businesses, the use of hands-on interactive mediums, and opportunities for real-life applications of knowledge and skills.
• Instructional delivery will employ non-traditional methods with emphasis on the use of technology. Faculty members will be facilitators of learning, mentors, and role models, exhibiting to students the importance of knowledge, competence, and a thirst for learning.
• The College will be the major provider of workforce training and a leader in community development, partnering with businesses, educational institutions, non-profits, and government to strengthen the competitiveness of the region for attracting and retaining jobs.
• The College will be an exemplary model of service and involvement to our students and the community, promoting economic development, appreciation of culture, and the quality of living in rural, southwest Virginia.

College Values

Mountain Empire Community College is committed to these values:

• Community and Cultural Preservation
• Creativity and Innovation
• Diversity, Inclusion and Equity
• Honesty, Integrity and Trust
• Leadership and Service
• Learning
• Student Success
• Teamwork and Communication