2023–2028 Strategic Plan
A Message from Our President
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has been a beacon of hope for students, offering them the opportunity to re-imagine their futures for 60 years. The College is committed to educating students and working with businesses in our community to develop a prepared and highly skilled workforce.
Our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan ensures that we will continue to support our community through education and workforce training. This plan builds upon the great work begun in the previous plan and moves us forward so that we can continue our quest to provide excellence in education and workforce training.
The Plan focuses on key theme areas, which will guide our work and inform our decisions over the next five years:
» Learn – Increasing the community’s educational attainment to lead individuals, families, and the region to equitable prosperity, sustainability, and success
» Engage – Cultivating engagement with employees, students, and the community to improve lives
» Innovate – Shaping the community of the future
» Lead – Continuing to be a catalyst for change
» Belong – Advancing an inclusive culture based on mutual respect and caring
These themes are more than lofty ideals. As you read through the plan, you will see the goals and objectives aligned to each theme – giving us a roadmap for success. We know the work will not be easy, but we are committed to success and are ready to do the work needed to achieve each goal.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is proud to serve as a trusted workforce development provider in our region, and we will continue to strive to be the first choice for higher education for our community.
In partnership and service, Carol S. Spalding, Ed.D. President, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Hear more from Dr. Spalding on the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.
Rowan-Cabarrus Statement of Purpose
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is an open door, comprehensive learning-centered institution of public higher education serving the citizens of Rowan and Cabarrus counties. The College, a part of the North Carolina Community College System, offers affordable occupational and educational programs leading to Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Engineering, 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 is workforce development, meeting the educational needs of the individual and changing requirements of the workplace. 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 expand their awareness as responsible citizens in a democratic society.
Rowan-Cabarrus Mission
Rowan-Cabarrus improves lives and builds community through public higher education and workforce development.
Vision Statement
Building sustainable futures through the power of learning.
Values
We are committed to our college and our community through our values:
» Excellence and innovation in education and workforce development;
» Continuous improvement through lifelong learning and achievement;
» Trust, integrity, equity, inclusiveness and mutual respect;
» Exemplary service through teamwork;
» Responsiveness, resiliency, sustainability, accountability;
» Leadership, partnership and global citizenship.
Goal 1 – Learn
How can Rowan-Cabarrus Community College increase the community’s educational attainment to lead individuals, families, and the region to equitable prosperity, sustainability and success?
Objectives
» Deliver exceptional learning and development for every student.
» Prepare all students for career success and establish the foundation for continued higher education.
» Support student learning outcomes by maximizing employee talent and institutional resources.
» Support successful, affordable, and timely completion of each student’s educational goals.
Goal 2 – Engage
How can Rowan-Cabarrus Community College cultivate engagement with employees, students and the community to improve lives?
Objectives
» Invest in creating an inclusive culture that celebrates talented, innovative, and caring faculty and staff.
» Advance students’ economic mobility through education, community, and employer partnerships.
» Optimize the student experience by providing learning and service opportunities for all students.
» Expand opportunities for the inclusion of online students in the College community.
Goal 3 – Innovate
How can Rowan-Cabarrus Community College shape the Community of the Future?
Objectives
» Develop and implement comprehensive educational pipelines to facilitate lifelong learning.
» Foster an environment that anticipates opportunities for institutional growth, entrepreneurship, and local economic development.
» Champion sustainable practices that respect the natural environment and promote a healthy community.
Goal 4 – Lead
How can Rowan-Cabarrus Community College be a catalyst for change?
Objectives
» Convene timely and strategic conversations that influence the future of our region and state.
» Advocate for the value of education, community colleges and the future of the workforce.
» Drive innovation by striving for continuous improvement.
Goal 5 – Belong
How does Rowan-Cabarrus Community College advance an inclusive culture based on mutual respect and caring?
Objectives
» Recognize, value, and learn how the unique experiences of each person contributes to the college culture.
» Provide equitable opportunities for every student to succeed.
» Be aware, informed, and responsive to all backgrounds and needs of our students, faculty, and staff.
» Establish Rowan-Cabarrus as the first choice for higher education, workforce development, and employment in our community.