News

Two administrators are taking over two key positions at Mountain Gateway Community College, it was announced recently by MGCC President Dr. John Rainone. Dr. Matthew McGraw is the new Chief Workforce Officer. Suzanne Ostling, who has been Director of Student Services since 2022, has been named Associate Vice President, Chief Student Affairs Officer.

“I’m very proud of these two individuals,” commented Dr. Rainone. “Their leadership on campus and in the community exemplifies the mission of MGCC.”

Matt McGraw

Dr. McGraw has served as an administrator at MGCC since 2009, first coming to the College as Director of Student Services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Concord University, a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University.

Dr. McGraw’s professional and administrative experiences include positions in Student Services, Institutional Effectiveness, Institutional Research, and Academic Services including those of Associate Vice President, Director of Student Services, Adjunct Instructor, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Interim Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research.

He is a graduate of the Appalachian Leadership Institute (2022) a program cosponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission, the University of Tennessee, and Tuskegee University. He was named MGCC Educator of the Year in 2022 by the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

Dr. McGraw is a recipient of the Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Hammond, Sr. Faculty International Development Grant for his project titled A Comparative Study of Scandinavian Folk Schools and the Comprehensive Community Colleges of the United States (2019), an Association of Institutional Research Julia M. Duckwall Scholar (2018), and a Council of Graduate Schools Fellow (2014).

As one of only 800 US citizens selected for the coveted Fulbright Scholars award, Dr. McGraw made a trip to Taiwan last year to teach, conduct research, engage in cultural exchange, and provide expertise abroad. Recipients of Fulbright awards are chosen on the basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as record of service and demonstrated leadership in their respective fields.

In his new position, Dr. McGraw will oversee Economic Development Support, FastForward Noncredit Credential Programs, Corporate and Apprenticeship Training, Continuing Education and recreation programs and classes and will represent the college externally to agencies, community groups, state and regional economic development agencies. He will also oversee the newly created MGCC Career Center, which is scheduled to begin operation in January, 2024.

Dr. McGraw is also active in his community, serving as a trustee for the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library, coaching for the Alleghany Highlands Youth Sports League, coordinating the Miles for Meals at MGCC, and serving as Camp Woods and Wildlife Fly Fishing instructor. He lives in Covington, VA, with his wife, Darilyn, and their daughter, Claire.

Suzanne Ostling

A first generation college student, Ostling earned a certification as a Paralegal after high school and graduated with Associate Degrees in Applied Sciences in Business Management and Education from MGCC.

She later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with minors in Psychology and Education from Mary Baldwin College, as well as a Virginia Teacher Licensure for grades PK-6. Ostling obtained a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and is credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor for the State of Virginia. She is currently attending Liberty University in pursuit of an EdD in Community Care and Counseling with a focus in Traumatology.

Ostling has worked as a Behavioral Specialist and a teacher and is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. She has received certifications in Crisis & First Responder Skills, Professional Life Coaching, and was recently certified as a QPR Suicide Prevention Trainer. Ostling serves on the Board of Directors for Safehome Systems.

Ostling serves on the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Academic and Student Affairs Council, the VCCS Council of Deans and Directors, and is working on a project through VCCS and REL Appalachia to foster trauma-informed care of students.

In her new position, Ostling will oversee admissions, financial aid, recruiting, student activities, advising, disabilities services, coaching programs in the high schools, oversight of the Rockbridge Regional Center, athletics, Talent Search, and the Achievement Center. She also serves as the Chair of the College’s Threat Assessment/Care Team and as Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

Ostling is an adjunct instructor at MGCC, and has been with the College since 2016, when she served as Admissions Officer and Academic Advising and Disability Services Coordinator.

Ostling and her husband, Kris, reside in Covington, and have three children and one grandchild. She is an active member of the Fincastle Baptist Church, Highlands Campus.

Registration for the Spring 2024 semester begins November 6; several 8-week courses that have been added to the fall semester begin October 16. To schedule an appointment with an academic advisor, call MGCC Student Services at (540) 863-2820.