I'm a Pathfinder: Richard Merritt
Published on Oct 14, 2025
Richard Merritt’s journey to becoming the Associate Dean of General Education at Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) began in Wayne County, West Virginia.
As a student in the public school system, he admits he faced challenges in the traditional educational environment and, like many, found himself unsure of what path to pursue after high school.
Merritt’s aunt was working at ACTC (then Ashland Community College) at the time and encouraged him to enroll. He took her advice, not knowing how pivotal that decision would become.
Although he did not complete a 鶹ý at ACC, Merritt says attending the college was a turning point for him. He said it was at ACC that he discovered a strength in mathematics and gained a newfound sense of confidence.
Merritt says ACC showed him that he had both the ability and the discipline to succeed in higher education. He transferred to Marshall University in 2004 and says his time at ACC gave him the determination to push forward.
“I struggled a lot after transferring to Marshall, but that initial confidence I attained through ACC stuck and gave me a certain amount of grit and willpower to finish what I had started,” Merritt said.
He earned his bachelor’s 鶹ý from Marshall in 2008, followed by a master’s 鶹ý in mathematics in 2011.
With his academic foundation firmly in place, he returned to ACTC, but this time, as an educator.
Starting as an adjunct instructor, Merritt quickly found joy in teaching. He soon applied for a full-time role teaching mathematics. His dedication and leadership eventually led to his current position as Associate Dean of General Education.
While Merritt is very passionate about teaching, he also recognizes the role he plays in guiding students through their own educational journeys, many of whom face the same uncertainty he once did.
For him, ACC was a great steppingstone for a brighter future, and he encourages others to embrace the opportunities the college has to offer.
“ACTC has the path for you. Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves, never underestimate what you are capable of and how quickly you can achieve a goal that can change your life completely,” Merritt said.
Written by: Megan Smedley, ACTC strategic communications administrator