Special to Iredell Free News

Mitchell Community College Foundation and Endowment for Excellence recently announced the establishment of a new endowed scholarship honoring the life and memory of Stephen Howard Kivett, the first male graduate of the Davis School of Nursing. Kivett passed away in July 2020.

Stephen Kivett

A Statesville native and graduate of Statesville High School and Mitchell Community College, Kivett spent his career as a registered nurse. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a medic for three years while being stationed in Augsburg, Germany.

After his return to Statesville, Kivett decided his life’s work would be spent taking care of people. After attending Mitchell and earning his distinction as the first male graduate of Davis School of Nursing, Kivett began his nursing career in the Critical Care Unit at Iredell Memorial Hospital and later became head nurse of that unit.

Kivett also oversaw the opening of Iredell Memorial’s first Hemodialysis Department. Through that experience, he became active with the United Way of Iredell County and the Iredell County Kidney Coalition, where he worked to ensure transportation for dialysis patients across Iredell.

A committed father, Kivett was a devoted fan of his children’s schools, the Boy Scouts of America, and sports pursuits. He was a dedicated member of Western Avenue Baptist Church and taught the Steve Kivett Sunday School Class. Throughout his life, Steve loved and faithfully served his family, friends, and church.

Kivett’s commitment to service inspired his friends to establish the scholarship at Mitchell’s Foundation. The fund will provide scholarships to nursing students at Mitchell, with preference for male students who are Statesville or Iredell County residents.

Individuals may make a gift to the scholarship online at mitchellcc.edu/give or they may send their contribution to the Mitchell Community College Foundation, 500 W. Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677. Checks can be written to the Foundation, and please note the Kivett Scholarship in the memo line.

About Mitchell Community College

Mitchell Community College serves 9,000 students annually through a variety of curriculum, continuing education and workforce development programs. With campuses in Statesville and Mooresville, Mitchell CC offers quality, affordable education options to residents of Iredell County and the surrounding area. For more information, visit www.mitchellcc.edu or call (704) 878-3200 (Statesville Campus) or (704) 663-1923 (Mooresville Campus).