After a year of developing a new strategic plan and seeking input from key stakeholders, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has released the document that will guide the college for the next three years.

“This plan will guide the college over the next three years and determine the primary goals and objectives we work toward,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus.

During recent strategic conversations with community leaders and business and industry, several themes emerged as important priorities for the college. In addition to hearing from industry and community leaders, the college also held meetings with students, faculty and staff this fall to identify the top goals.

The final 2015-2018 strategic plan, as presented to the board of trustees, includes the following goals:

• Prepare students for careers and opportunities that stimulate sustainable economic and workforce development.
• Foster a culture of learning that inspires academic excellence and promotes student success.
• Provide excellent service to current and prospective students, colleagues, businesses, industries and the community.
• Acquire, develop and manage human, fiscal and physical resources essential to the development and delivery of technology-enriched, high-value education and service.
• Serve as a catalyst for advancing the region.

The college has also established a set of objectives that address how each goal can specifically be achieved.

Rowan-Cabarrus also reviewed its mission, vision, values and purpose statement as part of this process. Ultimately, these remained largely the same, as feedback showed they were still accurate.

The strategic planning process began last year and has involved college faculty and staff getting together with local community leaders to brainstorm ways to better the college and community over the next few years. The community leaders’ main message to the college was to “plan bravely,” according to a news release.

“It was gratifying to hear from community leaders that the college not only has solid support, but also has the ability to help lead the Rowan and Cabarrus region to greater economic security through education,” said Spalding.

Focused planning sessions included in-depth conversations on advanced manufacturing and technology, health care, information technology, and STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — important areas of growth for the college.

“We believe education is the best investment someone can make. A more educated region will result in a stronger, more vibrant region,” said Carl M. Short, chairman of the college’s board of trustees. “I am confident that this plan will help us get there.”