MTCC Honors List Recipients, Spring 2025

McDowell Tech, Learning for Life

Congratulations to the following students who made the Dean’s, President’s and Honors Lists at McDowell Technical Community College during the fall semester, 2024:

McDowell Tech Awarded $25,000 Duke Energy Foundation Grant for HVAC Students

Duke Energy HVAC Grant 2025

McDowell Technical Community College is among 19 North Carolina community colleges recently selected to receive funding from the Duke Energy Foundation as part of a $500,000 statewide workforce development initiative. The college was awarded $25,000 to support its innovative HVAC training program focused on A2L refrigerant technology—an environmentally friendly alternative that represents the future of the heating and cooling industry.

Dreams Come True at McDowell Tech

JW Kelley with the happy couple after the graduation proposal 2025

The McDowell Tech commencement ceremonies are more than formal traditions—they’re powerful celebrations of dreams realized. As I handed Emilee Brooks her diploma this spring, a young man rushed the stage, knelt down, and proposed marriage. In that moment, two dreams came true—one academic, one personal—and the crowd erupted in celebration.

“Celebrate Good Times – Come On!”

graduates posing with their families in 2024

We all love a good celebration. Whether it’s a song on the radio, a scene from a favorite movie, or a real-life moment of achievement, we’re wired to cheer for people when they accomplish something meaningful, overcome adversity, or give selflessly in service to others. You probably already have someone in mind who’s worthy of such a celebration.

McDowell Tech to Launch New Student Success Program through NC Community College’s Boost Initiative

2024 graduates

McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) is proud to announce its selection as one of 14 North Carolina community colleges participating in the NC Community Colleges Boost program—an innovative initiative aimed at accelerating student success and fueling workforce development across the state.

MTCC Ready to Assist Old Fort Businesses With Hurricane Helene Rebuilding Together Grants

Old Fort under reconstruction after the2024 Hurricane Helene

Small businesses in the heart of downtown Old Fort now have a critical opportunity to receive financial support as they continue to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. The Old Fort Rebuilding Together Grant is officially open for applications, offering up to $25,000 in direct funding to eligible businesses that suffered physical damage during the storm.

McDowell Tech Opens Nominations for 2025 Alumni Awards to Honor Outstanding Graduates

When disaster strikes, Americans rally to support those in need. The response to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina is a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. McDowell Technical Community College is proud to be part of this effort, ensuring that students receive the support they need to continue their education and rebuild their lives.

Disaster Recovery Funding Provides Life-Changing Support for Students

Student designed logo with the outline of NC, stylized hearts, and the words Tech Tough

When disaster strikes, Americans rally to support those in need. The response to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina is a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. McDowell Technical Community College is proud to be part of this effort, ensuring that students receive the support they need to continue their education and rebuild their lives.

47th Annual Fire, Rescue and EMS College Continues To Deliver Critical Training Despite Challenges

fire college 2025

As communities across Western North Carolina continue to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) and its local agency partners are once again answering the call to provide high-quality, life-saving training at the 47th Annual McDowell Fire, Rescue, and EMS College. This year’s Fire School, which began earlier this week and will run through Sunday afternoon, will bring hundreds of emergency responders from across the region to Marion for a week of specialized, hands-on training.

McDowell Tech Photography Students Showcase Work at MACA, Now Including Documentary Films

images from the 2025 photography show

McDowell Technical Community College announced today that the college’s photographic technology program will once again host its annual student gallery exhibit at McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA). This year’s exhibit, which runs from March 13th through the end of March, offers visitors a chance to experience a diverse range of photographic work from emerging student photographers — and for the first time ever, documentary films will also be featured.