Community and leadership take center stage at 2025 Asheboro Local Candidate Forum
Randolph Community College (RCC) brought civic engagement to life Tuesday evening, Oct. 21, as it hosted the 2025 Asheboro Local Candidates Forum in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium on the Asheboro Campus.
Asheboro Mayor candidate Joey Trogdon, left, answers a question as fellow candidate Eddie Burks looks on.
“We are grateful to everyone who attended and participated in the Forum,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “What matters to our community matters to us. We are especially pleased that many of the candidates recognized Randolph Community College’s important role in Asheboro’s growth, workforce development, and economic vitality. Events like this reflect our shared commitment to collaboration and civic responsibility.”
The event featured four candidates for the Asheboro City Schools Board of Education, eight for Asheboro City Council, and two for Asheboro Mayor — each addressing key issues and sharing their vision for the city’s future. Candidates were provided with two prepared questions 48 hours in advance and given 3 minutes to respond. Each concluded with a 2-minute closing statement, giving the audience an unfiltered look at the ideas shaping Asheboro’s next chapter.
“Many thanks to RCC for having a candidate forum,” City Council candidate Mary Joan Pugh said. “It was well organized and a true service to the community.”
Pictured, from left to right, are Asheboro City Schools Board of Education candidates Brad Thomas, Mike Brown, Mikayla Cassidy, and Hilda DeCortez as Thomas answers the first question.
The forum was hosted by Micki Bare, RCC Senior Director of Marketing & Communications; moderated by Robert McLaughlin, RCC Student Government Association President; and timed by Dr. Isaí Robledo, RCC Dean of Workforce Development & Community Strategies. RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan opened the evening with a message underscoring the College’s commitment to civic leadership and community collaboration.
Several community leaders attended, including RCC Board Chair Reynolds Lisk, RCC Board Member Alvin Battle, Randolph County Commissioner Kenny Kidd, Asheboro City School Board Member Gidget Kidd, and Asheboro City School Board Member Melissa Calloway. RCC Cabinet members Lisa Carlson, Vice President of Student Success; Dr. Lisa Johnson, Vice President of Learning and Workforce Development/CAO, and Dr. Richard Weldon, Executive Vice President and CFO/COO, also were in attendance.
The forum emphasized RCC’s mission to foster access, connection, experience, and success—not just in education, but in community life and leadership as well.
To view the livestream video on the College’s YouTube channel, visit https://www.youtube.com/live/eElfpRS9Jpc?si=1nyRh1kSAMwkv1DE.
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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, 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.