Special to IFN
Mitchell Community College celebrated the careers and contributions of nine dedicated employees during its 2025 Retiree Reception on Thursday, May 22. The event honored retirees whose combined service to the College totals more than 206 years.
In keeping with tradition, each retiree was presented with a handcrafted rocking chair from the Troutman Chair Company—a family-owned North Carolina business known for its time-honored craftsmanship. These chairs symbolize the college’s appreciation and the enduring legacy of each retiree.
“Congratulations to all of our retirees for their dedicated years of service to Mitchell Community College,” said College President Tim Brewer. “We are grateful for the lasting impact they’ve made on our students, colleagues, and the broader community.”
During the ceremony, President Brewer shared remarks about each honoree’s service and their impact on the college.
Among those recognized were:
• Tammy Rackley, who began her career at Mitchell on December 7, 1998, as a full-time procurement office/equipment coordinator. She was promoted to purchasing officer on December 1, 2006, and held that position until she retired in June 2024. She was part of the Mitchell family for 25 years.
• Donna Worrell, who was hired on April 14, 1998, as a part-time bookstore clerk. On July 1, 1999, she transitioned into a full-time position as an administrative assistant/secretary for the business & industry services (Small Business) area. She retired in June 2024, with 25 years of service with Mitchell.
• Carol Johnson, who began her career with Mitchell on September 16, 1974, as the dean of continuing education. On February 1, 2005 she was promoted to the position of vice president of workforce development and the Continuing Education Center. She retired in August 2024 and was part of the Mitchell family for 50 years.
• Barbara Dobbins, who was hired on October 21, 2004, as a full-time facilities technician. She worked in that position until January 2025 and was part of the Mitchell family for over 20 years.
• William Keith Powell, who was hired on August 16, 2010, as a part-time air conditioning instructor. On July 1, 2021, he transitioned into a full-time position as an HVAC Instructor. Keith retired in May 2025 and was part of the Mitchell family with 14 years and 9 months of combined service.
• Nancy Payne, who was hired on January 2, 2013, as a full-time math faculty. She continued in that position until her retirement in May 2025, when she will have served over 12 years at Mitchell.
• Ryan Cannon, who began his career at Mitchell on August 1, 2005, as a full time psychology faculty. He continued in that position until his retirement in May 2025, when he will have served 19 years and 9 months at Mitchell.
Also recognized, though unable to attend the event, were:
• Keith Miller, who was hired on August 1, 2008, as a business areas professor. He worked in that role until December 2024 and was part of the Mitchell family for over 16 years.
• Lee Jan Waddell, who was hired part-time on July 17, 2002, as the secretary to then President Douglas Eason. On April 1, 2003, her part-time position changed to the role of administrative assistant to the vice president of administration & finance until she accepted a full-time position in the Human Resources Department on July 1, 2004, and held that position until February 28, 2017. On March 1, 2017, she accepted a lateral transfer to administrative services assistant in the Administration & Auxiliary Services Department and was in that role until retiring in December 2024 with over 22 years of service.