Mayland Community College

08/21/2026

Think You Missed Your Chance to Start College This Fall? Think Again.

The semester may be underway, but that doesn't necessarily mean you've missed your opportunity to start.

Whether August got away from you, your plans changed, or the class you need simply starts later, Mayland Community College may still have options for you this fall.

Before you decide to wait until January, see what's available.

Your start date may be different. Your goal doesn't have to be.

👉 Explore your options and connect with Mayland: www.mayland.edu
https://www.mayland.edu/academics/

Know someone who still wants to start college this fall? Share this with them.

08/20/2026

FROM MAYLAND TO THE NATIONAL STAGE.

Three Mayland Community College students recently represented North Carolina at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta after qualifying through the state Engineering Technology–Design competition.

Kristen McMahan, Jace Blanton, and Clayton Geouge competed alongside the nation's top engineering technology students, showcasing the talent, innovation, and teamwork developed through Mayland's Applied Engineering program.

Experiences like this are what set Mayland apart. Students gain hands-on experience, solve real engineering challenges, and graduate prepared for high-demand careers.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students and Applied Engineering Program Coordinator and Instructor Lyndell Duvall for representing Mayland Community College with excellence.

Interested in engineering? Discover what you can build at Mayland.
https://www.mayland.edu/degrees-programs/applied-engineering/

08/20/2026

📣 Have a business idea? Growing a business? Facing a challenge and not sure what your next step should be? Mayland is here to help.

Mayland Community College is excited to welcome Elizabeth Pratt as our new Director of the Small Business Center, serving entrepreneurs and small-business owners throughout Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties.

Whether you're exploring your first business idea or have been in business for years, the Small Business Center offers FREE, confidential one-on-one business counseling tailored to what you need — from business planning, marketing and finances to staffing, operations, growth strategies and problem-solving.

And this resource isn't just for startups. Established business owners are encouraged to take advantage of it, too.

“Success looks different for every business owner, so the support we provide should too. I want to get to know the people we serve, understand their goals and challenges, and make sure they have practical guidance and resources that can make a meaningful difference in their business.” — Elizabeth Ashley

One of Elizabeth's first priorities is listening to our local business community. What workshops, programs or business topics would be most helpful to you? Tell us in the comments — we want to hear from you.

Know a business owner or someone with a great business idea?

Tag them or share this post with them. Help us spread the word that this valuable resource is available right here in our community.

📞 828.766.1295
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.mayland.edu/small-business-center

Ready to talk about your business? Reach out to Elizabeth and schedule a free, confidential one-on-one session.



Yancey County Chamber of Commerce
Mitchell County Chamber/EDC
Avery County Board of Commissioners Chamber

08/19/2026

A great evening in Avery County! 💙

Mayland Community College was proud to sponsor Avery After Hours, hosted by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce, and spend the evening with so many of the business and community leaders who help make Avery County such a special place.

Mayland President Dr. Aron Gabriel spoke during the event, sharing Mayland’s commitment to the communities we serve and the importance of strong partnerships throughout Avery County.

From supporting students and families to working alongside local businesses and community partners, Avery County is an important part of the Mayland community. With our Avery Learning Center in Newland, Mayland is proud to have a local presence and provide educational and workforce opportunities right here in the county.

Thank you to the Avery County Chamber of Commerce for bringing everyone together and to everyone who stopped by the Mayland booth to connect with us.

We’re proud to serve Avery County—and proud to be part of this community. 💙

08/19/2026

Welcome Back, Avery County Schools!

Mayland Community College is excited to welcome the students, teachers, staff, and families of Avery County Schools back for another exciting school year.

Our partnership is an important part of preparing students for the future—providing opportunities to explore careers, continue their education, earn college credit, and discover the many possibilities ahead of them.

We are proud to serve alongside Avery County Schools and look forward to another year of working together for our students and our community.

Have a fantastic year, Avery County Schools!

Dr. Gabriel
President, Mayland Community College

Avery County High School
Avery County Middle School
Banner Elk Elementary
Cranberry Middle School
Crossnore Elementary
Freedom Trail Elementary School
Newland Elementary
Riverside Elementary

08/18/2026

Welcome Back, Mitchell County Schools!

As a proud community partner, Mayland Community College is excited to welcome back the students, teachers, staff, and families of Mitchell County Schools for another great school year.

We are grateful for our partnership and for the many opportunities we have to work together to help students prepare for their futures—whether that journey leads directly into the workforce, to Mayland, or beyond.

Here’s to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and opportunity. Have a great year, Mitchell County Schools!

Dr. Gabriel
President, Mayland Community College

Mitchell County Schools
Greenlee Primary
Gouge Primary Elementary
Mitchell Road Elementary
Mitchell High School
Mitchell Middle

08/17/2026

🎉 Please join us in congratulating Chris Helms on his promotion to Associate Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development at Mayland Community College!

For 26 years, Chris has dedicated his career to Mayland and the people and communities we serve. He began as an instructor in 2000 and has since served in several leadership roles, building trusted relationships with local businesses, public schools, public safety and correctional programs, and community partners throughout our region.

Those relationships—and a commitment to connecting education with real opportunities—will be at the heart of his new role.
Chris will focus on strengthening partnerships with business and industry, aligning education and training with local workforce needs, expanding flexible pathways to short-term credentials, and growing opportunities in areas such as construction trades.

“As a leader, I want to make education available to everyone. Our goal is twofold: to offer the classes our communities need and to show students what they are capable of.” — Chris Helms

Dr. Keegan Anderson, Vice President of Instruction and Chief Academic Officer, described Chris as a servant leader who leads with “kindness, integrity, and a genuine commitment to others,” adding that his leadership will help Mayland continue meeting local workforce needs while supporting meaningful economic growth across the communities we serve.

Chris says one of his proudest accomplishments during his career at Mayland has been the relationships he has built. Now, he will carry that same community-first approach into this new chapter of leadership.

👏 Congratulations, Chris, on this well-deserved promotion and 26 years of service to Mayland and our community!

Help us celebrate Chris by leaving him a congratulations in the comments! 💙

08/17/2026

We can't wait to see you!

08/17/2026

Welcome Back, Yancey County Schools!

Mayland Community College is proud to partner with Yancey County Schools and is excited to welcome students, educators, staff, and families back for another school year.

Together, we are creating opportunities for students to explore their interests, earn college credit, develop career skills, and begin building a foundation for whatever comes next.

We look forward to another great year of partnership and progress. Have a wonderful school year, Yancey County Schools!

Dr. Gabriel
President, Mayland Community College

Mountain Heritage High School
Cane River Middle School
East Yancey Middle
Burnsville Elementary School
South Toe Elementary
Yancey County Board of Education
Blueridge Elementary

08/17/2026