Mayland Community College has announced the naming of its arena in honor of President Dr. John Boyd, recognizing a legacy of leadership defined by long-term vision, steady stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to the communities the college serves.
The honor was approved recently by the Mayland Community College Board of Trustees and formally announced during Dr. Boyd’s retirement celebration. Dr. Boyd is the longest-tenured president in the college’s history.
Members of the Board of Trustees have said Dr. Boyd’s impact on Mayland Community College exceeds that of all previous presidents combined, pointing to transformative projects, sustained institutional growth, and a leadership philosophy rooted in community responsibility.
“It has been an honor to serve on the Mayland Board of Trustees with Dr. Boyd as president,” said Bryan Peterson, human resources manager at Altec Industries, Inc. “His accomplishments since 2012 are truly remarkable. Under his leadership, our college has not only grown in size, but in spirit. He has championed innovation, expanded opportunities for students, and fostered a culture where learning truly transforms lives.
“What sets John Boyd apart is not just the accomplishments, the new programs, partnerships, and milestones, but the heart behind them,” Peterson said. “Every decision was guided by a deep commitment to students, faculty, and the counties we serve. He believes in the power of education to change futures, and because of that belief, countless lives have been touched.
“As John Boyd steps into retirement, we know this is not an ending, but a new chapter. The legacy he leaves behind will inspire us for years to come.”
Throughout his presidency, Dr. Boyd has consistently emphasized that a community college must serve as an active partner in the economic and cultural life of its region. That belief guided many of Mayland’s most ambitious initiatives.
When the idea of Mayland acquiring the former Pinebridge property was first presented, Dr. Boyd immediately recognized its potential to benefit not only students, but the broader community. His support launched what would become the Three Peaks Enrichment Center, transforming an aging property into a destination for education, tourism, and community engagement.
Dr. Boyd envisioned Three Peaks as a place where learning and service intersect. Today, the center includes the Blue Ridge Boutique Hotel, culinary and cosmetology education, wellness services, and the newly named Dr. John Boyd Arena, which hosts community, cultural, and regional events. Together, these elements draw visitors to the region, support local businesses, and provide students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences.
“The goal was never just to build facilities,” Dr. Boyd said. “It was to create places that serve people — our students, our neighbors, and the communities that Mayland exists to support.”
The Dr. John Boyd Arena also features a recognition wall honoring major initiatives launched during his tenure that further the college’s mission while creating services and jobs for Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties. These include the Mayland Earth to Sky Park, the Blue Ridge Boutique Hotel, the Three Peaks Enrichment Center, and the Anspach Manufacturing School.
Each project reflects Dr. Boyd’s belief that education should extend beyond classrooms and into the daily life of the region — strengthening local economies, expanding access to opportunity, and ensuring that Mayland remains a visible, active presence in the communities it serves.
Dr. Boyd’s presidency has been marked by quiet resolve, thoughtful decision-making, and a focus on building institutions that endure. The naming of the Dr. John Boyd Arena stands as a lasting tribute to a leader whose vision continues to shape Mayland Community College and the future of the region.
