RCC takes another stride toward excellence with inaugural President’s Advisory Council meeting

As Randolph Community College continues its commitment to community engagement, the College held its first President’s Advisory Council meeting Thursday, March 28, at Pinewood Country Club. RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan opened the meeting by thanking the senators, state representatives, commissioners, and industry partners in attendance as he presented RCC 2.0 and plans to invest more than $18 million in various projects, including the purchase of land in Liberty, expanding the College’s Emergency Services Training Center, the creation of the Applied Industrial AI Center of North Carolina (AIAINC), technology upgrades, and deferred maintenance. The luncheon served as a pivotal moment in RCC’s journey toward furthering its mission and impact within the community.

“Everyone gathered here represents the key decision-makers within our region,” said Ardalan, who gave attendees questions to mull over as they ate lunch. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your contributions to the growth and success of our college over the past six decades. As we convene today, it’s evident that significant developments are unfolding around us. Your input is invaluable. Please share your thoughts and aspirations regarding the role you envision RCC playing for you and our community. With the projected influx of a hundred thousand new residents to our area, we face a formidable yet invigorating challenge. As a community college, it’s our duty, our privilege, to ensure that we effectively serve every one of these individuals. Together, as partners, let us rise to meet this challenge head-on and continue to uphold our commitment to serving our community with excellence.”

RCC Board Chair Reynolds Lisk Jr. praised the College and showed strong support for Ardalan and his vision.

“Today promises to be an informative session filled with valuable insights,” he said. “There’s an abundance of activity and progress occurring in Randolph County, and it’s essential for us to keep everyone informed and engaged. We’re eager to share the latest updates and initiatives at RCC. Your presence here today underscores your commitment to our community and our institution, and for that, we are sincerely grateful. Together, we can achieve great things.”

During the meeting, which is planned to be a twice-yearly event, Ardalan facilitated a discussion among more than 50 of the region’s most influential individuals from industry, education, government, and private citizens, including Rep. Brian Biggs, Rep. Neal Jackson, Sen. Amy Galey; Stephanie Blair, Regional Representative for Sen. Thom Tillis; Cam Mills, District Field Director for Rep. Richard Hudson; Superintendent for Asheboro City Schools Dr. Aaron Woody, Superintendent for Uwharrie Charter Academy Dr. Sharon Castelli, Superintendent for the Randolph County School System Dr. Stephen Gainey, Randolph County Sheriff Greg Seabolt, Asheboro Fire and Rescue Department Chief Willie Summers, and Randolph County Economic Development President Kevin Franklin.

The first Council member to speak during the discussion was Chair of the Randolph County Commissioners Darrell Frye.

“Our obstacles serve as opportunities for us,” he said. “Addressing our growth management infrastructure is a significant challenge, and we need to work together and with our municipalities.”

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.