HMHEC was established in 2003 as a partnership between Appalachian State University, Catawba Valley Community College, and Lenoir-Rhyne College in collaboration with the City of Hickory and Catawba County.
HMHEC was initiated in 2003 as an alliance between Appalachian State University, Catawba Valley Community College, and Lenoir-Rhyne College with the involvement of the City of Hickory and Catawba County.