People, Progress, and Possibilities anchor College’s Spring Semester launch
Randolph Community College (RCC) officially launched the Spring 2026 Semester with its annual Spring Convocation on Friday, Jan. 9, bringing faculty, staff, trustees, and college leadership together to celebrate accomplishments, recognize employee excellence, and outline priorities for the year ahead.
Held in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium, the convocation marked the beginning of a new semester that started Monday, Jan. 12, and reaffirmed the College’s continued focus on student success, institutional progress, and community impact
President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan centered his address on the theme “People, Progress, and Possibilities,” emphasizing that Randolph Community College’s success begins and ends with the people it serves.
“Everything we do starts with people — our students, faculty, and staff,” Ardalan said. “RCC is a place where Access Leads to Success, and when we stay focused on that mission, progress follows. That’s where real possibilities are created.”
Celebrating employees and their commitment
Pictured left to right are Ardalan, Psychology Instructor Maria LeBaron, and Board member James Goudy. LeBaron marked 25 years at the College, along with Accounting and Business Administration Department Head Tracie Hayes.
During convocation, the College recognized more than 60 employees celebrating milestone years of service, from 5 to 25 years — the largest group ever honored. Those included Accounting and Business Administration Department Head Tracie Hayes and Psychology Instructor Maria LeBaron for 25 years and Director of Information Technology Services Sherri Davis, Design Programs Department Head (Retired) Lisa Hughes, Developmental Mathematics Instructor Susan Teague, and Humanities/Fine Arts Department Head Todd Thompson for 20 years.
RCC also welcomed new faculty and staff members and honored recipients of the 2026 Excellence Awards. These award winners were selected by their peers across the College, with teaching and staff award nominations submitted to the North Carolina Community College System Office:
- Heather Hussey, Radiography Instructor — Excellence in Teaching Award
- Hillary Pritchard, Director of Enrollment Management — Staff Person of the Year Award
- Tim Martin, Plumbing Instructor — Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award
Board Trustee James Goudy introduced Trustee and Foundation Board members in attendance. “What you do here matters,” Goudy said. “You may not always see the impact right away, but years from now, someone will remember something you said or did — and it will make a difference in their life.”
The College also welcomed the more than 60 new full-time and part-time faculty, staff, and adjuncts hired since the Fall 2025 Convocation, reflecting continued growth across academic programs, student services, and operations.
Speaking on behalf of students, Student Government Association President Bullet Rundberg thanked faculty and staff for their daily commitment to student success.
“Students succeed here because of the people in this room,” Rundberg said. “Faculty and staff create the support, encouragement, and sense of belonging that help students find their direction and grow.”
Progress through RCC 2.0 and ACES
Ardalan highlighted the College’s continued momentum through RCC 2.0 — Relevant, Connected, and Committed — and the ACES imperatives: Access, Connection, Experience, and Success, which guide how the College delivers education and services.
Recent progress includes expanded enrollment initiatives, increased face-to-face instruction, new and improved community locations, technology and facility upgrades, strengthened student engagement efforts, and continued gains in credentials awarded and graduation outcomes
RCC has earned multiple state and national recognitions, including being named the No. 1 community college in North Carolina twice, No. 2 in the nation, and receiving honors for apprenticeship partnerships, nursing outcomes, marketing branding, and IT security initiatives.
Looking ahead
Ardalan outlined priorities for the year ahead, including expanded professional development for full-time and part-time employees, continued leadership development, improved safety and technology services, new instructional and workforce credentials, increased grant activity, and strengthened partnerships.
The convocation concluded with a message of gratitude to students, faculty, staff, trustees, and community partners, reinforcing RCC’s mission as a place where Access leads to Success. The College also provided a copy of the recently released book, “Earning Through Learning: The History of Randolph Community College,” written by RCC English/Communication Instructor Clark Adams, to each employee.
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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.