2015 Annual Report | Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

A YEAR OF

BUILDING A MORE PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY 2015

Letter from the President: A YEAR OF

BUILDING A MORE PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY As we reflect on 2015, I am indeed thankful for the support that our community has given to RowanCabarrus Community College and its important mission. I am gratified and inspired by all that we have accomplished together this year. We have experienced an enormous amount of change and progress in just a single year – all with an emphasis and focus on building a more prosperous region.

This year marked our successful reaccreditation effort and gave us the opportunity and challenge to prove our quality and improve our processes.

Our attention to learning outcomes and focus on student success and completion have resulted in raising the bar on completion by achieving the largest graduation class in our history.

We have become more conscious that Rowan-Cabarrus’ progress impacts our region’s progress. Our completion of two North Campus buildings not only changes the programs and face of the campus, but shows all that this region is prepared and committed to the future. The relocation of our Cloverleaf Campus to larger facilities in downtown Kannapolis has helped those programs grow and has been an impetus for local revitalization. Looking ahead, we are excited to become a beacon for the future of workforce development as we plan for the advanced technology center in Cabarrus County.

This year, in support of our goal of being a catalyst for change in the community, the College’s Foundation embarked on its first ever multi-million dollar major gifts campaign which has inspired the College’s generous faculty, staff, boards, community and philanthropists to help mold the College and community’s future into one that will be more prosperous for all of us. We are nearing completion of the campaign which will add facilities to support new programs and make us more energy efficient.

Our community, state and nation have been working their way toward economic recovery yet there remains a great need for education in our community. Most jobs will require higher education after high school. To that end, our goal is to continuously increase the number of students we serve, because our citizens need the education we provide to prepare for their more prosperous futures.

I want to thank our community leaders, legislators and county commissioners who have truly partnered with the College. The level of commitment that our local leaders have provided to Rowan-Cabarrus is unprecedented and needed. It has enabled the College to build on a foundation of excellence, which will be critical in the future as well as we improve lives and our community by providing excellent public higher education and workforce development.

Today, as we reflect on the many accomplishments that are highlighted in our 2015 Annual Report, I hope that you will join me in celebrating the College’s many successes that have improved the lives of so many of our citizens in Rowan and Cabarrus County and support the College going forward to better serve the region.

Thank you for your time reading the report and for your support of the College.

Sincerely,

Carol S. Spalding, Ed. D. President

NavigateForward

A word from the Board Chair:

CARL M. SHORT, JR. This College is an unspoken hero in our community and I feel compelled to thank our faculty and staff for their tireless efforts.

Rowan-Cabarrus is a part of the solution... and so are you. As the College grows, adapts and anticipates the needs of students and the community, public and private investment is crucial. RowanCabarrus must improve and update programs, laboratories and equipment; develop new programs aligned with emerging labor market demands; and increase student scholarships.

2015 was a year of enormous progress for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Despite continuous local and state funding challenges, Rowan-Cabarrus has made the most of its limited resources. The College remains committed to its mission of building sustainable futures through the power of learning. However, the work is not done. Moving forward, I believe that RowanCabarrus Community College will have an even more significant role in shaping the future of our community.

I believe that I speak for the entire Board of Trustees when I say that I am proud to have RowanCabarrus at the helm, leading our community, as we navigate our collective future.

R O W A N - C A B A R R U S CO M M U N I TY CO L L E G E

PROFILE

18:1

• Rowan-Cabarrus is the ninth largest in enrollment among the 58 North Carolina community colleges.

FACULTY TO

• Sixty-three percent of our students are female, 37 percent are male, 68 percent are under 30 and 37 percent are minorities.

→ → ROWAN-CABARRUS OFFERS

• Rowan-Cabarrus employs nearly 400 full-time faculty and staff members, as well as 650 part-time faculty and staff.

CERTIFICATES

DIPLOMAS

DEGREES*

NUMEROUS COMPLETELY

DEGREES ONLINE

20,000

OVER

• Approximately 59 percent of RowanCabarrus students are enrolled in Corporate and Continuing Education classes.

32 30 142

→→

• Forty-six percent of our students work fullor part-time.

STUDENT RATIO

STUDENTS

A N N U A L LY

* The new statewide Comprehensive Articulation Agreement with the state universities has resulted in pre-major degrees being condensed. Additionally, the College has streamlined its degree offerings in order to better serve our students.

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Tim Wilson, 2014 graduate, returned to Rowan-Cabarrus to deliver inspirational remarks and share his exciting accomplishments since leaving the College.

COMPLETION S

pring 2015 represented the largest graduating class to-date for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

Over 1,250 students graduated in May 2015, ranging from age 17 to 69, with the average age being 30. The graduates received over 1,800 degrees, diplomas and certificates at the College’s fifty-first graduation ceremony.

“We are proud to celebrate 52 years of service to Rowan and Cabarrus counties. We are especially proud of the Class of 2015, the largest class of graduates in the College’s history,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

Tim Wilson, Rowan-Cabarrus alumnus and last year’s Rowan-Cabarrus Academic Excellence award winner, provided some words of wisdom from one former student to another.

“Our life lessons and experiences and, frankly, our degrees from Rowan-Cabarrus mean something.

Many of you will choose to build on that degree and those experiences and continue to learn throughout your career and life. But, for me, Rowan-Cabarrus was not just a stepping stone. It was a pivotal point in my life. I would not be here today without this College and the faculty and staff who make it so amazing, and I am proud to

call myself a Rowan-Cabarrus Community College alumnus,” said Tim. After his time at Rowan-Cabarrus, Tim transferred to East Carolina University where he is pursuing a degree in hospitality management. He secured two internships with some of the most prestigious companies in his field. First, he was one of only forty students – out of over 1,400 applicants from around the country – to take part in the hospitality internship program with MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, Nevada. Then, this past fall, Tim visited the happiest place on Earth to intern at Disney World.

Dr. Darise D. Caldwell, president of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees member, provided an inspirational commencement address.

Dr. Caldwell’s speech centered on three important pieces of advice: do the right thing, make a difference to someone each day and know you are more capable than you think.

“The potential for greatness lives within each of you tonight. Whether your degree is in nursing, welding, or cosmetology, one thing I am sure of is that you will find yourself in a situation where you will make a difference. To the class of 2015, congratulations on what you have achieved and what you will achieve going forward,” said Caldwell.

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ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY C

abarrus County residents approved the 2014 Rowan-Cabarrus bond referendum for an Advanced Technology Center with over 64 percent of the vote.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is continuing the effort to build the facility and educational programming that would make this a reality.

“We believe that this is the next step forward for our region – advanced technology and advanced manufacturing. An Advanced Technology Center will be a flagship to help attract employers to the region,” said President Spalding. “This will help us meet the needs of the community and bring a higher level of training to Cabarrus County, which is a big part of economic development.”

To support this effort, the College even brought national consultants in to assist in the planning efforts.

“It takes true courage to build something based upon emerging trends. Rowan-Cabarrus is lucky to have a leader like Dr. Spalding who is willing to be brave and say ‘I don’t see it happening right now, but I believe it will be true,’” said J. Craig McAtee, executive director of the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC). “This will set this region’s Advanced Technology Center apart.”

and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College to build a training program designed to prepare applicants for jobs in the high-tech and growing field of manufacturing.

The growth and popularity of these clean, hightech jobs has led to a high demand for qualified, competent employees to fill these careers.

“Our scholarship fund, financed by local employers, ensures that we can offer this training at no cost to the individual. They also plan to hire many of the graduates,” said Craig Lamb, vice president of corporate and continuing education at RowanCabarrus. “Individuals will train 20 hours per week for a total of eight weeks. Upon completion, they will be qualified for 90 percent of manufacturing jobs in our area.”

The vast majority of graduates of the new program had secured local employment prior to graduation or shortly thereafter. Details about the eight-week, 160 hour training program can be found at www. ncmanufacturinginstitute.com.

Applications of advanced technology – from automated manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, 3D printing, to cyber security and information assurance – are evolving as growth areas for existing businesses, facilitating a regional culture of entrepreneurship and bringing new technologycentric companies to the area.

Supporting advanced manufacturing is one goal of the ATC, but it’s not the only way the College is supporting the fastest growing industry in the area.

Thanks to the generous support of the Duke Energy Foundation, the College has aquired an additional $50,000 to support advanced technology.

Additionally, local manufacturers like Perdue Foods, S&D Coffee and Agility Fuel Systems have partnered with the Rowan and Cabarrus chambers of commerce and economic development leaders

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BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES THROUGH THE POWER OF LEARNING.

“Our goal is to think outside the box. This will absolutely be the most complex building we will ever build here at Rowan-Cabarrus. We want to create a place and programing that will build up the businesses we do have and bring new ones here.”

– President Spalding

T

WEST AVENUE CENTER

he College’s Cosmetology program received a literal makeover in 2015. Now, the part of the College that knows everything there is to know about pampering and beauty has a beautiful, renovated space to teach cosmetology, manicuring and esthetics.

The programs also teach introduction to small business management and sociology to round out the degree.

The new West Avenue Center, located at 120 West Avenue in downtown Kannapolis, houses the College’s cosmetology, manicuring and esthetic programs, as well as other classes such as nurse aide and resume and interview support services for those looking for work. The new location, which was previously a Belk and a towel store, provides 28,000 square feet.

The cosmetology, manicuring and esthetics programs are also a huge benefit to the community as students need clinical hours performing actual services on clients to earn their credentials. That means the community receives wonderful services at a fraction of the cost. For instance, a haircut, shampoo and blow dry will only set you back twelve dollars, while a manicure is only six dollars (a gel polish manicure is fifteen).

“This beautiful facility would not have been possible without the unique public-private partnerships between the City of Kannapolis, Cabarrus County and Castle & Cooke,” said Carl M. Short, chair of the College’s board of trustees. “We are excited about the new space and look forward to continued partnerships with these and other community groups.”

The College’s Cosmetology program is one of the largest and most successful in the state. The result of this move is exciting on several levels, with program expansion being number one.

“In our previous space, we had waiting lists for classes. Now, I have been able to accommodate more students and offer more courses,” said Wanda Pressley-Altman, chair of the program, including instruction on all things hair, skin and nails.

“We are seeing more clients and students than ever,” said Pressley-Altman.

“Our cosmetology program is not only widely successful, but it’s a wonderful example of our strong partnership with local high schools,” said President Spalding. “The Career & College Promise program allows approximately 70 high school students to simultaneously enroll in high school and college so that they can receive both high school and college credit for courses taken as part of the program.”

This tuition-free program for high school juniors and seniors gives them the opportunity to get a “jump start” on a two-year or four-year degree while still in high school.

A full list of the current services and pricing can be found at www.rccc.edu/cos.

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C

STUDENT SUCCESS

ollege is about more than just classes and papers and exams. Or at least that’s what you’d learn if you explored the many extracurricular programs at Rowan-Cabarrus.

“At Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, students are encouraged to get involved in activities and organizations beyond the classroom that take their education to the next level,” said President Spalding. “It’s all about developing leaders and helping them engage in their community.”

As a part of that effort, Rowan-Cabarrus students traveled to Raleigh to voice their support for raising instructor pay, funding community colleges for year-round instruction and maintaining affordable tuition rates.

“It is so important for our students to have the opportunity to voice their concerns with their legislators. Exercising your right to vote and speaking up about what you care about is a critical part of our role as good citizens. We work hard to instill that here at Rowan-Cabarrus,” said Natasha Lipscomb, director of student life and leadership development.

During the visit, students had the opportunity to meet with their district’s legislators, attend a meeting of the N.C. House’s Education – Community Colleges Committee and be formally recognized by both chambers. In addition, student advocates launched an email campaign to their legislators and utilized social media hashtags to show their support.

“I appreciate the support the N.C. General Assembly has given community colleges. Investing in community colleges should be a priority. My community college, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, is the most affordable, high-quality, educational choice for me and it deserves financial support so that it can continue to be just that for others,” said Tereysha Robles, 2015-16 Student Government Association President.

Students, like Tereysha, who are engaged in clubs and leadership roles have the opportunity to travel across the country to compete in competitions and learn.

For instance, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College business-minded students returned from a national conference in Chicago with numerous awards, including two first place prizes.

These students from the College’s Phi Beta Lambda organization attended the conference with more than 1,600 of American’s best and brightest college students. Letitia Dennis-Boger, one of the Rowan-Cabarrus students who attended the conference, placed first in the nation in Management Concepts and first in Organizational Behavior and Leadership. She competed against students from a number of major universities.

Similarly, students in some of the College’s technical programs, such as air conditioning, heating and refrigeration (AHR), and automotive and welding, swept the state competitions and then traveled to Louisville for the 2015 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, only to come home with more national awards.

“The students have learned a lot about growth and development. That’s what our extracurricular activities at Rowan-Cabarrus are all about,” said Jon Crockett, instructor in the College’s Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration (AHR) program and lead advisor for the AHR Chiller club and SkillsUSA initiatives. “We want them to learn things through experiences that they wouldn’t be able to really learn inside the classroom.”

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ACCREDITATION

W

hile the College’s reputation in the community gives Rowan-Cabarrus credibility and respect, it is the accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) that ensures there is value to the degrees the College awards.

After years of ongoing work from a college-wide team, the College’s reaccreditation visit took place in September 2015. And this was no ordinary visit – this was a college-wide interview. Rowan-Cabarrus prepared for the visit thoughtfully and was pleased with a very positive outcome.

“While it was been a long and challenging road, I do believe it has been a valuable experience that has made us a much stronger institution. This process, though time-consuming, has given us the opportunity to review, update and improve our overall college operations,” said President Spalding. “I am very pleased with our report, and we should all be very proud of our accomplishments and success.”

The SACSCOC On-site Committee reported a total of only four recommendations for improvement – two for the College’s Core Standards and two related to the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan.

A Quality Enhancement Plan, or a QEP, is a campuswide initiative required by SACSCOC that focuses on improving student learning, knowledge, values

or skills to enhance overall institutional quality and effectiveness. The plan launches a process that can move the institution into the future characterized by creative, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences for students.

The focus for Rowan-Cabarrus’s QEP derived from a series of surveys taken by full and part-time faculty, staff, and students aimed at discovering the areas in most need.

“When we reviewed the employee survey results, career readiness was overwhelming identified as the area they felt our students needed the most guidance,” said Donna Helget, English instructor and chair of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College QEP committee.

Ultimately supporting this goal, the College has developed four different options – or connections – for students to take advantage of along a path to choosing a specific career.

“We know that students who come to RowanCabarrus with a clear career goal in mind are more likely to complete their educational journey with us successfully and in a timely fashion. Our goal with this project is to help more students explore potential career paths and determine their end goal sooner rather than later,” said Dr. Michael Quillen, vice president of academic programs.

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BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES THROUGH THE POWER OF LEARNING.

Career Exploration Research Writing Explore their prospective career choices through a writing assignment in ENG 111.

Career Counseling Learn more about your personal career aptitudes.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) Internship placement in a relevant field to gain workrelated experience while still in college.

Virtual Employment Resource Center (VERC) Gives you one-stop access to faculty and staff-selected career resources to help you prepare for your career.

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High school students have a number of opportunities – both onsite and online – to take college classes tuition-free at Rowan-Cabarrus.

Building sustainable futures through the power of learning.

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS O

ne of the most exciting expansions that the College has experienced in recent years is the growth in the tuition-free courses offered to high school juniors and seniors.

The Career and College Promise tuition-free program for high school juniors and seniors gives them the opportunity to get a “jump start” on a two-year or four-year degree while still in high school.

“This is a fantastic program. It allows students to simultaneously enroll in high school and college so that they can receive both high school and college credit for courses taken as part of the program,” said Cyndie Mynatt, vice chair of the College’s board of trustees.

Unlike the early college high school programs, Career and College Promise allows students to remain very involved in their current high school.

They can still play sports and engage in all of the regular extracurricular activities, while taking college and high school courses simultaneously.

“The college transfer classes are truly an alternative to advanced placement – they are weighted just like honors classes,” said Dr. Michael Quillen, vice president of academic programs. “Unlike advanced placement courses that are taught locally and tested for credit nationally, students who pass the course with a C or better are guaranteed full college credit.”

There are two tracks for the Career & College Promise program – one allows students to specialize in a career or technical pathway, while the other allows students to prepare for general transfer onto a four-year college or university.

In addition to the college transfer classes, RowanCabarrus offers options for students to get a head start in careers like fire protection, criminal justice, machining, cosmetology, web technologies, welding and more.

Students can take as many classes as their high school will allow with some students taking as many as four college classes in a single semester.

Over the last few years, the College has improved its offerings by providing dedicated classes and sections that fall within the high school schedule in both counties.

“We look forward to seeing further expansion in this area as more parents and students become aware of what very well may be the best kept secret to getting ahead while still in high school,” said President Spalding.

In addition to the aspect of the program that allows high school students to remain enrolled at their current high school, the College also has two early college high school programs. These popular, prestigious high school/college programs allow students to earn a high school diploma and up to two years of college credit or an associate degree.

Many graduates of these successful programs go on to earn significant scholarships and transfer on to highly respected four-year universities.

The College is currently working on an additional partnership with Cabarrus County Schools that would place a third early college program at the College’s Cabarrus Business and Technology Center (CBTC) in the fall of 2016.

“The other perk of this opportunity is getting to experience real college classes – students ultimately feel better prepared when they head off to a four-year college or university because they’re already confident in their ability to do college work,” said Quillen.

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Adam Nance, scholarship recipient, works full-time at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast while he pursues his dream of becoming a registered nurse.

Virtual reality welding has expanded the traditional welding curriculum at Rowan-Cabarrus to enhance the quality, quantity and efficiency of training – bringing the training out into the community and ultimately increasing the number of welders entering the field.

Building sustainable futures through the power of learning.

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HEALTHCARE

ealthcare is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, meaning healthcare education has to constantly adapt to new methods, trends and techniques.

Today’s growing population of aging Americans, and individuals with disabilities or other chronic conditions, is outpacing the number of workers with the knowledge and skills to effectively care for them. Like other regions across the country, Rowan and Cabarrus counties face a shortage of certified healthcare professionals.

2015 brought several exciting developments for healthcare education at the College, including the first health symposium, bringing together local healthcare educators, workers and employers to discuss some of the most challenging topics in the field. Additionally, the College neared completion of the North Campus additions and renovations projects, a key component of which was Building 600’s new additional square footage and renovations to the healthcare classrooms. Dental assisting and radiography are now fully up-to-date, and the new programs-in-development, occupational therapy assistant and physical therapy assistant, are ready for new equipment and faculty to get started.

Also, the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation was honored to receive a $40,000 donation from Novant Health and proud to announce that the nursing skills lab at the College’s North Carolina Research Campus facility will be named in recognition of Novant’s contribution to the Building A More Prosperous Community major gifts campaign.

“Novant Health has always been a strong proponent of the College,” said President Spalding. “Novant Health understands how much education means to the healthcare system.”

programs have a well-documented track record of success in both student performance and program recognition. We are proud to support the College in developing our local healthcare workforce, and share in their desire to train the most qualified candidates.”

On top of the stellar donation from Novant, the College was also awarded a $300,000 challenge grant from The Leon Levine Foundation for the support of healthcare education.

“We are excited to partner with an organization committed to a mission so close to the vision of our founder,” said Tom Lawrence, executive director of The Leon Levine Foundation. “We are extremely pleased to award this challenge grant to RowanCabarrus Community College. We are optimistic that our challenge will make a greater case for Rowan and Cabarrus residents and companies to support the College. Our intent is for this grant to help the Foundation reach their goal.”

The Novant donation, and others made by local philanthropists and companies, will help the College to meet the $1.2 million goal for healthcare education donations.

“We are grateful to The Leon Levine Foundation for an incredible opportunity to continue to grow the College’s efforts to train our healthcare workforce through this challenge grant. We are thankful to our donors for being a part of the movement that helps provide support for updating programs, laboratories and equipment; developing new programs aligned with emerging labor market demands; and increasing student scholarships,” said Edward Norvell, Rowan County resident, attorney and co-chair of the College’s campaign.

The donation to the College’s Foundation is comprised of five separate $8,000 donations from Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, Novant Health Matthews Medical Center and Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center.

“At Novant Health, we believe that the future of healthcare is based on well-educated students,” said Dr. Dari Caldwell, president of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. “RowanCabarrus Community College healthcare

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SCHOLARSHIP

A

s part of the College’s annual celebration of scholarship recipients, hundreds of local leaders filled a ballroom at the Embassy Suites Concord Resort to recognize the impact of scholarships on the 2015 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College scholarship recipients.

“It was apparent to all those in attendance that a scholarship is the gift of education, a gift whose impact is far reaching and continues giving throughout one’s life and career,” said Dr. Kelly Propst, assistant superintendent of Cabarrus County Schools and co-chair of the 2015 luncheon.

In total, the 2015 Changing Lives Scholarship Luncheon generated an additional $79,000 for future scholarship recipients, adding to the significant number of scholarships in place at the College’s Foundation. Additionally, the Foundation has received over $254,000 in matching funds to create an unrestricted endowment through the Strengthening Institutions Program Title III grant received by the College in 2011.

“Students and graduates of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College remain in our community,

contributing to the advancement of not only their own lives and the lives of their families, but to the betterment of our community as a whole,” said Starling Johnson, corporate sales manager at Johnson Concrete Company and co-chair of the 2015 luncheon. “The beauty of the scholarship luncheon is not only the heartwarming and altruistic nature of the event, but the impact that a scholarship has on the fabric of the larger community.”

The Changing Lives Scholarship Luncheon is a project of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation, its board of directors, the staff of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, the students and the community.

“This event truly is a highlight of the year,” said Foundation board chair Paul Brown. “Residents of both Cabarrus and Rowan counties come together to support a worthwhile effort that has such a positive impact on the future of our region.”

Newly endowed scholarships and their donors were recognized at the luncheon for making such important contributions to the education of our students.

“We support students from all walks of life,” said Carla Howell, chief officer of governance, foundation, and public relations. “Many of our scholarship recipients thought the word ‘scholarship’ meant funds reserved for high grade point averages. The Rowan-Cabarrus Foundation awards scholarships based on need and the desire to achieve.”

Special thanks go to the 2015 table hosts and to Dr. Kelly Propst and Starling Johnson for co-chairing the Changing Lives Scholarship Luncheon, and to

Wells Fargo for their sponsorship of the luncheon.

The Foundation has a 25 member Board of Directors and provides funding for: • Student assistance (scholarships, emergency funding and books) • Institutional enhancement (capital improvements, equipment, program, and curriculum support) • Faculty/staff (Student Impact grants and professional development), and • New program development.

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Building sustainable futures through the power of learning.

PHILANTHROPY 2015

was a dynamic year for the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation. The College has continued to rely on the Foundation as a crucial vehicle to achieving major new initiatives, propelling the College forward.

It remains certain that public support for the College from tax dollars will continue to diminish year after year, making new program development and forward movement difficult without private investment. In an effort to combat this outlook, Rowan-Cabarrus launched the Building a More Prosperous Community major gifts campaign in spring of 2014. The campaign brought a new and exciting chapter for the Foundation as the first large scale, multi-million dollar fundraising campaign in the 50-year history of the College.

“The College must seek private dollars to meet our goals,” said William Cannon, Jr., Cabarrus County resident and president of The Cannon Foundation. Cannon also serves as co-chair of the College’s campaign along with community leaders from both counties who are spearheading the effort to raise these funds. “We want to invest in new programs and modern technology, ultimately training students on real world equipment so they are ready for employment upon graduation.”

This year, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College was proud to announce the public launch of Building a More Prosperous Community.

“We are asking for support – not for things that the College needs, but what we believe the community needs,” said Edward Norvell, Rowan County resident, attorney and co-chair of the College’s campaign.

The campaign, with a total goal of raising $7.1 million, is centered on four key initiatives that address specific needs for the College, including a new advanced technology center, healthcare education, an outdoor learning and amphitheater space, and STEAM scholarships for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

“We have been overwhelmed with the support we have already received from this region,” said President Spalding. “While we are excited to report that we have raised over $5.5 million for this campaign – nearly 80 percent – we still need further support to reach our goal. I know I can count on our community members and alumni to join us in meeting this goal.”

In addition to the four main initiatives, the College is also seeking funds for two additional special projects – a solar energy investment, and the expansion of the world class Fire & Emergency Services Training Facility.

Making a charitable gift to the Building a More Prosperous Community Major Gifts Campaign is an important and personal decision. An investment in the lives of individuals, businesses and organizations that benefit from the College’s excellent educational programs, short-term training and services is satisfying and has long-range implications for the local economy.

“The Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation resources support the mission of the College and are channeled into scholarships and other student assistance, support for academic programming and capital needs, and other needs of the College and the local community,” said Carla Howell, chief officer of governance, foundation and public relations.

In addition to the public launch of the major gifts campaign, the Foundation experienced many highlights in 2015 including the seventh annual Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation Golf Classic, which raised more than $23,000 for the Foundation. The Foundation also awarded numerous grants to College faculty and staff who use them to impact students, and assisted over 100 students with special emergency financial needs.

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TOP TEN DIGITAL CO T

in the United States by the Cen

echnology is best appreciated when it enhances your learning experience and adds value to a presentation. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has embraced the need for technology to support our mission and help students, faculty and staff work smarter, not harder.

To that end, the College was pleased to be named as one of the 2014-2015 Top Ten Digital Community Colleges by the Center for Digital Education.

“We are honored and proud to have made the prestigious list of honorees. As a new president, I realized that we needed an overhaul of our information technology infrastructure,” said President Spalding. “We have made information technology a priority here at Rowan-Cabarrus.”

Through the generous support of the Cannon Foundation, Inc., the Charles A. Cannon Charitable

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Trusts, and the Mariam and Robert Hayes Charitable Trust, the College was able to substantially improve the College’s information technology systems beginning in 2009.

“We were happy to help the College rebuild its information technology infrastructure,” said William Cannon, president of The Cannon Foundation. “We are always looking to invest in initiatives that can support lasting changes and it is rewarding to see the significant difference it has made in the College’s ability to serve students.”

Rowan-Cabarrus has made great advances for students, most recently this year, with the launch of the Rowan-Cabarrus mobile app. The mobile app highlights key features that allow students to register for classes and view course schedules.

“Students can now view their entire course load

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES THROUGH THE POWER OF LEARNING.

OMMUNITY COLLEGE ter for Digital Education

along with detailed descriptions of each class, check their final grades on the go, access Blackboard and even get personalized notifications regarding any holds on their student account,” said Ken Ingle, chief information officer for the College.

Additionally, the College rolled out a new feature on the students’ registration system that allows students to plan their entire path to graduation online. This planning helps improve their ability to forecast which classes they need to take and how close they are to achieving their degree, diploma or certificate.

And, students’ itemized tuition bills are now easily accessible through the same platform.

Online tutoring for students is available in many subjects 24 hours a day and seven days a week, as is the College’s IT help desk, through a partnership with Blackboard. Other digital initiatives include introducing online textbooks to many of the College’s core and elective classes, online job preparation

and searching resources, social media and electronic emergency notifications systems.

The College is also continuing their efforts in their ever-expanding courses offered online.

In 2015, 54 percent of courses that the College offered were online or hybrid (mostly online with few on-campus classes), and 36 percent of all courses were completely online.

CULTURE I

n 2009, Rowan-Cabarrus fully embraced the arts on campus with the introduction of the Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree program. This transferrable degree program aligns with the curriculum at four-year colleges and universities with bachelors in fine arts degrees. Additionally, in 2014, the College also introduced an Associate in Applied Science degree in Advertising and Graphic Design, in response to the rapid growth of graphic design and the tremendous opportunities in corporate design departments, advertising agencies, design firms, newspapers, and magazines.

In addition to the personal rewards of self-expression, creative exploration and learning the technical skills involved with fine arts, there are many career options for the fine artist. Graduates from these programs could find careers as a graphic designer, photojournalist, art director, museum curator, or theatre/set designer.

These programs also offer numerous opportunities for students including two student art exhibitions per year; an active student chorus; internship or workbased learning opportunities in the creative industries; field trips to museums, performances, and four-year universities; professional artist lectures; and oneon-one advising with career, transfer, and creative goals.

In addition to course offerings, the College has continued to embrace the fine arts across its campuses. Rowan-Cabarrus has hosted at least one – if not two – sculptures on campus as part of the annual Salisbury Sculpture Show. Excitingly, in 2015, “Under the Maple Seeds,” by the College’s very own adjunct instructor Stephen Hayes, took top honors in the 2015 Salisbury Sculpture Show (on display at Livingstone College).

The College also hosted another one of Hayes’ work on North Campus. That piece was designed to represent the wind beneath the leaf, as the supporting faculty and services that the College provides to help students find their way and stay afloat.

“The arts enhance and enrich our community. In fact, we are lucky to live in a vibrant community that embraces the arts. The ability for our students to communicate articulately using words, images and sounds is vitally important to their future success. We believe that a complete education includes exposure and integration of the arts and offers specialized arts training,” said Carl M. Short, chair of the College’s board of trustees.

Additionally, as part of the College’s major fundraising campaign, scholarships that not only support STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs, but also those that support the fine arts have been solicited. RowanCabarrus is seeking support for STEAM scholarships for students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, fine arts and mathematics.

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TRANSFER STUDENTS R

Associate in Fine Arts Program First Articulation Agreement with UNC-C

owan-Cabarrus Community College has long been a great place for students to acquire a transferable two-year associate degree. Many students earn these degrees and transfer to any number of public or private colleges or universities.

Making the transfer process seamless and painless for students has become a big focus for the College.

In 2014, the North Carolina university and community college systems developed a comprehensive articulation agreement to improve the transfer process and clarify it for students. Similarly, a group of independent colleges followed suit, including Pfeiffer University and Livingstone College.

Still, specialized programs remain outside of these agreements, which is what prompted RowanCabarrus to begin working with UNC Charlotte to ensure that Rowan-Cabarrus Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) students would be able to transfer with ease along with their peers. Thanks to a strategic use of the College’s advisory board structure, the AFA program already had strong relationships with the faculty and advisors in the UNC Charlotte Department of Art & Art History.

“This is Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s first articulation agreement with UNC Charlotte, besides the comprehensive agreement between all NC community colleges and the sixteen state universities,” said President Spalding. “Articulation agreements are complex and require a lot of work on both sides. I applaud our faculty for their leadership in making our AFA students a priority and ensuring their ability to transfer.”

Rowan-Cabarrus worked with UNC Charlotte to review every single relevant syllabus, student learning outcomes and a full review of how Rowan-Cabarrus teaches each course.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we partner with UNC Charlotte in this way. Together, we are paving the way to help more potential fine arts students meet their educational goals by easily being able to move to the baccalaureate level,” said Jenn Selby, program chair for the College’s Department of Fine & Applied Arts.

Ultimately, the hard work paid off and RowanCabarrus was able to partner with UNC Charlotte to offer a formal bilateral articulation agreement for AFA graduates to enter four BFA-tract concentrations in the Department of Art & Art History, which includes concentrations in digital media, painting, photography and sculpture.

“We have long been strong partners with RowanCabarrus Community College and this agreement strengthens this important relationship, said UNC Charlotte Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Joan F. Lorden. “Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is responsible for the second largest number of transfers to UNC Charlotte and we look forward to growing this longstanding relationship that provides affordable higher education to the citizens of the Charlotte region.”

The College is currently working on other similar agreements with other local transfer institutions.

For instance, the College offers a RN-to-BSN transfer program with UNC Greensboro.

“Preparing students for transfer has become one of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s greatest strengths. It helps us build a better-educated, career-ready workforce for our region,” said President Spalding. “We help students get ready to apply and succeed at any college, anywhere. Choosing a destination with a RowanCabarrus articulation agreement paves the way for the smoothest, most cost-effective transition.”

26 BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES THROUGH THE POWER OF LEARNING.

Erik Torres, student ambassador, is pursuing his Associate in Arts degree and will transfer to a four-year college or university.

NEW DEGREES

C

ommunity colleges have long been known for being some of the most responsive government entities in existence, quickly changing and responding to their community’s needs. Similarly, RowanCabarrus has worked hard to plan thoughtfully with respect to the future.

“Without a crystal ball to tell you the future, community colleges must do their best to forecast what careers will be available locally in the next five to ten years,” said President Spalding.

As part of this exercise, the College is developing new programs and expanding into new fields, including:

Advertising & Graphic Design – Due to the rapid growth of graphic design, there are tremendous opportunities in corporate design departments, advertising agencies, design firms, newspapers, and magazines. Classes available now.

Emergency Medical Services – This degree, designed for current paramedics, provides graduates with the skills and training needed to succeed in the field of emergency medical care. The College’s paramedic training program is underway with the first anticipated degree courses to be offered in fall 2016.

Physical Therapy Assistant – The Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares graduates to work in direct patient care settings under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.

Occupational Therapy Assistant – Occupational therapy assistants help individuals of all ages with rehabilitative activities and exercises outlined in a treatment plan developed in collaboration with an occupational therapist.

28 BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES THROUGH THE POWER OF LEARNING.

Nursing Assistant – We are expanding our course offerings in this area to include a new program in some local high schools. High school students should talk to their guidance counselor if interested.

Classes in this and other health programs (such as phlebotomy) are also offered at the College; visit www.rccc.edu/nurseaide.

In addition, the College has also expanded and continued to improve our online course offerings. In fact, RowanCabarrus offers nine degrees that you can complete entirely online, including the transferable two-year Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees – not to mention the seven diplomas and 43 certificates students can earn entirely online. The College’s online courses and online faculty have won national awards and undergo a rigorous training and review process to ensure they are ready for students.

CYBER DEFENSE RECOGNITION Rowan-Cabarrus became a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Two-Year Education (CAE2Y), a feat that establishes the College as one of the nation’s academic trailblazers in the area of cybersecurity.

Jointly sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the CAE2Y program recognizes colleges and universities that have made significant contributions in meeting the national demand for cyber defense education.

“The CAE2Y program is designed to prepare our students to meet the nation’s cybersecurity needs, keep the talent pipeline primed, share expertise and serve as vehicles for growth,” said Zackary Hubbard, program chair for the College’s Computer Technology Integration program. “Our security program was heavily vetted by the NSA and they were particularly happy with our work to secure articulation agreements with four-year institutions such Catawba College.”

Currently, only a small number of educational institutions nationwide have this specific designation, and Rowan-Cabarrus is one of only two community colleges in North Carolina.

The College’s ongoing curricula development, to include specializations in cyber security, cybercrime and networking technologies, contributed to earning this accreditation. Rowan-Cabarrus currently offers two specializations in the information assurance and cyber defense area: Cyber Crime & Digital Forensics and Cyber Security. Under each specialization, students also have the availability to earn certificates by completing the required courses in each area.

The prestigious CAE2Y program will also give RowanCabarrus students eligibility for internship placement assistance from the NSA and DHS, field trips, experiences with the agencies and more.

2015 STUDENT AMBASSADORS leaders,” said President Spalding. “We believe that developing our students into community leaders and active citizens is a part of our job at the College.

These students will definitely leave Rowan-Cabarrus equipped to lead in their careers and communities.”

The Rowan-Cabarrus Student Ambassador Program is a group of outstanding students who are selected to represent the College in multiple capacities.

The program is supported by the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation. Student ambassadors earn a scholarship for their service to the College.

These student leaders reach out to prospective students, conduct campus tours, participate in and help promote various college events and assist with the successful transition of students to the campus.

“I’m very proud of the Rowan-Cabarrus Student Ambassador Program and this year’s new group of

The 2015-16 Rowan-Cabarrus Student Ambassadors include: • Delfina Erochenko of Concord, Associate in Arts • Teresa Lowenstein of Mecklenburg, Associate in Arts • Patrick Magana of Salisbury, Associate Degree in Radiography • Marco Mercado of Salisbury, Associate in Arts • Rachel Morgan of Concord, Associate in Arts • Eric Torres of Concord, Associate in Arts Student Ambassadors are dedicated to student success, diversity and strengthening student connections. Ambassadors enjoy working with people, are committed to creating change in their respective communities, and are excited about sharing their experiences at Rowan-Cabarrus with others.

COLLEGE GRADUATES MORE THAN 150 STUDENTS WITH HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCIES More than 150 students graduated from RowanCabarrus with their high school equivalency diplomas in 2015.

“The high school equivalency test opens the door to college and better jobs. It gives the graduates the respect they deserve, and the satisfaction of earning a high school credential with the hope that they will continue with their education,” said Gary Connor, executive director of the Rowan-Cabarrus PreCollege Studies programs.

Graduates ranged in age from 16 to 77, with an average age of 27 years. Forty-nine percent of the graduates live in Rowan County and 51 percent in Cabarrus County, with 64 percent female and 36 percent male. Further, among these graduates, 36 percent move directly into a post-secondary degree, certificate or diploma program at Rowan-Cabarrus, up from 18 percent just two years ago.

Rowan-Cabarrus provides both instruction and resource materials to students preparing for the High School Equivalency at no cost. Classes are scheduled on the North and South Campuses and at a variety of community locations for convenience and access.

“Our goal is to bring education to the students. It’s our ‘meet them where they are’ philosophy,” said

President Spalding. “While it’s not possible for every program, our overarching goal is to be available and accessible to students. That’s why our students can now earn numerous degrees completely online. It’s why the high school equivalency classes are offered morning, afternoon, evening, online and at multiple locations across the College’s service area.”

Students are given an assessment test upon entering the program, from which an individualized learning plan is developed just for that student. This identifies the area(s) the student needs work in and sets a clear pathway to successfully passing the high school equivalency exams.

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES THROUGH THE POWER OF LEARNING.

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STEM COMES TO LIFE AT ROWAN-CABARRUS Rowan-Cabarrus Community College was proud to host its fourth annual STEM Open House at the College’s North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) in Kannapolis.

“The STEM Open House is a true celebration of science, technology, engineering and math,” said President Spalding. “I fully believe that everyone should be interested in STEM – and that it’s critical that we embrace these subjects. America used to be the leader in technology and innovation. It’s time for us to reclaim that role.”

Over 750 members of the community visited the STEM Open House, a fun, interactive event for the community showcasing the College’s science, technology, engineering and math programs.

The College hosted dozens of exhibits for kids and adults of all ages to spark the senses and stir curiosity for all things STEM. Attendees were able to make their own rocket, talk with a real SWAT team, climb aboard a real fire truck, and even engage in activities involving sculpture and crime scene forensics that created fun products by applying scientific and engineering principles in collaboration with technology and mathematics.

“Our exhibits show that science is friendly, approachable and fun,” said Dr. Carol A. Scherczinger, dean of the College’s science, biotechnology, mathematics and information technologies programs. “Research has shown that opinions toward STEM subjects are formed early. Our purpose is two-fold: to recruit students to the College and also to offer a public service by providing opportunities to make STEM enjoyable and approachable.”

The exhibits were extremely diverse – visitors tested their skin for germs and learned about DNA extraction, the complexity of balancing pH in dying hair and the science of firefighting.

“Holding this event at the College’s NCRC facility makes a lot of sense. The NCRC building is the home of the biotechnology and nursing programs – two of the most STEM intensive curricula,” said Cyndie Mynatt, vice chair of the College’s board of trustees.

The STEM Open House was held in conjunction with the statewide NC Science Festival, focused on engaging younger generations in science. Events across the state were designed to bring science to life for students and their parents.

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING Each year, the College undergoes an extensive and rigorous process to evaluate the best instructors.

In 2015, the College’s Outstanding Excellence in Teaching Awards were awarded to Jade Bittle, fulltime English instructor, and Aimee Durham, parttime Computer Technology Integration instructor.

seeing all of her students succeed and ensures that she is giving them the optimal combination of support and instruction.

“My favorite thing about teaching is when I see students work through an academic concept and master it,” said Jade. “I understand that our students need to be pushed, motivated, and need resources provided to them – and that should be our role as instructors. I am just as much of a cheerleader and motivator as I am a teacher.”

Aimee Durham possesses a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from Catawba College and a master’s degree from East Carolina University. Since receiving the award as a part-time faculty member, Aimee has been hired by the College as a full-time faculty member.

Jade Bittle holds three bachelor’s degrees from Lenoir-Rhyne University in English, Communications and Education as well as a master’s degree from Gardner-Webb University. Jade is committed to

“We are very proud of these two instructors for the commitment they have made to our community and our students,” said Carl M. Short, chair of the College’s board of trustees.

TITLE III In 2011, the College was awarded a five-year $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education for the purpose of strengthening the College by building retention and persistence rates.

Since then, Rowan-Cabarrus has used the grant to establish Academic and Career Advising (ACA) Centers on both North and South Campus.

“While many factors impact retention, persistence, and graduation rates outside of ACA Center activities, we are focused on making the greatest impact toward the good of the student through the activities provided by the Center,” said President Spalding. “Students feel positive about the various programmatic offerings, indicating that they are helpful and that they would refer their friends to the Center.”

Nearing the completion of the grant, the College is reflecting on its successes and future plans.

“I am proud that we have a strong team of advisors that serve students well,” said Marcia Miller, director of the ACA Centers and Title III activity director at the

College. “At the beginning of the grant, our baseline student enrollment was 6,100 students. Each year, we were supposed to see 10 percent of our student population. So, in year one we were expected to see 600 students, 1,200 in year two, 1,800 in year three and so on. We actually hit our five year goal in year three and in 2015, year four, we saw approximately 5,500 students.”

The benefits of this more comprehensive advising approach have been seen throughout the College.

“This grant was not just for the advising centers, but for the College as a whole,” said Miller. “Everything we do is oriented to strengthen Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. By continuing to look for ways to partner with academic programs, we continue to strengthen the College.”

Title III funds will continue to support advising services, including supporting faculty advising efforts.

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FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTORS The purpose of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation is to raise and manage funds, and enhance relationships that support the work of the College.

Thank you to the following individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations for contributing to the Rowan-Cabarrus Foundation from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.

Clifford A. & Lillian C. Peeler Foundation Robert Abbate Eddie Ables Tony Adams ADW Architects Akzo Nobel Corporation Greg and Melissa Alcorn Jackie Allen Sharon Allen William Allen, Jr. Keri Allman Ben Allred Tony and Margaret Almeida Brenda Almeyda American Red Cross William and Debbie Anderson Dean and Betty Andrews Greg and Cordelia Andrews Denise Askew Debra Atkins Thomas Atwell Constance Baker First Bank Lydia Banther Janice Barnes Ronald Barnes Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC Kim Barnett Wendy Barnhardt Matt and Gwin Barr Deborah Barrett Karen Baucom BB&T Jan Beatty Tripp and Carol Beaver Beth Belk Ben Mynatt Family of Dealerships Kassy Bender Tommy Bennett Jenny Billings Myra Billings Wilbert Blackman Malcolm Blankenship Bob Brannan and Deborah Appling Brannan Jenny Bodenheimer

Reg Boland, III Boomerang Design/MBAJ Architecture Dan and Teena Boone Ronnye Boone Timothy Bost Tom and Rochell Bost David Boyd Davis Charitable Trust Linda Brilliant Molly Brilliant Raegan Brogdon Angela Brown Anita Brown Carolyn Brown Connie Brown Paul and Melissa Brown Alfred Brown, Jr. Tracie Brunt Henry Buck, Jr. Phyllis Buie Hazel Burgess William Burgin Peter Bynum Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce Cabarrus Rescue Squad Jill Cain Pam Cain and Kent Gandee Dari Caldwell Ernest Campbell William and Ann Cannon William Coltrane and Norma Craft Cannon Cannon Foundation, Inc. Carolina Interiors Carolina Planning Consultants, LLP Stan and Carolyn Carpenter Danny Carpenter Donna Carpenter Jessica Castrodale Adeline Caton Amy Caudle Centralina Council of Governments Century 21 Towne & Country Jack and Pat Chaffin

Jonathan and Cameo Chamberlain Cathy Chandler Jarrett and Connie Chandler Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust Marcus Childs Joe Christie Phillip and Tonya Clayton Brenda Clement Ken Clifton Lisa Cline Carla Cole Vincent Connolly Gary and MaryLynn Connor Robert and Sara Cook Cheryl Cooke Rose Corriher Marie Corrin Lynn Coughenour Margaret Cox R. Daryl and Susan Cox Martha Cranford Joan Creeger Jon Crockett Daniel and Paige Crowe Kevin Crutchfield Gail Cummins Sue Cunningham Anne Curlee Wayne and Margaret Dabbs Larry Davis Eric and Cheryl Dearmon Troy and Paula Dibley Robert Doherty Mike Downs Walter and Tracy Drye Vera Drye Christina Dryman Duke Energy Foundation Amy Durham Bill Dusch Windsor and Katharine Eagle Vanessa Eanes Harold Earnhardt Mark Ebersole Greg Edds Randall and Jody Edwards Sandra Edwards Tim Elleby April Elrod Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord Golf/ Resort & Spa Jean Enyeart Nekita Eubanks Tanya Evans F & M Bank Michael and Ashley Fischer Fisher Greene Insurance Agency Locke and Cathy Floyd Lynne Fogner Tim Foley Brenda Forbis Cloninger Ford-Toyota-Scion

Pam Forrest Kathy Fountain Susan Fradkin-Ferris Friends and Family Bennie and Patricia Fulcher Donald Gariepy Tonya Gaydick Gerry Wood Auto Group Lori Gillespie Douglas Glasgow Walter and Michele Gobble Julie Goodman Angela Graham Darrell Graham Arthur Gray Judy Gray Ricky Gray, Jr. James and Karen Greene Shirley Greene James and Dianne Greene Jim Greene Richard Griggs Susan Guthrie Tim Hagler Barbara Hall Kathy Hall Maria Hall Suzanne Hall Denise and Michael Hallett Laura Harper Amanda Harris Gloria Harris Harrison RV, LLC Fletcher and Tana Hartsell Shelby Harwood Michael and Tina Haynes Adam Helmintoller Carolyn Helms Michael and Carol Herndon William Hiatt Frank Higginbotham, III Clyde and Vetta Higgs Hilbish Ford Lincoln Mercury Michael Hodge Sandra Hodge Veronica Hodges Caroll Hodgson Sherry Hodgson Carolyn Holbert Cathy Honeycutt Diane Honeycutt Rebecca Hooks Debbie Hopkins Pat Horton Susan Houston Jack Howard Dwight and Carla Howell Sandy Howell Ike’s Construction, Inc. Ken and Amy Ingle Insync Benefits Marie Izzo

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Faith Jelley Kathryn Johnson Starling Johnson Luther and Teresa Johnson Steve Johnson and Dakeita Vanderburg-Johnson Johnson’s Modern Electric Thomas and Glenda Jones Jane Jones Dave Jordan Linda Kamp Kannapolis Intimidators Ron Kelley Holli Kempton David Kenan and Tracy Smith Cornelia Kerr Ralph Ketner Ketner Foundation, Inc. Muhammed Khan David and Katrina King Autumn Kinnaird Jeffrey and Crystal Kirchbaum Allison Kitfield Susie Kline Kathy Knight Philip Koon Craig Lamb Lisa Lancaster Cengage Learning Lisa Ledbetter Samuel and Shannon Leder Theresa Leflore Lillian’s Library Jackie Linker Rodney Lippard Natasha Lipscomb Kenneth Long Sabrina Long Fred Loving Christopher and Stephanie Lowder Grace Lowery Michael and Kelly Lowman Donna and Stan Ludwig Mary Luther Karen Lynden Van Madray Mariam & Robert Hayes Charitable Trust Angelo Markantonakis Lynn and Donald Marsh Matt Marsh Cynthia Martens Jamey Martin Tena Martin Brenda Mauldin Gene McCants Gaye McConnell Kelly McCowan McCracken & Lopez Betty McCrary James and Valeria McDonough Tricia Staggers and Jason McDougall Brandie McHale Terri McKnight

McLaughlin Young Group - EAP Barb Meidl James and Barbara Melvin Elana Miles Hanif Miller Jeff and Julie Miller Russell Miller Millers Ferry Fire Department Robert and Bernie Misenheimer Melissa Mohlere Misty and Carter Moler Jack and Jeanie Moore Robin Moore Sandy and Kyndall Moore Helen Morgan Kim Morgan Ann Morris Stephen Morris Amanda Myers Diana Myers Cyndie Mynatt Sherie Neely Debra Neesmith Irvin and Sara Newberry Kim Newcomb Gary and Julie Newman Kelly Neyman North Carolina Division of International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Michele Norton Edward and Susan Norvell Novant Health - Huntersville Medical Center Novant Health - Matthews Medical Center Novant Health - Mint Hill Medical Center Novant Health - Presbyterian Medical Center Novant Health - Rowan Medical Center Novant Health - Rowan Medical Center Women’s Auxilary Scott and Teresa Padgett Tena Pair Ray and Lois Paradowski Tim and Ruth Parker Brian and Jennifer Parsley Pease Engineering & Architecture, PC Piedmont Brick Sales Cassie Plott Plumbers & Pipefitters, LU 421 Mary Ponds Potter & Co. P.A. Tiffany Powell James Price Christine Promin Elizabeth Propps Trent and Kelly Propst Jean and Carolyn Puckett Michael Quillen Connie Ragle Richard Reamer Beatrice Reinhard Damon Richard Marty Richards Lindsay Richardson

Michelle Riley Phyllis Ritchie Dennis Rivers John and Holly Robbins Melvin Rogers Jennifer Rosalino Karen Rott Rowan-Cabarrus Faculty Association Rowan-Cabarrus Student Government Association Peggy Rummage Frank and Ellen Rush Angie Rusmisel Joe Rutledge, III S&D Coffee Matthew and Irene Sacks Dusty Saine Salisbury Community Foundation Salisbury Lions Club Salisbury-Rowan County Convention & Visitors Bureau Robin Satterwhite Carol Scherczinger Louis Woody Schmidt Denise Schweizer Edward and Noelle Scott Patty Scott Jenn Selby Shoe Show, Inc. Lisa Shores Carl and Luanne Short Zeb Shue and Lou Dorton-Shue Billy Shugart Robert Simpson Robert Simyon Betsy Smith Brenda Smith Miles and Kathy Smith Sherylle Smith Tom and Martha Smith Tommy Smith Elaine Spalding Carol Spalding and Francis Koster Douglas and Janet Spriggs Betty Stack Ian and Shaquanna Stevens Kimberly Strong Claudia Swicegood Systel Business Equipment Company, Inc. Erica Tanner Chad and Kelly Tarlton Jay Taylor Kenneth and Kathy Taylor Taylor Clay Products Company, Inc. Barbara Taylor-Lineberry Team Honeycutt - Allen Tate Realtors Angel Teems Timothy Templeton The Forum of Salisbury The Margaret C. Woodson Foundation, Inc. Kenneth Theodos Julie Thoman

TIAA-CREF Employee Giving Campaign Title III Grant Matching Gifts David and Ashlinn Trexler Ellen Troutman Bill and Paula Troxler Jessica Tucker Lisa Tucker Robin Turner and Herbert Boeckenhaupt Utica National Insurance, Inc. Uwharrie Bank Michael and Marian Vaccaro Vanderburg Enterprises, LLLP Vulcan Materials Company Holly Wagoner William and Anna Mills Wagoner Don and Peggy Wagstaff Robert and Sarah Walker Tammara Walker William Wannamaker Demming and Susan Ward Susan Ward Jim and Kathy Waters Brenda Weaver Wells Fargo Wells Fargo Foundation Sheryee West Wesley Wetmore Debra Whiting Nancy Whittaker Michelle Wilburn Rachel Wilkes Maurice Wilson Madonna Wingert Carter Wingfield Joe Woodall Paul and Beth Woodson Quentin Woodward, Jr. Belinda Wyatt Bryan and Mary Wymbs YCH Architects Ken Yelton York Cress Endowment Fund

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PROGRAM AND SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENTS Families, friends and businesses honor and memorialize individuals, corporations and students through endowed gifts to the Foundation.

Endowments are established and invested with a minimum gift of $15,000 and are permanent funding sources for programs, scholarships and other financial assistance. These funds provide the annual earnings to support these awards.

Ambassadors ($250,000 +) Ralph W. Ketner Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship Philip Morris USA Endowed Scholarship RCCC General Endowed Scholarship Fund Title III Endowed Fund Advocates ($100,000+) Benson/DeBerry Memorial Endowed Fund for Academic Excellence Food Lion Endowed Scholarship Dr. Richard L. Brownell Endowment Fund Ervin W. and Miriam R. McCulloch Endowed Scholarship Edith Walker Estate Memorial Endowed Scholarship Champions ($75,000+) AkzoNobel Corporation Endowed Scholarship Partners ($50,000+) Dean R. and Betty I. Andrews Endowed Scholarship Evelyn Kenerly Germann and William Joseph Germann Memorial Endowed Scholarship Dai Nippon Endowed Scholarship Edward and Susan Norvell Scholarship Endowment Promoters ($25,000+) Cabarrus Rescue Squad Endowed Scholarship Lane C. Drye Memorial Endowed Scholarship Susan Elaine Harrison Memorial Endowed Nursing Scholarship The Salisbury Lions Club Clyde H. Harriss Memorial Endowed Scholarship Student Emergency Scholarship Endowment Susan J. and Robert M. Smith Endowment Waddell Professional Development Fund

Endorsers ($15,000+) Walter Almeida Endowed Scholarship Brown Family Fire Protection Technology Endowed Scholarship Dr. Jarrett T. Chandler, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Michael Chreitzberg Endowed Scholarship Edna J. Chrin Memorial Scholarship Larry Cloninger Family Endowed Scholarship Helen B. Earnhardt Memorial Scholarship Rachel B. Gaskey Memorial Scholarship Carla G. Howell Endowed Scholarship Sam R. and Louise May Endowed Scholarship Jeanie H. Moore Endowed Scholarship Graham Spencer Endowed Scholarship Ben Mynatt Memorial Scholarship Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Student Emergency Scholarship Fund William and Nancy Stanback Scholarship Endowment Other Endowed Funds C.C. Erwin Memorial Endowed Scholarship China Grove Civitan Memorial Endowed Scholarship Michael A. Johnson Scholarship Concord Rotary Club Endowed Scholarship Draft and Design Endowed Scholarship Richmond Gage Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Clyde H. Harriss Family Memorial Endowed Scholarship Eddie Myers Memorial Endowed Scholarship National Tool and Machinery Endowed Scholarship C. T. Overton Endowed Scholarship STEAM Endowed Scholarship

NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAM FUNDS Gifts of $1,500 or more may create a named scholarship or program fund. Contributions at this level offer the financial support for successful completion of a certificate, diploma or degree.

Program funds provide enhancements to the classroom and learning experience.

Bobbie Lois Lusk Abshire Scholarship Alcorn Scholarship Fund

Patricia Burke Scholarship Fund Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Scholarship Chaffin Scholarship Construction Financial Management Association Charlotte Chapter Scholarship Gerald Cox Family Scholarship Equipment and Technology Fund F&M Bank Merit Award Anthanasius Fote Scholarship Friends and Family Scholarship GED Scholarship Godley Garden Center Fund The Maria Hall Emergency Assistance Fund Harrison RV Trades Scholarship Al Hoffman Scholarship Honeycutt, Horton, Brogdon and VanderburgJohnson Scholarship Mechanical Trades Carolina Scholarship Justin Monroe Scholarship Dora Anna Newton Scholarship Novant Health Rowan Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship Fund Ortho Carolina Scholarship Lillian C. Peeler Memorial Scholarship of the Salisbury Women’s Club Nadine Potts and Jo Franklin Excellence in Nursing Scholarship Dr. L.H. “Pete” Robertson, Jr. Radiography Scholarship RCCC Literary Scholarship Fund RCCC Student Emergency Scholarship Fund RCCC Student Impact Grant Fund The Salisbury Rotary Club Scholarship Shoe Show Scholarship Sandra Early Smith Scholarship Student Government Association Scholarship Hilton J. Swindell Memorial Scholarship Fund Top Scholar Presidential Scholarship Award Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund-U.S. for S.T.E.M. Scholarships Gerry Wood Automotive Group Technical Scholarship The Margaret Woodson Foundation Scholarship The John Wyatt Nursing Scholarship Vanderburg Enterprises, LLLP Scholarship

2015 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

We would like to express appreciation to:

2015 Changing Lives Scholarship Luncheon Sponsor

2015 Golf Tournament Sponsor

2015 GRANT AWARDS The Margaret C. Woodson Foundation: Annual scholarships and emergency funds $40,000 North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) (sponsored by NC Space Grant & NASA): 15/16 SubOrbital Unmanned Space Flight Testing Grant Funding for students to design, engineer, test fly and recover a helium balloon to the edge of space - $22,852 North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS): 15/16 Minority Male Mentoring Program Funding to support the Minority Leadership Academy which focuses on increased retention and graduation rates - $17,608 The Cannon Foundation, Inc. /Cannon Trusts: Fund to support capital improvements to North and South campus - $250,000 Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund: STEM Scholarships - $2,000 Salisbury-Rowan County Convention and Visitors Bureau: Tourism Marketing and Sponsorship Support Funds Tourism, hospitality and overnight visitors support funds for the 2016 NCCC Fine Arts Conference: What’s Now! Creative responses to current challenges: - $2,000 U.S. Dept. of Education via North Carolina Community College System: 2015/16 Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act Grant Funding for career and technical education in student services and curriculum – $328,238 North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS): NC Works Career Pathways Grant for high school to community college Career Pathways - $35,000 Foundation for the Carolinas: Cabarrus County Community Foundation Grant for healthcare education and wellness activities/equipment - $3,000 National Science Foundation (NSF): Mentor Connect Program Grant for assistance in applying for a 2016 NSF Advanced Technology Education grant – funds for travel and technical assistance - ~$2,400 Rowan Arts Council: Rowan County artist in residence program Matching funds to support National Endowment for the Arts federal grant application currently pending - $3,000 U.S. Dept. of Education: 2015/16 Title III Funding Grant for improving student retention and graduation rates through targeted intervention $394,053

Total for 2015: $1,100,151

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STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2018 1. Prepare students for careers and opportunities that stimulate sustainable economic and workforce development.

A. Identify and respond to regional market needs with focused career education and training programs built for existing and emergent careers.

1. Continued planning efforts for the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) supported by the successful Cabarrus County Bond passed in 2014, including contracting with the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC).

2. Partnered with the chambers, economic development and workforce development to launch and graduate 27 students from the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute (NCMI) as a response to local employers’ need to train and certify workers as entry-level manufacturing production technicians.

3. Recognized the Computer Integrated Machining program for receiving the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc. (NIMS) Accreditation.

4. Developed and marketed a truck driver training program in conjunction with Caldwell Community College to begin in February 2016.

5. Awarded 172 free Microsoft certifications to Rowan-Cabarrus students and members of the community at the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Test Fest.

6. Partnered with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to offer courses to help HR professionals prepare for new competency-based certification.

B. Improve accessibility and eliminate barriers to student success.

1. Served over 5,510 individual students through the Academic and Career Advising Center from October 2014 to September 2015 in the fourth year of the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant.

2. Provided nearly 1,500 hours of tutoring to students at multiple campuses at no incremental cost to the College staffed by full-time faculty volunteers. Also provided more than 1,700 synchronous online tutoring sessions (nearly 800 hours).

3. Provided corporate and continuing education training to 17,717 clients through employability

labs, workshops, classes, and one-on-one coaching, focusing on workplace skills competencies and development of soft skills.

4. Served 2,663 students through academic testing options including students enrolled in developmental mathematics, online and hybrid courses. Also tested 3,078 entering students in addition to 238 students in Microsoft Office, NIMS or MSSC training coursework.

5. Awarded High School Equivalency diplomas to 1,137 individuals through on-campus services and 287 to individuals through the Department of Corrections. Held more than 650 proctored sessions to non-Rowan-Cabarrus students and community individuals seeking certification testing through Pearson VUE testing service.

C. Provide learning options that lead to certifications, diplomas, and degrees by participating in the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) National Completion Agenda.

1. Celebrated a grand total of 873 degrees, 170 diplomas and 877 certificates.

2. Recognized over 100 students for receiving their high school diplomas as part of the College’s two early college high school programs.

3. Awarded an additional 59 students associate degrees as part of the Reverse Transfer program with the UNC system.

D. Accelerate degree completion by leveraging prior learning assessment.

1. Proctored over 250 exams for individuals such as Kaplan and TEAS in the College’s testing center.

2. Launched an initiative to help individuals taking the College’s placement test to enhance and refresh their math and English skills in a short boot camp workshop setting.

E. Lead local and regional Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics (STEAM) initiatives.

1. Hosted STEM Open House at RCCC@NCRC for more than 750 members of the community and local K-12 public and private students; awarded the Nursing program’s smoking awareness room the 2015 Best Booth Award.

2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2. Celebrated the first articulation agreement signing with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for the Fine Arts program at an official meeting of the Board of Trustees.

3. Selected to participate, as one of only four colleges, in the N.C. Space Grant Team Design Challenge and Competition with NASA. 4. Hosted the Board of Trustees and local community at the Literary and Fine Arts Festival to commemorate the College’s leadership in the Discover Our Colleges initiative, which incorporated all of the county’s institutions of higher education into the Salisbury Sculpture Show.

2. Foster a culture of learning that inspires academic excellence and promotes student success.

A. Deliver innovative, technology-enabled and high-quality instruction.

1. Named one of the 2014-2015 Digital Community Colleges Survey Top Ten-Ranking Winners by the Center for Digital Education for the use of digital technologies to improve services for students, faculty, staff and the community.

2. Launched a new mobile application to enable students to register for classes, view schedules and check grades from their mobile device.

3. Developed a new smart classroom standard that incorporates interactive technologies

and mobile devices to provide a platform for continued expansion into next generation learning spaces.

4. Provided the Blackboard mobile application to all students allowing for access to online course materials from mobile devices.

5. Upgraded more than 150 classroom computers with new, state-of-the-art systems allowing for enhanced technology access in College programs.

B. Enhance learning outcomes by developing expertise in effective teaching practices, curriculum pathway design, instructional technologies, learning assessment and student development.

1. Provided a three-day training and professional development program to 175 individuals in 37 sessions through the Center for Teaching and Learning focused on advising, campus initiatives and updates, copyright, retention, SACSCOC & QEP, career and technical education programs and student engagement resulting in over 100 certificates being awarded to faculty and staff.

2. Established a prestigious new chapter of the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society designed to promote scholarship and academic excellence in the profession of nursing.

C. Reaffirm accreditations from SACSCOC and other accrediting bodies through successful completion of required self-study, Quality Enhancement Plan, and other accrediting agency requirements.

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STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2018 1. Completed focus report for SACSCOC and subsequently responded to off-site committee questions.

3. Provide excellent service to current and prospective students, colleagues, businesses, industries, and the community.

2. Prepared for and executed successful on-site committee visit resulting in kudos from the committee; final reaccreditation anticipated in 2016.

A. Enhance access to academic support, technology and financial services for students.

3. Secured internal faculty, staff and student support to launch new Quality Enhancement Plan, SEEK, the Student Education Empowerment Kit.

1. Opened the South Campus “Navigation Station” as the new one-stop for visitors and prospective and current students, providing easy access to an array of student support services.

4. Awarded national reaccreditation for dental assisting, nursing, machining, and welding programs.

D. Continuously improve programs and services through focused, systematic and ongoing unit reviews and annual planning.

1. Completed a cabinet evaluation of the threeyear strategic plan outcomes for the three previous years, which identified focus areas for the current strategic plan (2015-2018).

2. Completed 25 program reviews in the 201415 review cycle in support of the three-year comprehensive program review processes.

Of these, 15 program reviews were within the academic areas emphasizing the focus on learning outcomes.

E. Improve achievement on Performance Measures established by the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS).

1. Focused on improving performance measures, which resulted in the College improving its scores in four of eight areas as compared to 2013-14 performance, in Basic Skills Progress Rate, First Year Progression, and Curriculum Student Completion. The High School Equivalency diploma pass rate which rose by more than 15 percent.

F. Continuously improve completion rates.

1. Updated a New Student Orientation Program, which was implemented in summer and fall terms with nearly 250 students participating.

2. Coordinated the academic probation program and successfully helped 54 percent of participating students improve their academic standing (total of 1,913 students served).

3. Expanded visibility of the early alert program with 227 course referrals.

2. Launched Student Self-Serve within WebAdvisor, which allows students to do educational planning and have a more comprehensive view of their academic progress.

3. Helped connect students with additional resources for college funding as a result of the College withdrawing from the student loan program and enhanced access to finance office payment plan assistance to help students manage tuition payments.

4. Established GAP Scholarships assistance program to provide financial support for tuition and books for students affected by the discontinuation of the direct student loan program.

B. Engage students in planning and developing their educational goals and career pathways, including co-curricular experiences.

2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS cont.

1. Launched new Quality Enhancement Plan, as part of the College’s reaccreditation process, to help students identify and explore their career options. Developed and marketed the Student Education Empowerment Kit (SEEK) to give students easy options to find their ultimate path.

2. Served 90 percent of enrolled students with new Student Self-Serve module within WebAdvisor to support the development of educational plans.

C. Foster a culture of inquiry, improving the use of data and technologies to strengthen service.

1. Partnered with Civitas to develop intervention strategies, improve persistence, and develop and guide student educational plans from beginning to graduation.

2. Utilized the College’s website to improve communication with students and strengthen the services we provide.

3. Updated the Fact Book and made a comprehensive set of standard reports on enrollment available on the intra- and internet.

4. Completed 20-year study on enrollment and staffing trends, identifying correlation with factors such as county growth rate and unemployment.

5. Enhanced document management and tracking capabilities through implementation of the OnBase Document Imaging system.

4. Acquire, develop, and manage human, fiscal, and physical resources essential to the development and delivery of technology-enriched, high value education and service.

3. Implemented new procedure for facilities usage rental policy to help the College manage the resources required for outside events.

B. Secure public and private funding in support of the college’s mission.

1. Raised over 75 percent of the $7.1 million goal for the Foundation’s Building a More Prosperous Community Major Gifts Campaign in support of the College.

2. Awarded the first-ever challenge grant from The Leon Levine Foundation for $300,000 if the Foundation raises $1.2 million prior to May 31, 2016.

3. Received $600,000 from Rowan County to support completion of the building renovations and the dental assisting program at North Campus.

4. Secured a $12,500 donation to the Foundation from Wells Fargo to support the College’s mission of advancing workforce development in the local area.

5. Launched the Connect NC Bond initiative with the Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and Blue Ribbon with UNC-Charlotte Chancellor Dr. Phil Dubois, Representative Linda Johnson and Joan Lorden.

6. Received several significant in-kind donations from generous vendors including Food Lion, Nissan North America, Honda, Brady, Fire-Dex Corporation.

A. Plan and optimize resources in a fiscally responsible manner.

1. Received exemplary audits of Fiscal 2015 financial statements and internal control compliance for both the College and the Foundation.

2. Administered over $17 million of financial aid grant/ scholarships to over 5,000 curriculum students in academic 2014-2015.

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STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2018 C. Provide facilities that are safe, welcoming, sustainable, and flexible to support the college’s mission.

1. Completed construction and opened the Cosmetology center in Downtown Kannapolis, which was relocated from Cloverleaf Center to the Kannapolis West Avenue Center.

2. Continued and completed capital projects on the North Campus funded by the 2010 Bond for renovation, which included the renovation and addition of the healthcare facility and renovation and conversion of the Administration Building into largely classroom space.

3. Received $250,000 from the Cannon Foundation to construct brand new landmark signage for North and South Campus.

4. Began construction and grading for the Outdoor Learning Center Phase I on the North Campus.

5. Coordinated with Hood Theological Seminary to provide an alternative location for fall 2015 classes and students during North Campus construction and renovation, as well as provided a trolley to assist with transportation to the location.

6. Improved the College’s energy efficiency by cutting the combined energy use of both electricity and natural gas by 18 percent, representing an overall avoided cost of $98,000.

D. Be the employer of choice.

1. Implemented self-service system offering employees 24 hour access to their wage and work information for employment verification purposes.

2. Conducted walking challenges, in spring and fall, in support of our wellness focus, growing total participation to more than 130 employees and gaining recognition at the state level for participation.

3. Sponsored weight loss challenges emphasizing overall employee health with more than 20 employees completing the program with significant weight loss.

4. Facilitated the purchase of more than 185 FitBits by employees. Negotiated a discounted rate that included a $25 grant from the Foundation for each employee investing in the personal wellness device.

5. Completed credentials-based pay structure for compensating Continuing Education part-time faculty.

6. Implemented changes to awards program that allowed employees to choose their own rewards at significant work anniversary dates.

7. Enhanced the learning management system with free popular professional, management, and leadership books.

E. Build an inclusive, performance-based culture aligned with core values.

1. Coordinated a college-wide effort to prepare for successful SACSCOC off-site and on-site visits with collateral materials such as buttons, presentations, etc.

2. Enhanced communication with employees by sending five President’s Messages outlining the College’s latest updates and priorities.

3. Developed new and innovative ways of recruiting and retaining students for the fall of 2015 through the enrollment management committee.

2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS cont.

F. Strategically support leadership and professional development opportunities.

1. Managed over 65,000 hours of individual professional development of employees.

2. Hosted numerous regional trainings, including a Strategic Doing workshop in conjunction with Leadership Rowan and Cabarrus and multiple FEMA trainings.

3. Nominated and sponsored college employees for Leadership Rowan & Cabarrus and the North Carolina Community College System Leadership Program.

5. Serve as a catalyst for advancing the region.

A. Build, cultivate, and maintain excellent relationships locally and state-wide with leaders and innovators to increase support and influence practices and regulations affecting community colleges.

1. Served on the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents Legislative Committee.

2. Planned a Welcome Back meeting for faculty and staff, where American Association of Community Colleges President Dr. Walter Bumphus served as the speaker.

3. Executed strategic conversations with the Board of Trustees and the Rowan County Commission, Chamber of Commerce, RowanWORKS Economic Development Council, North Carolina Research Campus representatives, and UNC-C Chancellor Dr. Phil Dubois.

4. Led Leadership Awareness Presentation parties through the RCCC Foundation to raise awareness and funding for the Building a More Prosperous Community Major Gifts Campaign.

5. Developed and launched the 20162018 College’s Strategic Plan utilizing recommendations from the college employees, the cabinet, the community and finalized by the Board of Trustees.

B. Expand the region’s workforce by attracting, retaining, and developing high quality talent.

1. Coordinated and managed nine customized training projects and served 21 others through customized training business and industry services, expending more than $232,557 to train 841 employees for business expansion/ retention.

2. Worked with several local employers on new initiatives to help facilitate the testing, screening, training and employment of local individuals.

C. Partner with employers to establish seamless transitions between education and work.

1. Hosted over a dozen spotlights for Agility Fuel systems and other new employers to our area giving local residents the opportunity to learn more about specific companies and industries 2. Provided 65 free seminars for local small businesses with 668 attendees.

D. Collaborate with economic development partners to promote entrepreneurial opportunities and job growth within the region.

1. Helped create 46 jobs, retain 29 jobs and assist with 12 business start-ups through advising and coaching provided through RowanCabarrus Small Business Center.

E. Expand the college role as a community partner in developing citizens who work to improve the quality of life.

1. Achieved the Military Friendly School designation, making Rowan-Cabarrus one of 20 colleges in North Carolina with Military Friendly status.

2. Hosted on-campus job fairs for students with community partners including NC Works Rowan, the City of Salisbury and other community agencies. A total of 73 employers, 130 students, and 445 community citizens participated in the events.

3. Provided over 1,000 GED test vouchers through the Foundation.

4. Recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance for Cyber Defense and highlighted in Community College Week publication.

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FINANCIAL

FISCAL 2015

OPERATING EXPENSES

1.59% 2.61%

17.38%

Salaries and Benefits

62.20%

Supplies and Materials Services Scholarships and Fellowships

11.13%

Salaries and Benefits Supplies and Materials Services Scholarships and Fellowships U8li8es Deprecia8on

Utilities Depreciation

5.08%

Total Operating Expenses $54,850,659.80

Funds appropriated by the State of North Carolina support most College operations. State tuition from all of the 58 community colleges is pooled at the state level and used to fund a portion of each college’s state budget allocations. Curriculum tuition rates are set by the North Carolina General Assembly. The College’s tuition rates increased to $76 per credit hour for in-state tuition and $268 per credit hour for outof-state tuition effective for the spring 2016 semester.

This increase represents an increase of $4.00 per credit hour from the previous fiscal year. While community college tuition rates in North Carolina remain low when compared to other states, rates have increased by almost 45 percent since 2009-2010.

financial aid monies that are pass-through dollars to the student. Additionally, the total revenue figure includes $3,658,805 in student tuition and fees, but it is important to note that state tuition monies are remitted to the state and not kept by the College.

The College continued capital projects at multiple campuses in both counties during the year utilizing state capital dollars, Rowan County bond dollars and special capital appropriated funds from both counties to fund critically important renovation and construction projects. North Carolina community colleges operate on a cash basis accounting system with fiscal year end at June 30. Revenues may exceed expenditures when monies received for grants, financial aid awards and other institutionally funded activities are received before June 30, but expenditures are recorded after the end of the fiscal year.

State budget appropriations are based on the previous year’s full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollments.

In Fiscal 2014-2015 Rowan-Cabarrus was funded for a total of 6,362 budget FTE for the students enrolled in curriculum, continuing education and basic skills during the 2013-2014 academic year. The College’s Financial Statements for the year ending June 30, 2015, report operating and non-operating revenues totaling $63,829,985. This includes state current aid of $29,821,987 and $717,572 for state capital aid. County current appropriations for the year totaled $4,040,049 while county capital aid was $7,470,822. The remaining revenue was from grants, donations, sales and services receipts and student

In Fiscal 2014-2015, the College helped 5,470 students receive financial aid totaling $33.6 million. The aid included $1.4 million in scholarships, grants and other forms of agency, state, and federal aid, as well as $15.7 million in Pell grants and $16.5 million in loans. An economic impact study completed in 2014

by Economic Modeling Specialists International, indicates that the annual impact of Rowan-Cabarrus alumni in 2012-2013 was more than $234 million in added income within Rowan and Cabarrus counties.

NET POSITION The statement of net position reflects the overall financial position of the College at a given point in time. In Fiscal 2014-2015, the College’s total assets grew by almost 10 percent while total liabilities

5.44% less than 1%

increased by 8.9 percent, and the College’s total net position increased by almost 17 percent. The increase in net position is primarily due to an overall increase in construction in progress and capital assets resulting from continuing capital improvements in both counties.

less than 1%

93.28%

Invested in Capital Assets Restricted: Nonexpendable Invested in Capital Assets Restricted: Nonexpendable Restricted: Expendable

Restricted: Expendable

Unrestricted

Unrestricted

Total Net Position: $62,261,804.03

ROWAN-CABARRUS BOARD OF TRUSTEES Carl M. Short, Jr. | Chair Cynthia L. Mynatt | Vice Chair Carol S. Spalding, Ed.D. | President and Secretary to the Board Matthew C. Barr J. Thomas Bost Paul A. Brown

Darise D. Caldwell, Ph.D. R. Daryl Cox Patricia G. Fulcher Patricia K. Horton Lynn G. Marsh, Ph.D. Robert S. Misenheimer Stephen M. Morris

Dakeita Vanderburg-Johnson Quentin Woodward, Jr. Tereysha Robles | Student Government Association President

FOUNDATION BOARD

Diane Honeycutt | Chair Paul Brown | Vice Chair Janet Spriggs | Treasurer Carol Spalding, Ed.D. | Secretary Cordelia Andrews Raegan Brogdon William Burgin Reverend Peter Bynum William C. Cannon, Jr.

Kevin Crutchfield Harold Earnhardt Timothy Elleby, Sr. Tim Hagler Denise Hallett Patricia K. Horton Starling Johnson Katrina King Cynthia Mynatt

Irvin Newberry Edward Norvell Mary Ponds Kelly Propst, Ed.D. Lisa Tucker Dakeita Vanderburg-Johnson William Wagoner

ROWAN-CABARRUS CABINET MEMBERS

Jonathan S. Chamberlain, B.B.C Chief Officer of Facilities Services

Tina M. Haynes, M.S. Chief Officer of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness Carla G. Howell, A.A.S. Chief Officer of Governance, Foundation & Public Relations Ken G. Ingle, M.S. Chief Information Officer

Craig R. Lamb, M.A. Vice President of Corporate and Continuing Education Gaye N. McConnell, M.A. Vice President of Enrollment and Student Experience Michael D. Quillen Vice President of Academic Programs Janet N. Spriggs, M.S. Chief Financial Officer

Rowan-Cabarrus Mission:

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College improves lives and builds community through public higher education and workforce development.

Statement of Purpose:

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is an open-door, comprehensive learning-centered institution of higher education serving the citizens of Rowan and Cabarrus counties. The College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, offers affordable occupational and education programs leading to Associate in Arts Degree, Associate in Science Degree, Associate in Fine Arts Degree, Associate in General Education Degree, and Associate in Applied Science Degrees. Diplomas and certificates are awarded for other occupational, adult and continuing education programs. The primary focus of the College’s offerings is on workforce development by meeting the educational needs of the individual and meeting the changing training requirements of business and industrial firms as well as other employers in the service area.

Reflecting its commitment to student learning outcomes, the College strives to inspire its students to increase their knowledge, develop occupational and technical proficiencies, respond to lifelong learning opportunities, and increase their awareness as responsible citizens in a democratic society.

Vision:

Building sustainable futures through the power of learning.

• • • • • •

Values:

Excellence and innovation in education and workforce training; Continuous improvement through lifelong learning and achievement; Trust, integrity, inclusiveness, and mutual respect; Exemplary service through team work; Responsibility, sustainability, accountability; Leadership, partnership and global citizenship.

5,000 copies of this document were produced locally at a total cost of $7,644 or $1.52 per piece.

POST OFFICE BOX 1595 SALISBURY, N.C. 28145-1595