MTCC President Dr. J.W. Kelley announced today that McDowell Technical Community College will resume classes on Wednesday, October 9th, following a nearly two-week closure due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on MTCC students, faculty, staff and their families.
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, October 9th, 10th, and 11th, students, faculty and staff will report on a two-hour delay, with classes and work beginning at 10:00 am. Students should check their student email for additional instructions on the return to classes.
McDowell High School students who are enrolled in morning classes in the Career and College Promise (CCP) Program at McDowell Tech should report to their Titan Pride Homeroom at the high school on Wednesday morning instead of coming to the college first. CCP students will not be counted absent in college classes that morning.
On Monday, October 14th, students, faculty and staff will report at normal times, with no delay.
The exception to this schedule is for students in the college’s EMT, Paramedic and Basic Law Enforcement programs, who should wait to hear from their instructors regarding class schedules. Students and instructors in these programs have been assisting in disaster response and recovery throughout the county over the last two weeks and will continue to do so for the immediate future.
In his announcement, Dr. Kelley took the time to remind students what he and others told faculty and staff during an all-staff meeting last week—It is important to take care of yourself and your families before anything else.
“Self-care is very important during times of crisis like so many of you have experienced,” said Kelley. “While returning to a normal schedule can be very helpful in bringing a sense of normalcy back to your lives, we know that some of you have experienced unimaginable loss and may still be without power, running water, a place to live or other basic necessities. Know that we are here to help connect you and your family with valuable resources to get you through these difficult times.”
The college has created a new webpage (www.mcdowelltech.edu/student-care) that will go live on Tuesday afternoon, highlighting a number of those resources, including counseling services and others. The McDowell County Volunteer Center is also hosting www.mcdowellcares.org , which provides resources for assistance for those in need, as well as opportunities for others to volunteer or donate as they are able.
“After witnessing incredible strength and resilience these past two weeks,” said Kelley, “I am prouder than ever of our mountain heritage. I have no doubt that the toughness we embody—both as individuals and as a community—will carry us toward a bright future. Let’s spread this hope by sharing the positive and heroic stories we’ve seen. Use #TechTough to celebrate our spirit.”
