Nine New Truck Drivers Graduate from Isothermal Community College

By: Blakely Hollifield
Published: October 08, 2025

SPINDALE, N.C. — Nine students are ready to hit the road after graduating from Isothermal Community College’s Truck Driver Training Program. The graduation ceremony was held Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m. in the Foundation Performing Arts and Conference Center.

The 2025 graduates are: Aiden Bailey, Jeffery Davis, Joe Dewberry, Edgar Lemuz, Devin Martin, Justin McCluney, Christopher Melgar-Canseco, Estrella Rivera-Trejo, and Thomas Whitesides. Each earned their commercial driver’s license (CDL) and is prepared to begin careers in the growing logistics and transportation industry.

“This program gives students a fast track to meaningful, high-demand careers,” said Mark Franklin, director of Customized Training at Isothermal. “We’re proud of these graduates for completing both classroom and on-the-road training. They’re ready to go out and make an impact.”

Isothermal’s truck driving program recently expanded thanks to support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, The Charles A. Cannon Trust No. One, and The Cannon Foundation. These contributions allowed ICC to offer a standalone truck driver program with flexible schedules, modern equipment, and additional support to ensure students are prepared for successful careers.

“Thanks to our partners, this program now provides more opportunities than ever for students to gain the skills they need to succeed,” said Dr. Margaret Annunziata, President of Isothermal Community College. “Our goal is to help students access careers that offer family-sustaining wages while also strengthening our local economy.”

The program trains students in truck operation, warehousing, shipping, and receiving to meet the growing demand for skilled drivers in western North Carolina and the Appalachian region.

Orientation for the next class will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Maple Room on the Rutherford Campus. Classes for the new session will begin on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.

For more information about the Truck Driver Training Program or to join the waiting list for upcoming classes, contact Myron Greene at 828-395-1576 or mgreene@iosthermal.edu.

Category: Awards

Keywords: Trucking