McDowell Technical Community College announced today that Elmer Macopson, Jr., Director of Technology and Information Systems, was recently named Staff Member of the Year for 2025 in recognition of his outstanding service, diverse talents, and nearly three decades of commitment to the college and its mission.
Macopson joined McDowell Tech in 1997 after beginning his career with McDowell County Schools. He holds a degree in Electronics with a minor in Computer Science from Appalachian State University, a foundation that has served him well as he leads the college’s increasingly complex technology and information systems infrastructure development. For 28 years, he has guided McDowell Tech through waves of technological change, serving as the backbone of its digital transformation.
Beyond his professional role, Macopson’s life is a portrait of curiosity and adventure. He is a true renaissance man. A licensed extra-class ham radio operator, he has also run a technology consulting business and worked part-time as an EMT after taking classes in Emergency Medical Science. He enjoys building and repairing things just for the joy of creating, and listens to multiple audiobooks each month on technology, history and leadership just to keep his mind sharp. His love of motorcycles has taken him on cross-country journeys, and his commitment to embracing new challenges has led him to take up hang gliding and be a contestant in McDowell Dancing with the Stars. He keeps his body active through regular exercise.
However, family remains at the heart of Macopson’s life. He and his wife, Patty, an orthopedic Family Nurse Practitioner, are proud parents of daughters Reagan and Alyssa. He often says that supporting his wife and giving his daughters the freedom and space to become leaders is his greatest joy. His own parents, Elmer Sr. and Dr. Janice Macopson, instilled a strong sense of service, adaptability and resilience in him, and he continues that tradition by encouraging and supporting his daughters on their journeys.
Macopson has served the local community on the boards of West Marion, Inc., the SECU Credit Union Board of Directors, and the YMCA of McDowell County, and continues to lend his leadership at McDowell Tech on the President’s Council, Technology Committee, and Safety Committee. Until recently, he also served on the college’s Behavioral Intervention Team.
Even after such a long period of service at the college, Macopson still finds his work challenging, purposeful and meaningful. “Every day is different and that’s what keeps the job interesting. Technology changes so fast, as do people’s needs. I’ve been blessed to grow with McDowell Tech,” he said.
“Elmer represents the very best of McDowell Tech,” said Dr. J.W. Kelley, President of McDowell Technical Community College. “His knowledge and skill in technology have long guided this institution, but it is his depth as a person — a husband, father, community leader, and lifelong learner — that makes him such an inspiring example for our students and colleagues. His service and adventurous spirit inspire us all.
“In both his professional expertise and personal example, Elmer reflects the values of McDowell Tech, helping students feel they are truly Right Where They Belong.”
To learn more about McDowell Tech and see why McDowell Tech is Right Where You Belong, visit www.mcdowelltech.edu .
