I am so fortunate to work with so many dedicated people at Rowan-Cabarrus. I have a special affection and appreciation for Jeanie and the role she has played for the college because I share Jeanie’s continuing education and workforce development background. When I was interviewed for the president’s position in April 2008, I did not meet Jeanie. Jeanie was in Washington, talking to the Department of Labor about how the college had stepped up to meet the needs of the people laid off by Pillowtex in July 2003. Because of her leadership, the college won a national award for its service during this devastating time. It was typical that she would generously share with others what the college had learned about serving our region’s unemployed.
Jeanie was key to introducing me to the community. She knows everyone, and everything about everyone. She can work a room as well as anyone I have ever met, and she has the critical conversations with key people along the way. She served in many community leadership roles, including the chamber board and was the first woman chair of the Economic Development Commission. The community college system always wanted her to serve on or chair statewide committees because of her relationships and hard work. Jeanie was generous with her recognition of others, often nominating key people for awards. After I read her write-ups of their attributes, no wonder they won.
I appointed Jeanie to chair our new Vision 20/20 committee, an internal group that serves as special advisor to the president on issues that need input and cooperation. Jeanie has an ability to communicate without intimidating others. She has been a trusted administrator because she listens well and can pick up nuances and discern real problems that need to be addressed.
After Jerry Chandler retired, Jeanie assumed the vice president of advancement title and oversaw the growth of grants and private donations. She is the primary author of our current Case for Support and strategy for philanthropy to raise major gifts in the coming months. We could not have achieved our current level of success without Jeanie’s work and her ability to “read” the community.
She and husband Jack have leveraged Jack’s famous Blow’n Smoke barbecue sauce and cooking into an annual toys for kids Christmas event. In exchange for a wonderful dinner, just drop off a new toy for kid. What a wonderful tradition and service to the community.
I have enjoyed working with Jeanie immensely and will miss her positive attitude, insights and can-do spirit. I wish her the best for the future.

Carol Spalding is the president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College