Myra Lewis, Director of Advising in Student Services, is a dedicated and impactful professional with approximately 15 years of service at Mitchell Community College. She is widely recognized for her unwavering commitment to students, consistently going above and beyond to ensure their needs are met—even when managing a full schedule and heavy caseload. Her approach is rooted in genuine care, making every student feel valued, heard, and supported. This is reflected in the strong relationships she builds, as students frequently return to her for continued guidance.
Beyond her work with students, Myra serves as an exceptional mentor to her colleagues. She is always willing to offer support, answer questions, and share her expertise, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Her presence alone contributes significantly to the campus climate, promoting unity, respect, and a sense of community among both students and employees.
Myra’s leadership extends into her active participation on various committees, where she advocates for the needs and perspectives of both students and staff. Her contributions help strengthen the institution and enhance its reputation within the surrounding community. She demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, ensuring that all individuals—students, prospective students, and employees—are treated with fairness and respect.
Throughout her tenure, Myra has positively influenced countless lives. She is known as a trusted listener, a voice of reason, and a dependable source of support. Her integrity and willingness to stand up for what is right make her a powerful role model. Myra Lewis embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and compassion, making her a truly deserving figure to be recognized, especially during Women’s History Month.
Letha Foust serves as an Assessment Assistant in the College and Career Readiness–Continuing Education department, where she plays a vital role in supporting student success through collaboration, mentorship, and dedicated service. While her title reflects responsibilities in assessment and intake, her impact extends far beyond logistics. Letha is widely recognized as a dependable and supportive team member who consistently contributes to a positive and inclusive departmental environment.
Letha exemplifies the spirit of Women’s History Month through her professionalism, innovative leadership, and deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is a strong advocate for all students, particularly those from marginalized or vulnerable populations, and works intentionally to ensure that everyone has equitable access to opportunities. Her leadership reflects a sustained effort to break down systemic barriers, creating pathways for success for individuals who might otherwise be overlooked.
One of Letha’s most impactful contributions has been her initiative to expand assessment accessibility by offering early-morning and late-evening testing options. This forward-thinking approach has empowered many students—especially those balancing work, family, or other obligations—to complete their courses and continue their educational journeys. Her guiding question, “Who is this policy leaving out?” reflects her proactive mindset and dedication to continuous improvement.
In addition to her work with students, Letha serves as a quiet but powerful leader within her department. She provides mentorship, fosters collaboration, and supports colleagues in meaningful ways. Her influence enriches not only the college community but also the broader population it serves.
Letha Faoust’s commitment to equity, empowerment, and student success makes her an exceptional role model. Her work embodies the values of service, leadership, and inclusion, making her a deserving candidate for recognition and a true reflection of the impact celebrated during Women’s History Month.
Julie Annette Gibson has served as a Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Instructor and Adjunct Professor for Criminal Justice Technologies since September 30, 2002, bringing decades of real-world experience and leadership to her role in Public Safety and Criminal Justice. With over 30 years in law enforcement, Julie is widely respected for her ability to connect classroom instruction with authentic investigative experiences, making her a favorite among cadets and students alike. Her teaching style is dynamic and engaging, grounded in practical knowledge gained from years of service, particularly in the Special Victims Unit where she served as a supervisor.
Julie’s law enforcement career began in August 1990, and through hard work, dedication, and proven expertise, she advanced through multiple assignments. Her exceptional skills as a detective highlighted her commitment to justice and her ability to handle complex cases with professionalism and care. In December 2006, she broke barriers by becoming the first female Captain at the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office—not because of her gender, but because she was the most qualified and capable leader for the role. Her achievement stands as a powerful example of success in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
During her tenure, Julie also founded and led the Special Victims Unit, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. After retiring in 2019, she brought that same passion and dedication to Mitchell Community College, where she continues to inspire the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
Julie’s impact extends beyond instruction; she serves as a role model and mentor. Her recent BLET graduation speech was especially inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on her students. Julie Gibson embodies leadership, excellence, and perseverance, making her a truly influential figure in both law enforcement and education.
Molly Tulbert serves as a Student Support Specialist and Accessibility Generalist in the Accessibility Accommodations Department and has dedicated four and a half years to supporting student success. She is widely recognized by colleagues as a compassionate and effective leader who goes above and beyond to ensure that students receive the resources and accommodations they need to thrive academically. As a supervisor and mentor, Molly has played a key role in guiding coworkers, sharing her knowledge, and helping others develop the skills necessary to succeed in their roles.
Molly’s impact on students is both meaningful and far-reaching. She works diligently to create a supportive and inclusive environment, ensuring students have access to quiet, safe testing spaces and individualized accommodations. In addition, she collaborates closely with departmental leadership to coordinate meetings and maintain continuity in services. Her commitment extends beyond academics, as she also helps connect students to essential resources such as the campus pantry, easing financial stress so they can remain focused on their education.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Molly is deeply engaged in both campus and community life. She actively supports student enrollment efforts, participates in registration events, and encourages all prospective students to pursue higher education.
Her ability to connect with students and reassure them that their challenges will not hinder their success makes her an invaluable advocate.
As a working mother, Molly demonstrates resilience, dedication, and balance, serving as a powerful role model for both colleagues and students. She embodies perseverance and empowerment, inspiring others to strive for excellence. Despite her modest nature, her contributions are significant and deserving of recognition. Molly Tulbert’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to equity make her a standout professional and a deserving honoree, particularly during Women’s History Month.
Linda Wiersch, Dean of Health Sciences and Wellness, has dedicated 31 years to Mitchell Community College, demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to student and faculty success. She has cultivated a collaborative, supportive, and student-centered culture within her division, empowering faculty through clear direction, accountability, and encouragement. Linda balances high expectations with genuine care, creating an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow professionally and personally. Her approachable and present leadership style fosters resilience, trust, and innovation across her team.
Her impact extends far beyond her division, influencing the entire college and surrounding community. Linda has established and sustained strong partnerships with local healthcare providers, expanding clinical learning opportunities and creating employment pathways for students. These efforts have strengthened the college’s role as a trusted community partner while addressing critical regional workforce needs in healthcare. Under her leadership, Mitchell’s nursing and mental health programs have earned a strong reputation for excellence, producing highly skilled, compassionate professionals who serve as nurses, counselors, and healthcare providers throughout the region.
Linda is deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and empowerment. She intentionally creates opportunities for faculty and students to succeed, mentoring emerging leaders and advocating for women in leadership roles. Notably, her faculty is composed entirely of women, and she actively fosters a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive. Through her empathetic and inclusive leadership, Linda ensures that diverse perspectives are valued and that all individuals feel a strong sense of belonging.
Linda Wiersch exemplifies the spirit of Women’s History Month through her dedication to excellence, equity, and service. Her legacy is one of empowerment and lasting impact—uplifting individuals, strengthening academic programs, and enhancing the broader community through education, innovation, and compassionate leadership.
Hannah Scott, a faculty member in Communication and Sociology, has dedicated six years to Mitchell Community College, making a significant impact on student success, campus culture, and community engagement. She is known for her intentional, student-centered teaching approach, creating an environment where students feel supported, valued, and challenged to grow. By connecting course concepts to real-world experiences, Hannah encourages students to engage deeply with the material and with one another, fostering meaningful and lasting connections. Her classroom is a space where questions are welcomed, diverse perspectives are respected, and students gain confidence in their ability to understand and apply what they learn.
Hannah’s influence extends beyond the classroom through her mentorship and commitment to student development. She actively connects students to volunteer opportunities, internships, and career pathways, helping them build skills and networks that support their long-term success. Her genuine care for students is evident in her consistent outreach and support, ensuring they feel seen not just as learners, but as individuals navigating complex life circumstances.
Her impact also reaches the broader Statesville community through extensive volunteerism and leadership. Hannah serves with multiple organizations, including the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Statesville Development Corporation, and the Drug and Alcohol Coalition of Iredell, among others. Through these roles, she strengthens partnerships between the college and the community, increasing access to resources, opportunities, and support services. She acts as a bridge, fostering trust and collaboration while representing the college’s mission.
Hannah embodies equity, inclusion, and empowerment in all aspects of her work. She advocates for diverse voices, mentors women, and promotes inclusive practices in both academic and community settings. Her leadership, grounded in empathy and service, creates lasting impact, making her a deserving honoree during Women’s History Month.
1852: Mitchell Community College was chartered as a Presbyterian college for women, called the Concord Presbyterian Female College. In the early years the college placed heavy emphasis on music and fine arts. This focus continued as the College evolved into Mitchell College in 1917, and into its next evolution as a junior women’s college in 1924.
1932: Many of Iredell’s young men found their dreams of a college education slipping away in the Great Depression, and Mitchell College responded by welcoming those men to campus. It was an economic decision in the midst of the Depression and was considered temporary, however the inclusion of men became permanent.
1966: The College became racially integrated. The 1966 yearbook shows Ruby Hackett Johnston recorded as a Freshman. Though she is the sole person of color photographed in that yearbook, she may not have been the only one.
1967: The yearbook for 1967-1968 shows one African American female, Bertha Faye Wellman, as the first black graduate of Mitchell Community College.
January 13, 1993: The position of Director of Minority Affairs was created, and the first College celebration of MLK Day took place.
1994: The Diversity Task Force was created and spearheaded by Dr. Eason in 1994 after school-wide diversity training was required in 1993. The Diversity Task Force, comprised of employee volunteers, coordinated readings, film screenings, and discussions, marked the achievements of African Americans, Native Americans, the LGBTQ community, women and others.
March 1995: Mitchell Community College hosted a statewide conference entitled “Diversity Is Good Business.”
June 1996: The Viola Kimbrough Parker Diversity Award, named for a long-time College employee and tireless champion of diversity efforts, was established.
2013: Dr. Tim Brewer, President, shifted the programmatic direction of the Diversity Task Force and refocused the work on assessing Mitchell’s own climate, and identifying the range of our own populations. To replace the Diversity Task Force, the administration charged a new Diversity Enrichment Committee (DEC). Comprised of collected information from faculty, staff, and students, DEC was established to report findings and research how other college campuses address and develop diversity and inclusion.
2014: To increase awareness of ways Mitchell can address Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Brewer invited outside experts in diversity and inclusion to collaborate with the DEC, the President’s Council, Deans, Directors, and all full-time faculty and staff. These professionals continue to work with the College to seek out and act upon opportunities for improvement.
2017: 19 faculty and staff members were trained to lead the Diversity and Cultural Competency initiative, as outlined in the strategic plan of Mitchell Community College. The DEC was superseded by the Equity and Inclusion Council (EIC), which is composed of several subcommittees (Executive Committee, Events and Planning Committee, a Resource and Communication Committee, and Curriculum Infusion Committee).
2019: The work of the Equity and Inclusion Council continued through the work of its sub-committees as well as Mitchell’s administration, faculty and staff. Student engagement and dialogue involving the SGA, the SAFE Club, M2M, and the Student Ambassadors progressed during this time. Continued professional development for faculty and staff including topics such as cultural competency, microaggressions, and inclusive advising were held. The Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan was created in 2020 and approved in early 2021. This plan incorporates the collaboration of the Curriculum Division, Human Resources, Student Services, and the Equity and Inclusion Council for the purpose of promoting equity and inclusion on campus through intentional efforts concerning marginalized, underrepresented, and at-risk students, faculty, and staff.
Mitchell Community College is dedicated to maximizing the academic outcomes of all minority students through mentorship programs that address and increase the progression and completion rates of minority students across all community colleges in North Carolina. For more information about Mitchell’s mentoring programs, please visit the mentorship web page.
Equity and Inclusion Council
At Mitchell Community College, we believe an inclusive culture puts diversity into action by producing a climate of engagement and respect where an array of beliefs, interests, experiences, and perspectives are valued and utilized to achieve our goals. The Equity and Inclusion Council (EIC), with the support of the College administration, advises and recommends policy and practice on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The EIC encourages and assists the students, faculty, and staff of the College in enhancing access and opportunity for all to succeed, provides an avenue for understanding a diverse campus community, works to enrich the educational and workplace experience for all members of the campus community, and aids in the fostering of mutual respect and the valuing of differences.
Resources
For information about how Mitchell Community College supports students with mental and/or physical disabilities by prioritizing accessibility, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services.
For a downloadable PDF of support resources, click the button located to the right.
Browse the topics below to find relevant articles, journals, websites, advocacy and support groups and videos.
Resource links to external sources are provided for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or approval by Mitchell Community College of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation, organization or individual. Mitchell Community College bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Subcommittees
The charge of the Events and Planning Subcommittee is to develop, plan and implement activities, programs and events related to Equityand inclusion in support of Mitchell Community College’s Vision, Mission, Beliefs and Values. This includes the continued planning for the Annual MLK program, developing a series of presentations and events for all faculty and staff (ex. Equity Lunch and Learn programs for faculty, staff and students) and programs such as identity group speakers (ex. African American, Latino, Native American, LGBTQIA and women symposiums). The Subcomittee will provide consistent, continuous, and timely professional development activities for the campus community throughout the year. The Subcommittee will work closely with other groups on campus to provide timely communications about EIC events internally and externally as determined.
The charge of the Resource and Communication Subcommittee is to serve as the primary resource for the EIC and College’s Equity and Inclusion Initiative. Primarily, the role of the Resource and Communication Subcommittee will be to research, identify and/or develop articles, books, videos and other educational tools and materials related to Equity and inclusion to enhance the awareness, knowledge and skills development of Mitchell Community College’s faculty, staff and students. The Resource and Communication Subcommittee will be the “go to” group for faculty and staff to access information regarding Equity and inclusion for classroom and departmental use. The Subcommittee will work closely with all Subcommittees. The Subcommittee will develop an Equity and Inclusion Guidebook that will serve as a tool for Equity planning to help all faculty and staff recognize, respect, and embrace differences (ex. organizations, general information, workshops, conferences, policy resources). The subcommittee will provide consistent, continuous, and timely communications about the Resource Subcommittee’s work internally and externally as determined.
The charge of the Curriculum Infusion Subcommittee is to assist faculty members and administrators in implementing Equity, inclusion and cultural competence into the curriculum and classroom related to Mitchell Community College’s Vision, Mission, Beliefs and Values. The primary goal of the subcommittee is to, along with the Resource Subcommittee, provide the needed information, tools, experiential experiences and instructional assistance to facultyand administrators to ensure that they are prepared to provide students with the awareness, knowledge and skills to be competitive in a diverse and global workforce and world. The subcommittee will work with other partners to increase the value of Equity at Mitchell Community College and increase the opportunity for students and faculty to be leaders and change agents in an increasing global society. The subcommittee will provide consistent, continuous, and timely communications about the Curriculum Infusion Subcommittee’s work internally and externally as determined.
The Equity and Inclusion Council welcomes all questions, concerns, and suggestions of Mitchell Community College students, faculty, and staff, as open communication is vital to achieving our goals.
Please email EIC@mitchellcc.edu and a Council member will reply at their earliest convenience.