A message from President J.W. Kelley
Kathy and I were watching an old movie recently when the hero described his friends as “my people.” In that moment, I was reminded how powerful it is to find individuals who share your interests, values, and dreams. Our son once said he found “my people” through high school and college band. It’s a simple phrase, but it speaks to something deep within all of us—the need to belong.
Many of us remember Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which includes belonging as a foundational part of a person’s well-being. At McDowell Tech, we understand how critical it is for students to feel connected—to find “their people” and to know they are right where they belong.
Creating a culture of belonging is not just good practice—it’s essential for student success. Research in higher education confirms what we see every day: students thrive when they experience strong advisor-student relationships, structured support services, and proactive, caring faculty. That’s why we’re intentional about building a place where students feel seen, supported, and included.
Our institutional values—caring, supportive, reliable, available, and sincere—aren’t just words on a wall. They show up in the way faculty and staff walk alongside students every day. In a recent student focus group, one student recalled a professor who said, “We’ll get through this class together.” With that kind of encouragement—and extra time spent tutoring—students don’t just survive difficult classes, they succeed.
This spirit of support was on full display recently when staff from GROW NC, an initiative from the Governor’s Office, visited our campus. Thanks to state-funded emergency tuition grants and scholarships, students like Carli Cook, Jennifer Messer, and Andrew Turnbull have been able to stay on track toward their goals. Their stories are a testament to how McDowell Tech takes care of “our people.” (Read more here: https://www.wncrecovery.nc.gov/blog/2025/06/17/grow-nc-visits-mcdowell-tech-highlight-state-funded-emergency-tuition-grants-and-scholarships)
This commitment to community reminds me of another beloved classic: The Andy Griffith Show. Week after week, the show depicted life in Mayberry—a place where neighbors looked out for one another and folks found strength in their relationships. It wouldn’t surprise me if someone in Mayberry once described their community as “my people.”
That’s what we strive to be at McDowell Tech—a place where students find their people. A place where they are right where they belong.
So if you—or someone you care about—is considering completing a course or credential, we invite you to visit:
👉 www.mcdowelltech.edu/mtcc-degree-programs-2025
You just might find you’re right where you belong, too.
