North Iredell News

Mitchell Community College issued the following announcement on Dec. 20.

In early November, the North Carolina Community College Archives Association (NCCCAA) hosted its 2022 Annual Conference at Mitchell Community College in the Huskins Library on the Statesville Campus.  

The mission of the NCCCAA "is to promote the establishment, development, support, and preservation of college archives and special collections within the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System and to serve as a statewide voice on behalf of North Carolina community college history.” The NCCCAA does so through the networking and support of its 115 members throughout the state, representing 53 out of the 58 NC community colleges. 

Sarah Sowa, Librarian, and current President of the NCCCAA (2022-2023) organized the event. 

“NCCCAA has brought the history of our community colleges into the foreground, where it can be accessed, protected, and appreciated in perpetuity,” commented Sowa about the importance of the work of the organization.  

Mitchell had its fair share of representation at the conference. President Tim Brewer welcomed attendees and encouraged individuals to explore the historic campus.  

Molly Nicholson, Executive Director for Advancement & College Relations, spoke to attendees about how history can maximize engagement with alumni and retirees and referenced the close relationship of the Library and the Advancement Office at Mitchell.  

Beverly Rufty, Director of Library and Curriculum Support Services, spoke about the importance of preserving history with recognition to the College Archives and Mitchell’s Maverick Room, in which several historical photos of the College were displayed for conference attendees to view.  

The NCCCAA provides professional development opportunities that advocate “for institutional archives on a local and state level, promoting the preservation of North Carolina community college history, and fostering an awareness and appreciation for the importance, significance, and value of college archives collections." 

Identifying valuable work accomplished by its members, Sowa added that most recently, the NCCCAA assembled an Archivist Consultant Committee comprised of university archivists from Appalachian State, UNCG, UNC Charlotte, UNC Asheville, and East Carolina University, who will work directly with NCCCAA members in their regions to help them build and sustain their collections.

Original source can be found here.