Photo (L-R): VCCS Chancellor Glenn DuBois, Joe Fuller, MECC Vice President for Institutional Advancement Donna Stanley, MECC President Scott Hamilton
Fuller Honored with 2017 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy
The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to announce that Joe Fuller of Nickelsville was recognized by the Virginia Community College System with the 2017 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy at a luncheon ceremony in Richmond on Tuesday, April 18.
The Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy luncheon is hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) to honor the leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges as well as the statewide foundation. This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has contributed a combined total of more than $10 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges.
Fuller has dedicated his life to bettering his community. Retiring from CSX in 1988, Fuller devoted his time to fostering the growth and progress of Scott County. He served as a member of the MECC Foundation Board of Directors for two terms (1991-1997) and continues to support special events of the college. In 2012, the Rotary Club of Scott County renamed its existing MECC Foundation Scholarship in Joe’s honor.
In addition, Fuller was instrumental in establishing a new Rotary Club of Scott County in November 1988. He served as charter club president and continues to be very active in club and district activities. He received a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow award in 1989 and a Skelton Fellow Award of Rotary District 7570 for year 2004-05.
Fuller served as President of the Scott County Chamber of Commerce from 2002-03 and has served as Treasurer for the past 12 years. He is Past Chairman of the Scott County Economic Development Authority, past Chairman of the Scott County Tourism Development Committee, treasurer of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association, and assisted in the development of the Wilderness Road Designation as well as the Clinch Mountain MusicFest.
“Joe Fuller has dedicated his retirement to serving others and supporting economic development efforts in Scott County,” said MECC President Scott Hamilton. “He is compassionate and knows how to get things accomplished with humor and kindness. He served on the MECC Foundation board for six years and was a strong supporter of the Foundation’s mission. Since that time, he has been a generous donor to Foundation scholarships and special events. Because of Joe Fuller’s generosity and hard work, more students are receiving help in meeting their educational expenses, and they have more options for working in their local community. Joe’s mission and much of his life’s work has been creating a better life for others.”
Virginia Community College System Chancellor Glenn DuBois expressed his gratitude in his address to the crowd. “You are difference-makers. You are opportunity-creators. We thank you, not just for the dollars donated, but for the standard of leadership you represent. Your example motivates and challenges us all to do more to ensure that opportunity is there for those who come next.”
