Editor’s note: This column was originally published by McDowell Technical Community College last May. EdNC is republishing the column now ahead of Valentine’s Day.
The McDowell Tech commencement ceremonies are more than formal traditions — they’re powerful celebrations of dreams realized. As I handed Emilee Brooks her diploma last 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.
Now, McDowell Tech might not be where everyone finds their soulmate, but we do believe it’s a place where everyone can find where they belong.
Our greatest hope is that every student who walks through our doors discovers their purpose and finds a path to fulfill it. As our motto declares: Learn. Grow. Dream.
The college’s dream grounded in people and purpose
The college’s dream is spoken in its vision. For some colleges, the vision statement is printed on a wall or in a document and quickly forgotten. But at McDowell Tech, our vision is alive and active:
We learn and grow while focusing on individuals, our community, and our institution.
— McDowell Tech’s vision statement
This people-centered vision reflects our servant leadership philosophy — one that prioritizes individuals and community before ourselves. It also supports our five guiding values: caring, supportive, reliable, available, and sincere.
I’m honored to work on a campus where these values are not just words but are demonstrated daily. It’s not uncommon to see a faculty or staff member stop what they’re doing to help a student in need. Their service and dedication are part of the reason we now host three commencement ceremonies, recognizing 325 associate degree, diploma, and certificate graduates and over 100 students who completed workforce credentials.
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Purposeful dreaming through strategic plans
While McDowell Tech’s teams naturally care for individuals, we also understand the importance of intentional planning to extend our impact.
Our current strategic plan, Vision 2025, is nearing completion. As we finalize outcomes and reflect on our progress, we’re beginning the work of developing the next strategic plan to guide the college from 2026 to 2030.
A new building and a concrete dream
A shining example of how McDowell Tech’s vision, values, and strategic priorities come together is the planned Health Sciences & Public Safety Building. Since 2023, our community has made it clear: We need a stronger workforce of health care and public safety professionals — nurses, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and firefighters. Our students are eager to meet that need but our facilities have reached capacity.
Thanks to the steadfast support of our state Legislators, the North Carolina General Assembly awarded $25 million to fund the construction of this new facility.
We’re also grateful to the McDowell County Commissioners, who endorsed this effort without hesitation — not only because of our long-standing partnership, but because they understand the urgent needs across our communities. While the county is not funding the construction of this new building, McDowell County continues to support facility maintenance and grounds as required by general statute — an investment in our dreams.
We are currently in the design phase, and we anticipate breaking ground in 2027. It is thrilling to see this long-held dream take shape, and even more exciting to imagine the generations of future students who will fulfill their dreams and improve their lives as a result of this opportunity.
Join the journey
At McDowell Tech, we don’t just celebrate dreams — we help shape them. Whether you’re a student, parent, business partner, or proud neighbor, we invite you to join us in helping others discover McDowell Tech, a place where they belong and can learn, grow, and dream.
Visit our foundation’s website to learn more about how you can support our students.
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