College to lead statewide transportation alignment effort
Randolph Community College (RCC) has been selected by the North Carolina Community College System to serve as the Resource College for Phase II of the 2026 Focused Transportation Alignment Project (FTAP), a major statewide initiative involving all 58 community colleges.
The designation places RCC in a central leadership role, responsible for guiding coordination, supporting faculty collaboration, and hosting statewide planning efforts aimed at strengthening transportation education across North Carolina.
Phase II of FTAP focuses on reviewing and aligning four high-impact transportation programs statewide:
- Truck Driver Training
- Automotive Light-Duty Diesel Technology
- Alternative Transportation Technology
- Motorcycle Mechanics
Funded through the Carl D. Perkins Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), the project is designed to ensure consistency across programs, strengthen alignment with industry standards, and enhance workforce readiness across the state.
“Randolph Community College is honored to serve as the Resource College for Phase II of this important statewide initiative,” Vice President of Learning and Workforce Development/CAO Dr. Lisa Johnson said. “This work reflects RCC’s commitment to strengthening program quality and ensuring our transportation pathways remain aligned with industry needs across North Carolina.”
RCC’s selection as the Resource College reflects the depth and strength of its Transportation and Skilled Trades programs and the leadership of its faculty. Under the direction of Amanda Byrd, Dean of Transportation and Skilled Trades, and Don Ashley, Department Head of Automotive Systems Technology, the College will oversee statewide coordination of the initiative.
RCC faculty are serving in key leadership roles on each of the four statewide program teams:
- Ashley — Alternative Transportation Technology Team Leader
- Patrick Pardee (Automotive Systems Technology Instructor) — Motorcycle Mechanics Team Leader
- Brian Walker (Trainer/Examiner Truck Driver Training) — Truck Driver Training Team Leader
- Matthew Wood (Automotive Systems Technology Instructor) — Automotive Light-Duty Diesel Team Leader
As Resource College, RCC will convene faculty and subject matter experts from across North Carolina to review curriculum, strengthen transportation pathways, and update coursework to reflect current industry and workforce needs. The initiative will culminate in a statewide FTAP Professional Development Conference hosted on RCC’s campus on May 21-22.
“This appointment reflects the confidence placed in Randolph Community College’s faculty, programs, and leadership,” President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “At RCC, we are committed to expanding Access to high-quality education that leads directly to student Success. By guiding this statewide effort, we are helping shape transportation education across North Carolina to meet the evolving needs of industry and our communities.”
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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.