Wytheville Community College Commencement Program 2024

The Wytheville Community College Distinguished Service and Distinguished Teaching Awards Program was established by Nathaniel W. Pendleton, Jr. in memory of his father, Nathaniel Willis Pendleton, Sr., to recognize and encourage excellence in teaching and in service at WCC. Rollie C. Nye, Jr. and Linda Nye Distinguished Service Award Rollie C. Nye, Jr. and Linda Nye have been selected for the Wytheville Community College Distinguished Service Award for their exceptional service to the College. Mr. Nye served the college as Assistant Instructor and Professor of Business Management for 34 years. From 1972 until 2015, Mrs. Nye served the college in various roles, including Secretary of the Engineering Department, Personnel Assistant, and Human Resources/Payroll Manager. In addition to their extraordinary service in their roles at the college, Mr. and Mrs. Nye have supported WCC by establishing the “Rollie C. Nye, Sr. and Pauline C. Nye Academic Excellence Award Endowment.” This award recognizes students who have excelled in business programs. Mr. Nye also established the “WCC Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year Award” that recognizes the exemplary work of an adjunct faculty member each year. Mr. and Mrs. Nye also recently helped establish the “Jennings Family Scholarship Fund” that honors Al Jennings, and his family for their contributions to WCC and the community. Additionally, Mr. and Mrs. Nye support the WCC Drama and Theatre Department. Mary Ann Arnold Hedrick Distinguished Teaching Award Mary Ann Arnold Hedrick, Assistant Professor of Biology, has been selected for the Wytheville Community College Distinguished Teaching Award. This award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching that includes such qualities as the ability to inspire students to perform beyond normal expectations; responsiveness to needs within and outside the class; contributions to improve the intellectual climate of WCC; and the individual’s depth and breadth of expertise, sensitivity, enthusiasm, and dedication. In addition to teaching various biology courses, Ms. Hedrick was also instrumental in the establishment of WCC’s Pharmacy Technician Program. The program was recently accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Ms. Hedrick was nominated for this year’s award by a current student who wrote, “I would not be able to be as successful as I am without Ms. Hedrick’s incredible leadership and teaching abilities. She is extremely helpful and patient. I know that I am not alone in recommending her for this award.”