Ben Wheless – Chairman of Arts and Sciences —
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Ben Wheless was the “father” of Mountain Empire Community College. When the college opened in September 1972, Ben was the most experienced educator and leader on campus. He brought to the school an extensive background in teaching, administration, personnel and labor relations, and SACS self-study knowledge along with his long-established tradition of scholarship in academia. As a chairman and a mentor, he guided faculty and students—and often administrators—with sound judgment and “tough love.”
en Wheless was the “father” of Mountain Empire Community College.
Ben took responsibility early in life. In 1934 at the age of 13, when his father, a North Carolina merchant, cotton ginner and broker, died, Ben became “the man of the family.” He graduated from high school at 16, enrolled in classes at Campbell University, and entered the University of North Carolina as a junior at 17. In his first job as an accountant in 1941, he earned $12 a week. Ben led a life of commitment to church, community and college. His active role in the community and church led to his beginning seminary studies in 1973 with a goal of entering the priesthood. He was ordained to the Sacred Order of Episcopal Deacons and became minister of Christ Episcopal Church in Big Stone Gap in 1976 and served until June 30, 1992. “Father” Ben’s teachings and fellowship spread wide across and rooted genuinely within the area. At the college he was at the forefront of “The Tribe of Ben,” a compliment to his leadership. For students, his message was to face difficulties with resolve and to build futures on strength of mind and conscientious effort. As he said upon retiring:
“T
o be kind to everyone is to show the love of God.”
“To be kind to everyone is to show the love of God, the caring and compassion that is expected in the first and greatest commandment and the second commandment like unto it. That’s not to say we should be sappy or maudlin, but love can be a strong tool in changing mankind.” (Holyfield, Wheless will Continue to be Active after Retirement, 1992) My most unforgettable character would be Ben Wheless. He’s the man 164