RCC champions regional growth at Legislators’ Appreciation and President’s Advisory Council Breakfast

Randolph Community College hosted 70 of the region’s most influential leaders from industry, education, government, and the broader community on Friday, April 25, at the Pinewood Country Club for its Legislators' Appreciation and President’s Advisory Council Breakfast.

RCC Board of Trustees Chair Reynolds Lisk opened the event, welcoming attendees and acknowledging the RCC Board, RCC Foundation Board, and elected officials present.

RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan presented an energized update on the State of the College, highlighting RCC 2.0 — a forward-looking plan laser-focused on Relevance, Career-centered pathways, and Committed to student success.

“The success of Randolph Community College is not the work of one person — it is the product of strong collaboration among our Board of Trustees, our faculty and staff, elected officials, and community partners,” Ardalan said, making the case for the latest rendering of the proposed Liberty Center. “The Liberty Center is a critical next step for our region, placing education and workforce training exactly where growth is happening according to the Randolph County Strategic Plan and the Northeast Randolph Growth Management Plan. It is about meeting industry needs, building partnerships, and strengthening the entire community. Together, we are not just building facilities — we are fueling progress.”

Following the RCC update, elected officials — Rep. Brian Biggs, Sen. Amy Galey, Rep. Neal Jackson, and Sen. Dave Craven — delivered remarks praising RCC's strategic vision and affirming the College’s critical role in preparing the workforce that will drive Randolph County’s explosive growth.

“RCC has a great product, and we are going to try and get every dollar we can from the state of North Carolina to keep on fostering this great product,” Biggs said. “We’re going to invest money in Randolph Community College because we know they’re getting results.”

Galey praised RCC’s bold vision, focus, and relevance to all areas of the region and the needs of residents of all ages.

“The community college model is very unique — there are so many different types of learners,” she said, noting homeschool students, dual enrollment students, traditional students, and adult learners are all served by RCC. “Community colleges are for everyone; everybody can find a place where they can connect. We are lucky to have a president who understands that, and a Board and a Foundation Board working to pursue those goals.”

Jackson made a passionate, data-informed presentation about Randolph County’s population, highlighting that 15.5 percent of its residents live in poverty.

“The more people we can get educated, the more we’re rising above the poverty line,” he said. “If you give someone a job and a career, they are going to come out a different person. Dr. [Ardalan] has a vision and is letting us see the results of Randolph Community College. You are here because you are an ambassador of the College. We must get the word out, and we need to donate for the future.”

Craven echoed Jackson’s sentiments.

“I am so appreciative that the county and city schools, the community college, and all the businesses work together to help those kids and give them a chance as we continue to build a better community,” he said. “Thank you, [Dr. Ardalan] for the vision you have. We are here for you; let us know how we can be a resource.”

Randolph County Commissioners Chair Darrell Frye closed the event by reinforcing RCC’s significance in the community, calling attention to the decades-long partnership among the College, local government, and the broader Randolph County community.

“I’ve been a commissioner for 43 years, and the one constant has been the community college,” he said. “Its value to this county, our students, and this county grows by the day. There is not a county in this state that has the relationship between this leadership and this community college like Randolph County does.”

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 for Fall and Winter 2025, 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.