College launches 63rd academic year with focus on culture of appreciation
Randolph Community College (RCC) marked the start of its 63rd academic year Thursday, Aug. 14, with its annual Fall Convocation, held in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium. Faculty, staff, and leadership gathered to celebrate past successes, outline the current state of the College, and set the tone for the 2025-26 academic year, which began Monday, Aug. 18.
This year’s theme, announced by President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is Building a Culture for Success with an emphasis on appreciation and Appreciative Inquiry.
“We begin with Access and we end with Success, but it’s the culture in between that defines us,” he said. “When we lead with appreciation, we create an environment where students, employees, and our community can achieve extraordinary things together.”
Student Government Association President Robert McLaughlin gives an inspirational message.
Under the College’s RCC 2.0 framework — Relevant, Career-focused, Committed — and guided by the ACES imperatives (Access, Connection, Experience, Success), RCC completed nearly every one of its 23 Year-One Strategic Plan initiatives. Achievements included:
- Increased enrollment to 9,639 students,
- Launched multiple new short-term training programs and certifications,
- Completed major technology and facility upgrades, including a modern campus ID system and expanded beautification efforts,
- Advanced visibility and participation at local, state, and national levels.
Looking ahead, RCC 2.0’s Year-Two initiatives include:
- Growing enrollment to 10,500 students,
- Expanding the College’s footprint with a new downtown Asheboro center and pursuing partnerships for the Liberty Center,
- Creating a career center to connect students and employers,
- Launching the REAL (Recognizing Employee Advancement & Legacy) Leadership Academy to develop future leaders,
- Rolling out a comprehensive employee recognition program with awards such as the ACES in Action Award and the Hardshell High Five,
- Plans to take RCC services and expertise to the community.
Ardalan also announced that Lisa Carlson, current Associate Vice President for Student Success at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, will be the College’s next Vice President for Student Success, starting Oct. 1.
Board Chair Reynolds Lisk introduced the members and Foundation Board members in attendance, including newly appointed Trustees Allen McNeill and Grant Hollowell, who attended the Convocation in anticipation of their official swearing-in on Thursday, Aug. 21. Their presence underscored the importance of shared leadership in advancing the College’s mission.
“I’m honored to be part of Randolph Community College, a place where excellence isn’t just a goal — it’s a standard,” Lisk said. “This past year alone, RCC has been ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by two independent organizations, celebrated 100-percent pass rates in both the Truck Driver Training and Nursing programs, and watched Apprenticeship Randolph earn the title of 2025 Outstanding Apprenticeship Partner from ApprenticeshipNC. We also had the privilege of hosting the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents Conference this summer, where visiting presidents toured our campus and left truly impressed.”
Lisk added, “What happens here changes lives every day. You are RCC — the driving force behind our success. We appreciate you, we are thrilled to have you back, and we are excited for another extraordinary year ahead.”
Student Government Association President Robert McLaughlin shared an inspirational message to all in attendance, noting he was on his “third career” and paying homage to his late mother, who earned two community college degrees.
“I read somewhere that the highest human act is to inspire, and events like today start the beginning of an opportunity for us all,” he said. “Higher education is a platform that fuels hope — a chance to inspire, be inspired, and realize the capacity we all have to change lives.”
To cap the Convocation, the audience was treated to a flash mob performance of “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent” by RhinoLeap that resulted in a standing ovation. The faculty and staff then participated in an enriching team-building session led by Dr. Lisa Johnson, RCC's new Vice President of Learning and Workforce Development/CAO.
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About Randolph Community College: 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, visit randolph.edu/register or call 336-633-0200 and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.