RCC strengthens longstanding partnership as Timken visits campus
Tim Timken, a Timken Foundation of Canton trustee, visited Randolph Community College on Tuesday, Oct. 8, underscoring the deep and multifaceted partnership between the organization and the College. Over the years, RCC, the Timken Foundation, and local Timken Company leadership have forged a dynamic relationship, with collaborative efforts spanning across various disciplines, from advanced manufacturing and industrial maintenance to healthcare programs. This visit highlighted their ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, providing educational opportunities, and preparing students for careers in critical industries.
RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the valuable partnership with local Timken leaders and mentioned that recently RCC was ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by two independent organizations with one ranking the College second in the nation.
“Our partnership with Timken goes beyond a typical collaboration — it is rooted in a shared vision for the future of our community and the industries that power it,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “By working together, we are equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in today’s competitive job market. The Timken Foundation’s generous support has also been instrumental in enhancing our facilities and programs, further enriching the learning environment, and expanding opportunities for our students. We are proud to stand alongside a company like Timken that is as committed to learning and innovation as we are.”
Timken toured two areas impacted by the Foundation’s support — the Advanced Manufacturing Center and the Allied Health Center. The visit included FANUC robot demonstrations and meeting the current cohort of Industrial Maintenance Technician apprentices one of whom works for Timken Co. In the Allied Health Center, Timken witnessed Nursing students working on patient simulators, toured the Radiography and Nursing labs, and visited one of the building’s debriefing rooms, which allows instructors to show students how to become better healthcare professionals through recorded training sessions. RCC faculty and staff proudly mentioned the Nursing program’s 100% NCLEX pass rate for four straight years and the 100% placement of students in healthcare facilities.
Timken emphasized the importance of investing proactively to cultivate a qualified workforce, which is at the core of RCC’s mission.
“RCC and Timken see that it is crucial to plant the seeds now, ensuring we have skilled individuals ready to operate automation labs or staff the hospitals that serve our communities,” he said. “As long as we are part of this community, we will continue seeking new opportunities with RCC. Education is evolving, particularly in the notion that a four-year college degree is the only path to success. Programs like the IMT apprenticeship mean graduating with minimal debt and a marketable skill that guarantees employment from day one. That is an incredibly compelling story. RCC is providing hands-on vocational training that prepares students to earn a living the day they graduate — that is truly remarkable, and we must continue supporting it.”
Following the tour, Timken and Ardalan had a discussion with Randolph County Economic Development Corporation President Kevin Franklin that focused on the billions of dollars being invested in Randolph County, giving the College the opportunity to train the future workforce.
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.