College kicks off Spring Semester with celebrations and bold goals

Randolph Community College welcomed faculty and staff back for the semester during its annual Spring Convocation, held on Friday, Jan. 10, in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium. The event served as an opportunity to reflect on the college’s accomplishments and discuss plans for the future.

Dr. Shah Ardalan, RCC President/CEO, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the college’s 2024-2030 Strategic Plan. His remarks emphasized the importance of four core imperatives, represented by ACES — Access, Connection, Experience, and Success — and the college’s transition to RCC 2.0, focusing on being more Relevant, Career-centered, and Committed.

“You have heard me talk about the ‘why’ of what we do — why we are here, why we start initiatives, and why we strive for excellence,” Ardalan said. “The world is changing, and RCC is leading the way, building on six decades of a strong legacy while focusing on key priorities to serve our students and community better. Our Strategic Plan is not just a vision for the future; it is a roadmap, guided by data and rooted in our mission to make education accessible, innovative, and impactful. Access is where we begin, and success is our ultimate goal.”

Dr. Ardalan highlighted several initiatives, including strategic enrollment planning, efforts to improve community connections, and the development of innovative programs that align with workforce needs. He also celebrated RCC’s progress in serving more than 8,100 students and emphasized the college’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities and addressing challenges collaboratively.

Board Chair Reynolds Lisk also addressed attendees, sharing his gratitude for RCC’s hardworking faculty and staff and his optimism for the college’s future.

“Randolph Community College is more than an educational institution; it’s a cornerstone of opportunity and growth in our region,” said Lisk. “The dedication and vision of our faculty and staff are what make RCC an exceptional place to learn and grow. Together, we are not just preparing students for careers — we are preparing them to be leaders and changemakers in our community and beyond.”

Student Government Association President Lera Foust gave an enthusiastic welcome message.

A highlight of the convocation was the recognition of RCC faculty and staff for their years of service, ranging from 5 to 25 years. These awards celebrated their dedication, contributions, and commitment to the college’s mission.

Despite the icy conditions, faculty, staff, Board members, and administrators departed feeling motivated and energized to embark on another meaningful semester.

Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com and SmartAsset and second in the nation by SmartAsset, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register, call 336-633-0200 or visit randolph.edu/register. 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.