Boyd retires as longest-serving president at MCC
John Boyd handed the reins to incoming President Aron Gabriel at a brief ceremony at Mayland Community College Friday, Jan. 9.
The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners honored Boyd at its regular meeting earlier in the week, and Boyd brought Gabriel to the meeting to introduce him to the commissioners.
Commissioner Steve Pitman, who also serves on the community college’s board of trustees, spoke about Boyd’s tenure as college president.
“I know the person that you are, (and) I’m sure you are worn out of being awarded and celebrated and patted on the back,” Pitman said. “It’s an honor to work with you and all the things that you’ve helped Mitchell County accomplish, and Mayland accomplish.”
Pitman and other commissioners praised Boyd’s help in improving economic development in Mitchell County.
“You helped me understand about the power of the community college,” Pitman said.
Boyd has been instrumental in renovating the old Pinebridge building in Spruce Pine, which now houses the new A.M.Y. Wellness Foundation YMCA of Mitchell County and the newly-renamed Dr. John Boyd Arena.
“It makes me smile … when I drive by there, to see the YMCA glowing at night,” Pitman said. “There’s a lot of things that’s come to Mitchell County because of you. … You exemplify professionalism and excellence.”
Board Chairman Jeff Harding described Boyd as “visionary,” and praised both Boyd’s economic development initiatives and Mayland’s outreach efforts during the initial recovery period following Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land).
“During the storm, everybody was in disarray, our community was torn all to pieces, and you opened the college up as a distribution center,” Harding said. “It’s been a pleasure to get to know you.”
Boyd said that he has appreciated working with the commissioners and county leadership.
“We’ve got still more things to do, and I’ll be around long enough to do it,” he said. “Friday also marks the end of my 15th year here. … A few months ago, I became the longest-serving president (of Mayland).”