RCC celebrates strategic partnership with Agricultural Center through meeting room dedication

Randolph Community College (RCC) and Randolph County celebrated a shared commitment to education, workforce development, and community collaboration Monday, July 27, with the dedication of Randolph Community College Meeting Room A/B at the Allen Ray McNeill Education and Resource Center.

As a Strategic Partner of the Randolph County Agricultural Center, RCC supports the Center’s mission of advancing education, agriculture, workforce development, and community engagement. The newly dedicated meeting room recognizes the College’s investment in a regional resource that serves residents, businesses, educators, and organizations throughout Randolph County.

College leaders, members of the RCC Board of Trustees, Randolph County commissioners, county staff, and Agricultural Center representatives gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the partnership between Randolph Community College and Randolph County and their shared commitment to serving the community through education, agriculture, and workforce development.

County Manager Zeb Holden thanked RCC for its support of the Agricultural Center, describing the College as “an awesome partner for a really long time.” He said the Randolph Community College Meeting Room represents an ideal place to connect residents with jobs and opportunities while reinforcing the College’s role in preparing the local workforce.

“We’re proud to serve as a Strategic Partner of the Randolph County Agricultural Center because this investment reflects our commitment to the people and employers of Randolph County,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “These meeting spaces will support learning, collaboration, and workforce development for years to come.”

Ardalan thanked Randolph County Commissioners Chair Darrell Frye and former N.C. Representative Allen McNeill for their vision and leadership in bringing the Agricultural Center to fruition. He also thanked Randolph County, the Agricultural Center, and the RCC Foundation for helping make the partnership possible. Ardalan said the College looks forward to expanding its collaboration with the Agricultural Center, Cooperative Extension, and other community partners through educational programming and workforce training initiatives that support Randolph County’s agricultural community and growing economy.

McNeill, for whom the Allen Ray McNeill Education and Resource Center is named, helped secure state funding for the Agricultural Center. Now serving on the College’s Board of Trustees, he continues to support partnerships that strengthen education, workforce development, and economic growth throughout Randolph County.

Following the official unveiling of the Randolph Community College Meeting Room sign, Frye said the space represents more than a name on a door. He noted that important meetings have already taken place there and expressed confidence that many more decisions benefiting Randolph County will be made in the years ahead.

Agricultural Center Coordinator Taylor Wright said the partnership extends far beyond the room's signage. Since opening to visitors in January, the Agricultural Center has welcomed more than 14,000 visitors, with the RCC name prominently displayed throughout the campus, on meeting materials, digital signage, the Center’s website, and social media. She noted the facility hosts a wide variety of educational workshops, business meetings, nonprofit gatherings, and community events, providing year-round visibility for the partnership.

Following the ceremony, representatives from RCC and Randolph County toured the Allen Ray McNeill Education and Resource Center, which serves as a hub for educational programming, agricultural activities, business meetings, and community events. The dedication of Randolph Community College Meeting Room A/B reflects the shared commitment of Randolph Community College, Randolph County, and the Randolph County Agricultural Center to expanding access to education, strengthening the local workforce, supporting agriculture, and serving the residents of Randolph County.

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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.