Mountain Empire Community College Jobs are a gateway to rewarding academic careers in the heart of Appalachia. Located in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, this esteemed community college offers professor positions Mountain Empire Community College, higher education jobs Mountain Empire Community College, and lecturer roles Mountain Empire Community College tailored for dedicated educators. With a focus on workforce development and transfer programs, faculty jobs Mountain Empire Community College emphasize hands-on teaching in high-demand fields like nursing, welding, and information technology. Academic careers at Mountain Empire Community College provide competitive salaries, professional growth, and community impact. Research jobs Mountain Empire Community College highlight applied projects addressing regional needs. Rate professors Mountain Empire Community College via Rate My Professor to gain insights from students. Salaries Mountain Empire Community College academia range from $48,000 for instructors to $95,000 for senior roles, influenced by experience and department. Explore Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Virginia, and local opportunities. Find your next role today and contribute to empowering Appalachian communities. Rate Professors at Mountain Empire Community College or search Higher Ed Jobs.
About Mountain Empire Community College
Mountain Empire Community College (MECC), founded in 1972, is a pillar of higher education in Southwest Virginia, serving the Appalachian region as part of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). Nestled in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, the main campus spans a scenic 90-acre site, with additional locations in Wise and Grundy, enabling broad access to education. MECC's mission centers on providing affordable, accessible associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training to over 3,000 students annually, fostering economic development in coal-dependent communities transitioning to new industries.
Key achievements include high graduation rates in applied programs, partnerships with four-year universities for seamless transfers, and national recognition for nursing and welding programs. The college excels in health sciences, industrial trades, business administration, information systems technology, and liberal arts. MECC drives academic jobs United States through initiatives like the Appalachian Center for Economic Development and grants for student success. Visit the Mountain Empire Community College Website for more. Faculty and staff contribute to a vibrant community, with opportunities listed on Higher Ed Jobs. Discover professor ratings and academic trends via Rate My Professor.
MECC's commitment to student-centered learning, small class sizes (average 18 students), and real-world skills prepares graduates for immediate employment or baccalaureate pursuits. Recent expansions include advanced simulation labs for nursing and cybersecurity training facilities, aligning with regional job growth in healthcare and technology. The college's diverse faculty brings expertise from across the U.S., enriching the educational experience in this culturally rich area known for its natural beauty and historical significance, including the Big Stone Gap National Historical Park nearby.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Mountain Empire Community College
Faculty job opportunities at Mountain Empire Community College abound in high-demand areas, reflecting trends in Virginia's community college system. With a focus on workforce development, MECC frequently recruits for professor positions Mountain Empire Community College in nursing, welding technology, information systems, and business administration. Recent job postings highlight full-time instructors and adjunct roles, driven by enrollment growth in healthcare (up 15% post-pandemic) and trades amid regional manufacturing resurgence. Higher education jobs Mountain Empire Community College offer stability through VCCS contracts, with lecturer roles Mountain Empire Community College ideal for adjuncts seeking flexible schedules. Research jobs Mountain Empire Community College, though limited compared to universities, include grant-funded positions in applied economics and environmental studies tied to Appalachia.
Salary ranges start at $48,000 for entry-level instructors, scaling to $75,000+ for experienced faculty in specialized departments like nursing. Explore Community College Jobs and Adjunct Professor Jobs filtered for Virginia. Key departments hiring: Health Sciences (RN, LPN programs), Industrial Technology (welding, machining), and Liberal Arts for transfer tracks. AcademicJobs.com lists current openings—Faculty Jobs provide the latest. Trends show demand for diverse candidates, with preferences for those with industry experience. Benefits include tuition waivers for dependents and retirement matching.
Nursing Instructor 💉
Lead clinical training in state-of-the-art labs. Salary: $55,000–$75,000. High demand due to regional healthcare needs.
Apply NowWelding Faculty 🔧
Teach advanced MIG/TIG techniques. Salary: $50,000–$70,000. Partnerships with local industry.
View OpeningsIT Specialist 📱
Cybersecurity and networking courses. Salary: $52,000–$72,000. Growing program enrollment.
Explore RolesBusiness Adjunct 💼
Flexible part-time in accounting/management. $2,500/course. Ideal entry to faculty jobs Mountain Empire Community College.
Learn MoreWhy Work at Mountain Empire Community College
Academic careers at Mountain Empire Community College stand out for their profound community impact and professional fulfillment. Nestled in the stunning Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, MECC offers faculty a supportive environment with small class sizes, enabling personalized mentoring that transforms lives in underserved areas. Unique benefits include VCCS comprehensive health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees—key draws for higher education jobs Mountain Empire Community College.
Career prospects shine through internal promotions, sabbaticals, and collaborations with regional employers like Ballad Health and steel fabricators. Faculty enjoy work-life balance with a 30-credit teaching load, ample committee involvement, and access to professional development via VCCS webinars and conferences. The college's emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion fosters a welcoming culture, while the low cost of living in Big Stone Gap (20% below national average) stretches salaries further. Research opportunities, though applied, include federal grants for workforce innovation, enhancing resumes for Research Jobs. Join a team shaping Appalachia's future—explore Higher Ed Career Advice.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Mountain Empire Community College 📊
Salaries Mountain Empire Community College academia are competitive for community colleges, benchmarked against VCCS schedules and influenced by experience, department, and credentials. Entry-level instructors earn $48,000–$55,000, while senior faculty exceed $85,000. Health sciences command premiums (10–15% higher) due to shortages, per 2024 VCCS reports and Glassdoor data. Factors like PhD/MS degrees add $5,000–$10,000 annually, and overload pay reaches $2,800/course. Location in low-cost Big Stone Gap boosts purchasing power. Compared to Virginia four-years, MECC offers similar starts but emphasizes teaching over research.
Trends show 3–5% annual increases, with 2025 projections factoring inflation. Visit Professor Salaries and University Salaries for benchmarks. Total compensation includes 401(a) matching up to 8.64% and wellness incentives.
| Position | Average Salary | Range (USD) | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor | $55,000 | $48,000–$65,000 | Entry-level, Master's req. |
| Assistant Professor | $65,000 | $55,000–$75,000 | 5+ years exp., health depts higher |
| Department Head | $80,000 | $70,000–$95,000 | Admin duties, PhD preferred |
| Adjunct (per course) | $2,500 | $2,000–$3,000 | Flexible, no benefits |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Mountain Empire Community College
Rate professors Mountain Empire Community College and discover top educators using Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. Student feedback highlights excellence in teaching clarity, accessibility, and real-world application, aiding course selection and career decisions. Ratings average 4.5+ across departments, with standout faculty in trades and sciences.
Dr. Sarah Thompson
Biology & Nursing
"Engaging labs, caring mentor." Courses: Anatomy, Microbiology.
Prof. Robert Lee
Welding Technology
"Industry pro, hands-on master." Courses: Advanced Welding, Fabrication.
Dr. Emily Carter
Business Admin
"Practical insights, fair grader." Courses: Accounting, Management.
Prof. Mike Davis
Information Technology
"Cybersecurity expert, responsive." Courses: Networking, Programming.
Dr. Lisa Patel
Liberal Arts
"Inspiring discussions, thorough." Courses: English, History.
Career Progression at Mountain Empire Community College
Career paths Mountain Empire Community College follow a structured ladder from adjunct to department leadership, emphasizing teaching excellence over tenure (rare in community colleges). Start as adjunct ($2,500/course), advance to full-time instructor within 2–3 years via performance reviews. Promotions to senior instructor/associate professor occur every 5 years, with salaries climbing 15–20%. Professional development includes VCCS leadership academies and funding for certifications.
University-specific factors: Regional focus rewards industry ties, e.g., welding faculty leading apprenticeships. Access Higher Ed Career Advice and Free Resume Template. Many transition to four-year roles or admin via MECC's network.
Research and Innovation at Mountain Empire Community College
Research trends at Mountain Empire Community College center on applied innovation for Appalachia, including NSF grants for manufacturing tech and health disparities studies. Key areas: renewable energy workforce training, economic development via the Small Business Center, and environmental monitoring in coal-impacted areas. Faculty collaborate with UVA-Wise and industry on projects funded at $500k+ annually. Opportunities abound in Research Jobs and Research Assistant Jobs.
Resources for Mountain Empire Community College Academics
- Professional development: VCCS online courses, conference stipends up to $1,500/year.
- Benefits: Health/dental, 401(a) retirement, 24 vacation days.
- Faculty association for advocacy, no union but collaborative governance.
- Relocation assistance for full-time hires; tuition waivers for family.
- Career tools: Free Cover Letter Template, Admin Jobs.
Student Life and Perspectives at Mountain Empire Community College
Student life at Mountain Empire Community College thrives with clubs like Phi Theta Kappa, outdoor adventures in the Appalachians, and career services boasting 90% placement rates in nursing/welding. Choose programs wisely using Rate My Professor for professor ratings Mountain Empire Community College. Resources include tutoring centers and transfer advising to Virginia Tech/UVA. Graduates praise the supportive vibe and practical prep for Academic Jobs in Virginia.
