University Center of Randolph County
Established at Randolph Community College
ASHEBORO (August 13, 2008)
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Signing a memorandum of understanding that established the University Center of |
ASHEBORO (August 13, 2008) - Calling it a "historic occasion," Randolph Community College President Robert Shackleford was joined by the presidents of Pfeiffer University, Greensboro College, and Salem College today in signing an agreement to establish The University Center of Randolph County on RCC's Asheboro Campus. Operating under the University Center banner, the four-year institutions will offer courses on the campus of RCC that will enable students in particular disciplines to complete baccalaureate degrees.
Participating in the signing ceremony with Dr. Shackleford on Wednesday were presidents Dr. Craven Williams of Greensboro College, Dr. Chuck Ambrose of Pfeiffer University, and Dr. Susan Pauly of Salem College. Each of the presidents spoke briefly before the signing ceremony, as did Dr. Shackleford and Jim Campbell, chair of the Randolph Community College Board of Trustees.
"These kinds of opportunities have not existed in Randolph County before," said Campbell. "On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am proud to extend a hand of cooperation and friendship to Pfeiffer University, Greensboro College, and Salem College."
Dr. Williams of Greensboro College said he was convinced that the University Center "will become a model for the state that others will try to duplicate." Dr. Pauly of Salem talked about how she returned to college as an adult student with a family and how this "fabulous and unique partnership" will help students in similar situations succeed. Dr. Ambrose said that "collaborations and partnerships are so vital today," and noted that Pfeiffer currently has 30 students in the elementary education bachelor's degree program it began offering at RCC last spring. This fall, Greensboro College will begin offering courses for criminal justice students and Salem College will offer two business administration courses at RCC. Dr. Shackelford said the courses are being offered at a significantly reduced tuition rate, creating "a wonderful opportunity for the people of Randolph County to get a four-year degree without leaving the county."
The University Center of Randolph County will be governed by a President's Council, consisting of the four institution presidents, and a Coordinating Council, consisting of a representative from each of the participating institutions. Members of the Coordinating Council are Dr. Paul Leslie, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty at Greensboro College; Dr. Joyce Edwards, dean of the school of education at Pfeiffer University; Dr. Ann McElaney-Johnson, vice president for academic affairs and student life at Salem College; and Anne Hockett, vice president for instructional services at Randolph Community College.
Other special guests for the ceremony included Donald Andrews, superintendent of Randolph County Schools; Diane Frost, superintendent of Asheboro City Schools; LaVerne Williams, chair of the Randolph County Board of Education; Asheboro Mayor David Jarrell and Mayor Pro Tem David Smith; several RCC Board of Trustee members, administrative, faculty and staff members.
