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From the mountains to the coast, this love story started at Haywood Community College

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Nick Shaver holds the Bible as Melanie Shaver is sworn in as superintendent. Courtesy of Hyde County Schools

We all have our favorite love stories. For Valentine’s Day, each year, EdNC lifts up a love story that includes our 58 community colleges.

Last year, when I published our story, I heard back from Superintendent Melanie Shaver in Hyde County.

“My own love story started at Haywood Community College, where I met my husband, Nick,” said Shaver.

Melanie met Nick when she was in high school. She and her mom were visiting the community college, and they stopped by what would be Melanie’s first apartment. Nick let her measure his nearby so she could plan what to bring from home.

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When she left, Nick told everyone he would marry Melanie.

Melanie went back to Hiwassee Dam High School in Cherokee County, where she told everyone that she thought college students dressed “weird,” noting Nick’s sweatshirt and overalls.

When Melanie returned to Haywood Community College for her first year, she moved in two doors down from Nick.

In 2002, Nick and Melanie both received associate’s degrees in applied science in fish and wildlife management technology. On June 15 that year, they married.

Over the years, Nick has worked with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, while Melanie went on to get her Ed.D.

When I first met Melanie, she was the principal at Foothills Community School in McDowell County. Nick and Melanie’s daughter — Maggie Shaver, who attended the school — showed me around. Maggie told me she had wanted to me a neonatologist since she was two, and she said her family has helped her pursue her workforce dream.

Melanie’s tenure as superintendent in Hyde County started July 1, 2022. Twenty-five years after she met Nick, Melanie said, “here we are all in Hyde County.”

Maggie is in 11th grade now, still holding firm on her career choice.

Courtesy of Melanie Shaver

When Maggie graduates from high school next year, she will also graduate with an associate in applied science degree from Beaufort County Community College. Dual enrollment has saved Maggie some money as she pursues her neonatology dream, says her mom, but the community college has also provided her “great opportunities to explore, learn, and grow.”

Melanie says family, being on the water, and “a little bit of adventure” binds them all together.

Courtesy of Melanie Shaver

In an anniversary note to Nick last year, Melanie said, “22 years ago, we embarked on this adventurous life together, traversing the state, accumulating blessings (including Maggie), and a life full of gratitude, laughter, friends, and great food.”

“Community Colleges are near and dear to my heart,” Melanie says. “I am forever thankful for my experience.”

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Email me at mrash at ednc.org with your community college love story.