Wytheville Community College (WCC) recently presented an Honorary Associate's Degree in Humane Letters to the Dr. Oliver McBride. 

This is an honor bestowed upon an individual who has contributed significantly to the progress and development of WCC. Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President, presented the award to McBride at the May 10 commencement ceremony. In presenting the award, Sprinkle began by recognizing Dr. McBride for his long-standing commitment to the success of Wytheville Community College. McBride 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, working with WCC, the Twin County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Cooperative Extension, 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. Sprinkle said of Dr. McBride, “Dr. Oliver 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.” 

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Pictured: Dr. Dean Sprinkle & Dr. Oliver McBride