The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – Kyleigh Mills, a soon-to-be graduate of Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC), is preparing to take her entrepreneurial journey to the next level as she receives her associate degree in Business Administration this spring.
A native of Moneta, Virginia, Mills initially planned to enter the workforce directly after high school. However, a conversation with her counselor just weeks before graduation led her to consider the possibilities that higher education could offer. Although uncertain about what to study, Mills found her passion for cleaning while working at a local cleaning business. This experience led her to the realization that helping people through cleaning was her calling.
After two years of working for a cleaning business, Mills decided to take the leap and start her own company, EcoBasix Cleaning LLC. In March of last year, she registered her LLC, and the business has been thriving ever since. Mills has found great success running her business independently, and the flexibility it provides allows her to manage her schedule on her own terms.
Mills is set to graduate from MGCC this spring and is preparing to transfer to Radford University, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. She also plans to explore an accelerated master’s program, further advancing her education and business skills.
“The knowledge and skills I’ve gained at Mountain Gateway have already been invaluable to my business,” said Mills. “The professors, especially Professor [Rachael] Thompson, have provided real-world insights that I never could have learned on my own.”
“Kyleigh and dedicated students like her are truly inspirational. It is a privilege to help her on her educational and entrepreneurial journey, and I am eager to watch her continued success unfold,” Thompson said. “Her drive, consistency, positive energy, and overall goal of excellence in whatever she does will take her far.”
At Mountain Gateway, Mills appreciated the flexibility of the college’s hybrid learning environment, which allowed her to balance her studies while growing her business. Many of her business courses were offered online or in a hybrid format, giving her the freedom to work around her schedule.
“I am so pleased that the flexibility of our business program enables students to pursue additional education and training while working, raising families, and facing life’s many obstacles,” Thompson said. “This is crucial in helping students achieve their career and educational goals.”
Mills also credited MGCC’s supportive faculty and staff, including her advisor Ann Courtney, for helping her stay on track and achieve her academic and career goals.
When asked about her advice for other busy students, Mills emphasized the importance of balancing ambition with personal well-being. “I think it’s really important to have balance,” Mills said. “It’s important to have ambition and lots of goals, but also to be happy and never stop trying new things.”
Looking ahead, Mills is excited about her future and the potential for growth in both her education and business ventures. She’s already making plans for her next steps, whether that means continuing her business or expanding her entrepreneurial knowledge at the master’s level.
Mountain Gateway Community College congratulates Kyleigh Mills on her upcoming graduation and wishes her continued success as she embarks on the next chapter of her educational and entrepreneurial journey.
Open the gateway to your future at MGCC! Registration for Summer and Fall courses will open on April 1, 2025. To learn more about MGCC’s Business programs, please contact Rachael Thompson at rthompson@mgcc.edu. For more information about MGCC, financial aid, or credit for prior learning, please contact Student Services at 540-863-2820 or visit www.mgcc.edu.
