Randolph Community College's Board of
Trustees announced today that the new 20,000-square-foot building that will
house RCC's Autobody Repair and Automotive Systems programs will be named
the "Richard Petty Education Center."
President Robert S. Shackleford Jr. stated, "We want to honor Richard
Petty's legacy. This tribute symbolizes the positive and winning attitude
that Mr. Petty, a native son of Randolph County, brings to his work. That's
the same attitude demonstrated by our students and our faculty. We look forward
to a long-term relationship with Mr. Petty and appreciate very much his interest
in and support for the college."
Opening in the fall of 2008, the modified U-shape building consists of almost
15,000 square feet of new space, providing 10 work stations in addition to
a state-of-the-art paint booth and additional work space. The front of the
building, one of the "legs" of the U, comprises over 5,000 square
feet of renovated classroom, office and computer lab space. Petty Enterprises
has agreed to donate Petty memorabilia to be placed in the lobby area to enhance
the building and to honor Mr. Petty.
Don Ashley, program head and instructor for Automotive
Systems Technology,
stated, "Our students will benefit from this spacious facility and will
be inspired by meeting in the Richard Petty Education Center to take automotive
systems technology and autobody repair classes."
Dan Moore, program head and instructor for Autobody
Repair, commented that "Mr.
Petty's association with our automotive programs will not only raise
the profiles of these fine programs but will add greatly to the pride we already
feel at RCC about being an important part of Randolph County."
Those interested in the Automotive
Systems Technology program may contact
Don Ashley at jdashley@randolph.edu or 633-0320.
Those interested in the Autobody
Repair program should contact Dan
Moore at drmoore@randolph.edu or
633-0322.
