Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) is proud to announce three distinguished inductees for Hall of Fame 2020 in preparation of the College’s annual celebration to be held on March 12, 2020.

The awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities, and CVCC.  These individuals embody the highest standards of excellence and are recognized by the Chattahoochee Valley Community College Foundation.  This year, the College is pleased to announce its three honorees: Coach Richard Mahone as Distinguished Athlete, Chance Corbett as Distinguished Alumni, and in the area of Distinguished Service, the late Ricky Huffstutler.

Coach Mahone retired in 2019, after 15 years as Head Coach of the men’s basketball team at CVCC.  He graduated from Carver High School in Columbus, Georgia, where he earned a basketball scholarship to Fort Valley State University (FVSU). Mahone scored 47 points in a single game at FVSU, which remains the record for the most points scored. While playing basketball at FVSU, Mahone earned his bachelor of science degree in Health and Physical Education. He earned his master’s degree in Health and Physical Education at Georgia Southwestern State University. Mahone coached at the high school level at Spencer, Columbus, and Carver High Schools. He was named High School Coach of the Year 16 times. Mahone’s collegiate career included 3 years as an Assistant Coach at Columbus State University and 15 years at CVCC as Head Basketball Coach. Mahone was recognized as Georgia’s Winningest Coach and inducted into the Georgia Hoops Hall of Fame. Coach Mahone is a native of Columbus, Georgia. He and his wife Rita live in Midland, Georgia.

Chance Corbett currently serves as a Russell County Commissioner and as the Emergency Manager for Auburn University. Corbett is also a reserve sheriff’s deputy, a certified peace officer, a paramedic, and a volunteer firefighter. During Corbett’s tenure on the Russell County Commission, the town of Crawford has undergone a dramatic restoration. Under his leadership, the Historic 1848 Tuckabatchee Masonic Lodge was completely restored, the Crawford Walking Trail was created, and an old general store was renovated. As a result of some of these improvements, Crawford has realized a rebirth of commerce. In 2015, Corbett received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers. He is a prime example of what a locally born and educated student can achieve. He graduated from Russell County High School and started classes at CVCC while he worked as a Russell County sheriff’s deputy. Corbett received his associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from CVCC, then his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University. He went on to earn his master’s degree in Education from Troy University. Corbett is a shining example of someone giving back to the community that helped shape him into the man he is today.

Dr. Huffstutler served CVCC for over 17 years in the roles of Dean of Administrative and Financial Services, Dean of Instruction, Director of Extended Day and Community Service Programs. He was instrumental in helping develop programs, including Practical Nursing, Radio/Television Production and Broadcast Technology, Word Processing, Childcare and Development, Banking and Finance Technology and more. As Vice President at J.F. Ingram Technical College, he helped initiate a program to prepare Alabama inmates for employment upon their release from prison. Dr. Huffstutler was extremely active in the Phenix City Rotary Club, ascending to the role of Club President in 1996-97. He was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary in 1997, the Club’s highest honor.  He was also active in uncovering state funding to help keep the Adult Drug Court, Family Dependency Drug Court, and the Juvenile Drug Court open.

Post-secondary education was always important to Dr. Huffstutler. Both of his daughters graduated from CVCC before earning their master degrees. They are now educators. Marie is teaching Business at Jordan High, and Amanda has returned to her father’s beloved college system teaching biology at CVCC since 2008. His wife Susan is an attorney in Phenix City.

More than $300,000 has been contributed to scholarships thanks to the annual event.  The College is proud to share this opportunity with the community to celebrate the accomplishments of these individuals in this way.

“It is such an honor for us as an institution to recognize and celebrate these individuals, “said President Jackie Screws.  “We pride ourselves in providing a quality education and great service to our communities, and these exemplify this high standard.  What better way to honor our inductees than by also helping future graduates who have a need.  The monies raised at this premiere event support our students with scholarship funding.”

One of the highlights of this event is a silent auction.  In year’s past some of the most popular items have included International trips, spa packages, original art, and tickets to premiere sports events.  On average, anywhere from 40 to 60 items (some in bundled packages) are available for bid.  The College is currently accepting donations for its silent auction.

The Hall of Fame event also includes dinner and entertainment.  This evening of food, fun, and fellowship is set for March 12, 2020, at the National Infantry Museum located at 1775 Legacy Way in Columbus, Georgia.    Tickets are $75 and sponsorships for the event are available.  For more information, contact David Fletcher at 334-291-4938.