Wytheville Community College 2025 Commencement Program

Dr. Oliver McBride Honorary Degree

At this year’s commencement, the college is pleased to present an Honorary Associate Degree in Humane Letters to Dr. Oliver McBride.

Dr. McBride has a long-standing commitment to the success of Wytheville Community College (WCC). He served as Superintendent of Carroll County Public Schools from 1989 to 2007, during which he expanded dual enrollment opportunities, increasing available courses and credentialed faculty. He played a key role in founding the Crossroads Rural Entrepreneurial Institute in Galax, establishing a 501(c)(3) organization to repurpose a former Lowe’s building into a facility for small business incubation and an off-site location for WCC. After retiring from Carroll County Public Schools, he became Executive Director of the Crossroads Institute from 2007–2015. While in that role, Dr. McBride encouraged the community’s use of the Crossroads Institute and their participation in programs WCC offered at that location. Dr. McBride also launched the Twin County Leadership Initiative, providing WCC students opportunities for career exploration and leadership development alongside local professionals. Appointed to the WCC Board in 2015, he served on various committees and was Vice Chair from 2022–2023. Through his work with the Fuller Center for Housing - Greater Carroll County Area, a collaboration was fostered with WCC’s Construction Technology Programs, to provide students with hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, Dr. McBride supported cultural arts as a member of the WCC Choir and a generous advocate of the WCC Educational Foundation. Dr. McBride remains deeply committed to his community and to fostering higher education opportunities. As a steadfast advocate for lifelong learning, he actively promotes the value of attending WCC and pursuing academic and career aspirations. Dr. McBride’s dedication is evident in his ongoing efforts to champion college initiatives and support educational programs that empower individuals to achieve their goals. Through his unwavering support, Dr. McBride continues to inspire students to recognize the transformative impact of education and take steps toward building brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.