News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2025

Billy Newman Named Educator of the Year by Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce

Clifton Forge, VA – Billy Newman, a dedicated educator at Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC), was honored as the Educator of the Year by the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce at the annual Chamber Dinner, held at The Greenbrier on March 15. With nine years of service at MGCC, Newman has made a significant impact on his students and the local community, particularly in the fields of forestry and arboriculture.

Being selected as Educator of the Year is a reflection of his exceptional teaching and his deep commitment to the growth of his students. In a brief interview following the award ceremony, Newman shared his thoughts on the honor and his approach to teaching:

"Being selected out of a cadre of deserving educators at MGCC is a fabulous honor!!! I feel humbled and honored to stand alongside other folks that I know that have received the award. The term 'Educator' is one that I attempt to embody as part of course instruction. It reflects utilizing multiple resources to assist students with growth into forestry and arboriculture as a profession. The teacher, instructor, professor is only a portion of that educational growth process. As these ‘ole sayings go, 'Learning is a lifelong process!' and 'the degree is your license to begin to learn!'”

Newman’s dedication to his students is evident in the progress they make throughout his courses. He finds great joy in guiding students from foundational knowledge to advanced skills. 

“Seeing a student go from perhaps knowing an oak tree from a pine tree when they arrive at MGCC to writing a comprehensive Stewardship Forest or Urban Forest Management Plan as their capstone project in 16 months of class time is most gratifying,” Newman said.

With over 40 years of experience in various sectors of forestry, including state governmental forestry, the forest products industry, private forestry consulting, and forestry education, Newman is well-equipped to offer invaluable insight to his students.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have experienced state governmental forestry, forest products industry, private forestry consulting and forestry education over a 40-year career,” Newman said. “I hope that I leverage experience within these sectors to the benefit of our Forest Management Technology students!”

Newman’s recognition by the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce highlights his commitment not only to his students but also to the broader community. His passion for education and his years of experience continue to inspire future forestry professionals at MGCC.

For more information about Mountain Gateway Community College’s Forestry programs, visit www.mgcc.edu or reach out to Student Services at 540-863-2820. Don’t miss out—registration for the Summer and Fall semesters opens on April 1! Call today to get a head start on your academic plan and secure your spot in popular classes.

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