The dawn of a new era and notable growth: Randolph Community College kicks off 62nd school year
Randolph Community College’s Asheboro Campus was filled with excitement Friday, Aug. 16, as the college community gathered for the annual Fall Convocation, marking the start of RCC’s 62nd academic year. Students returned to campus Monday, Aug. 19, for the beginning of the Fall Semester with the College experiencing a significant increase in enrollment and new hires.
As a springboard for the new school year, RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan harkened back to the first-ever brochure for the College, entitled “Earning Through Learning.”
“‘Earning through Learning’ remains as impactful today as it was in 1961,” he said. “With RCC 2.0, we’re honoring six decades of tradition while driving forward with a focus on being more Relevant, Career-centered, and Committed than ever before.”
Ardalan shared accomplishments from the past year, including healthy enrollment growth in Curriculum, Continuing Education, and Career and College Promise programs, and visible signs of progress and preparedness such as rebranding, extended renovations, repairs, and campus beautifications. Ardalan thanked local legislators and county commissioners for funding more than $13 million in projects, including the purchase of 22 acres of land in Liberty, the Applied Industrial Artificial Intelligence Center of North Carolina (AI2C) design and construction, and facilities upgrades for Toyota training. Other accomplishments mentioned were the Nursing program’s 100-percent pass rate for the fourth consecutive year, the 100-percent pass rate of the Truck Driver Training students, and $800,000 in grants to start Mammography and expand the Radiology program. Lastly, Ardalan said the most significant organizational accomplishment is the alignment of all Curriculum, Workforce Development and Continuing Education offerings, and Student Services under a One College model.
‘Earning through Learning’ remains as impactful today as it was in 1961. With RCC 2.0, we’re honoring six decades of tradition while driving forward with a focus on being more Relevant, Career-centered, and Committed than ever before.— Dr. Shah Ardalan |
Looking ahead, with confidence from trustees and enthusiasm from faculty and staff, the College’s enrollment goal for 2024-2025 is 10,000 with plans for 15,000 by 2030.
Ardalan ended by using the motto — Believe, Inspire, Transform: Thrive Together!
“As a community, we must wholeheartedly believe in our mission and in the potential of our students.,” he said. “We must be inspired and, in turn, inspire our students to drive the transformation of our college, community, and region. By igniting passion and shaping minds, we pave the way for growth and prosperity. But this journey requires unity. Together, we will not only meet but exceed our goals, ensuring a thriving future for all.”
Chair of the RCC Board of Trustees Reynolds Lisk, who was joined by Board members Alvin Battle, Lisa Hayworth, Jonathan Matson, Bob Morrison, Cynthia Schroder, and Andy Sykes, welcomed all in attendance.
“As we embark on this new academic year, I want to take a moment to express how truly excited I am for what lies ahead,” Lisk said. “I had the pleasure of being back on campus Wednesday, and I was struck by the energy, the bustling activity, and the remarkable transformation of our campus. The new pavement, the cleaning, and the resurfacing — it is all coming together beautifully. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our facilities team. These dedicated individuals have been working tirelessly, and their hard work is clearly paying off.
“Regardless of your role at RCC, each of you plays a vital part in the success of our college. Your work, regardless of your position, is essential to our mission. We deeply appreciate each of you because you are the heart and soul of this institution. We simply could not do what we do without your dedication.”
The College’s vice presidents introduced new employees, and Student Government Association President Lera Foust shared encouraging words.
“We students are all growing, changing, and still learning,” she said. “You are growing, changing, and learning beside us — and listening to us along the way. I promise you if we work together, this year will be RCC’s best.”
Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs start throughout the year, both in person and online. For more information, call 336-633-0200 or visit www.randolph.edu and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.