An annual part of Alumni Day is the College’s acknowledgement of an alumni for success in their field, service to the College and the community, and the recognition brought to Mitchell through their actions and good deeds; during the 2023 event, the College awarded the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award to Linda McCoy Stikeleather, Mitchell alumna ‘62.
Linda Stikeleather’s lifelong dedication to education and community service is truly inspiring. A proud graduate of Mitchell College and Catawba College in Salisbury, Linda devoted more than twenty years to shaping young minds as an educator at Pressly Elementary and East Iredell Elementary Schools in Statesville.
Her commitment to service though extends far beyond the classroom. At Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, Linda has served as the Chair of the Administrative Council and co-chaired the church’s Bicentennial Celebration. Her passion for service extended to the former Arts and Science Center Board where she served as the President of the Board, helping to advance its mission. While there, she also chaired the museum’s signature fundraiser, Art in Bloom, advancing creativity and culture to the community.
Linda’s impact on education and community initiatives is remarkable. She has played key roles in the Mitchell Community College Endowment for Excellence and the Mitchell Alumni Association Board. She presided over Cool Spring High School’s Alumni Association and led its Centennial Celebration Committee. Her leadership also extended to chairing the inaugural Iredell County Superintendent’s Honor-Scholars Awards Ceremony through the former Iredell Citizens for Education Board.
Her influence in healthcare is equally notable, serving eight years on the Iredell Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and continuing her service today on the Board of Trustees. In recognition of her extraordinary volunteerism, Linda received the prestigious Governor’s Award in 2000. Today, she remains actively engaged on several nonprofit boards, including the Mitchell Alumni Association Board, continuing her legacy of service and leadership.