New leadership takes shape on Board of Trustees
The Randolph Community College (RCC) Board of Trustees approved its leadership slate for the 2026-2027 fiscal year during its Thursday, Aug. 20, meeting, electing Chris Yow as Chair and Alvin Battle as Vice Chair. The meeting also included the swearing-in of new Trustee Paul Welborn and the announcement that longtime Trustee Dr. Cindy Schroder will resign from the Board at the end of August after 15 years of service.
The Board unanimously approved the slate recommended by its Nominating Committee, which also named President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan as Board Secretary and Bob Wilhoit as Board Attorney. Schroder made the motion to approve the nominations, which was seconded by Trustee Dennis Mabe.
Yow succeeds Reynolds Lisk, who recently concluded 12 years of service on the RCC Board, including three years as Chair. Yow previously served as Board Vice Chair.
“Let me offer my thanks to all of you,” said Yow, who previously served as Vice Chair. “I’m sure we are going to have another successful year. It is certainly my pleasure to serve the College as the Chair.”
Yow joined the RCC Board of Trustees in January 2020. Before joining the College’s Board, he served 18 years on the Asheboro City Board of Education, an experience he has credited with developing his passion for public education. Yow is currently the Vice President of Sales at Bossong Medical LLC, where he has been for 13 years. Before that, he was the Sales Director at Elastic Therapy Inc. for 10 years.
Battle, who joined the RCC Board in November 2023, was elected Vice Chair. He earned an associate degree in General Education from Merced College in California and a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications from N.C. State University, where he was a member of the Wolfpack’s 1983 NCAA national championship basketball team.
Battle has an extensive background in information technology and healthcare and has been involved in numerous community and service organizations.
“RCC is fortunate to have Trustees who believe deeply in our students, our employees and the future of Randolph County,” Ardalan said. “Chris and Alvin have demonstrated that commitment through their service, and I look forward to working with them in their new leadership roles. I also want to thank Rep. Brian Biggs for selecting Paul Welborn to serve on our Board and for his continued support of Randolph Community College. Strong, engaged Trustees are essential as we create greater access, strengthen our partnerships with employers and ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed.”
Schroder also announced during the meeting that she will resign from the Board at the end of August for personal reasons, concluding 15 years of service to Randolph Community College.
“Cindy’s 15 years of exceptional service reflect her genuine love for Randolph Community College and her unwavering commitment to its students, employees and mission,” Ardalan said. “She has been a steadfast supporter of this College and of me personally, and I have valued her thoughtful counsel and encouragement. Cindy has earned the respect of her fellow Trustees as a trusted and steady voice on the Board, and she has generously served as a mentor to other Board members. RCC is stronger because of her service, and we are deeply grateful for all she has given to this College.”
Welborn was also sworn in as the Board’s newest Trustee during Thursday’s meeting. Selected by N.C. Rep. Brian Biggs, Welborn succeeds Lisk on the Board.
“The future of Randolph County has never been brighter, and I am honored and blessed to play a small role in shaping that future through service on the Randolph Community College Board of Trustees,” Welborn said. “With deep family roots in Randolph County and a grandfather who dedicated his life to public education, I understand the lasting impact that educational opportunity can have across generations.
“As new industries, employers, and investments continue to transform our region, RCC stands at the center of preparing our workforce and empowering our citizens. My commitment as a trustee is simple: help ensure that every student, whether a recent high school graduate or an adult learner pursuing a new path, has access to exceptional education and the tools needed to thrive in an evolving economy.”
Welborn serves as Regional Director of Outpatient Imaging for MedQuest Imaging, a member of Novant Health, with oversight across North Carolina’s Triangle and Triad regions. He also is an Adjunct Professor of Healthcare Management at Appalachian State University, where he helps prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Welborn also serves on the Trinity City Council and is a member of Faith Baptist Church, where he teaches Sunday School. He and his wife, Nan, have a son, Joseph, who is beginning his studies at High Point University School of Law this fall.
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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.