MTCC header students
Share:
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

MTCC Staff Receive State Association Honors

Two MTCC staff members, Tabitha Buff and Jorge Valentino, were honored last week by the North Carolina Community College Adult Educator’s Association during their annual conference held in Durham, NC.

Buff was honored by being chosen to serve a term on the Association’s Board of Directors, while Valentino was received honorable mention in the Association’s annual Innovation Award competition.

MTCC Staff Receive State Association Honors

“We are extremely proud of Tabitha and Jorge and the incredible work that they do here and throughout the state,” said Dr. Brian S. Merritt, MTCC President. “They are talented, hardworking, student-focused employees who are constantly working to make McDowell Tech better every day.”

Buff works as an Administrative Assistant in the college’s Department of Continuing Education. She has a variety of tasks for which she is responsible, including auditing of files sent to state compliance auditors, registering Continuing Education students for class, maintaining the Continuing Education website, and arranging for new Continuing Education classes.  She will hold a Member-At-Large position on the NCCCAEA Board from 2021 to 2023.

Valentino is the college’s Graphic Designer and Publications Specialist. He won the Innovation Award for his “Big Footprint” project, undertaking a complete redesign of college publications, billboards, signage, banners, light pole banners and, more importantly, an exterior “upfit” of the college’s aging, grey buildings. Mr. Valentino orchestrated a painting and design project to spruce up the walls of those buildings to improve the college’s overall image and appeal to students, staff and visitors. Mr. Valentino even came in on weekends to complete the painting himself.

“Staff members like Tabitha and Jorge prove every day that our people are leaders, movers and shakers, and these honors validate that fact,” said Merritt.

Duke Energy HVAC Grant 2025

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

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.

Read More »
JW Kelley with the happy couple after the graduation proposal 2025

Dreams Come True at McDowell Tech

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.

Read More »