When I graduated from Avery High School in 1990 I knew without a doubt I wanted to attend college. I also knew it would be difficult since I was a young mother and worked a full-time job. No other family member had been to college so I really didn’t have a road map to follow. I started at Mayland Community College as a starry-eyed and hopeful nursing student and soon realized I preferred office work to needles and bedpans. After four years of being a part-time “career” student I graduated in 1997 with my Associate degree in Administrative Office Technology. During those four years I received a lot of support and encouragement from the faculty and staff at Mayland. Many of those supporters like Nancy Godwin and advisor, Rhia Crawford, are still encouraging first-generation college students, and all students they meet, to do their very best.

I was able to earn my Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Human Services because of an opportunity offered by Mayland through a distance education partnership with Gardner-Webb University. Now, thanks again to an educational opportunity offered through a partnership between Mayland and Western Carolina University, I am enrolled in the Master’s in Education program and plan to graduate this December.

As a student, work-study, and for seven years now an employee of Mayland, I have seen first-hand what encouragement and support of community colleges can do for individuals, families, and the community as a whole. It just seems natural to me to be part of helping other students receive the same opportunities and support I had. 

As part of my work with the Mayland Foundation I have had the honor of planning and developing our new Alumni Association. The association pursues its mission by promoting public interest in the college, creating support among graduates and former students, recognizing outstanding alumni accomplishments, and providing financial assistance to current students through scholarships.

You might ask, What can the Alumni Association do for me?  If you are a graduate of Mayland you are eligible for free lifetime membership in our new alumni association. As a member you will enjoy local business discounts, have the opportunity to connect with former classmates through our online forum, network with other alumni, keep up-to-date on Mayland events and news, share member accomplishments/profiles, and take advantage of career counseling, job search assistance, and transfer services.

We want our graduates to know we are here to support them even after they walk across the stage with their diploma.  

To complete our online membership application or for more information about the Mayland Community College Alumni Association call extension 312, (828) 765-7351 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND.

- Linda Herbst