Mountain Empire Community College

Mountain Empire Community College is situated in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, a rural community in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia. Established in 1972 as part of the Virginia Community College System, the college serves students across a five-county region from its 95-acre campus nestled in the Jefferson National Forest. The college offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce development programs, with particular emphasis on health sciences, industrial technologies, and business programs that align with regional employment needs. Its location provides students access to outdoor recreational opportunities through nearby natural attractions including the Powell Valley and High Knob Recreation Area, while the campus features modern classroom facilities and technical training centers designed to support hands-on learning programs.