Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Matt Barr, chairman and chief executive officer of Carolina Color, has joined the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College board of trustees. Barr will serve on the board through 2018.

“I am so pleased to get to work more closely with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. I believe in the good work that they’re doing,” said Matt Barr, who was recently appointed to this role by N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory. “I’m looking forward to developing a stronger relationship with the college and its mission in the community through this appointment.”

Barr has worked for Salisbury-based Carolina Color for more than 15 years, the last four in his current role as chairman and chief executive officer. Carolina Color produces and sells colorant to the plastic processing industry.

“I feel that Rowan-Cabarrus is vital to Rowan and Cabarrus counties in the advancement of our workforce and the enrichment of our communities,” said Barr. “I hope my long career in business will offer the college a unique perspective.”

Barr’s previous experience included sales and management for Sports Illustrated and TIME magazines.

Barr graduated from Columbia University with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1987. He also studied publishing and accounting in executive education programs at Stanford University and Northwestern University.

Rowan-Cabarrus board of trustees members are responsible for attending all board meetings and key Rowan-Cabarrus events. As a board, they are responsible for college policies.

“We are pleased to welcome Matt to the board. His business expertise, connections and insight are invaluable, and we know the college will benefit from his leadership and management experience,” said Carl M. Short, chairman of the Rowan-Cabarrus board of trustees.

Appointments to the board of trustees are liaisons to the public of the entire service area and not to the appointing entity. Once appointed, trustees are to carry out their duties as established by the General Statutes of North Carolina and the board’s bylaws and policies. They are to carry out those responsibilities independent of concern for any group, organization, appointing board or political entity other than the students, citizens of the service area, and the college.

“Our trustees are accomplished and dedicated. They’ve been involved extensively in our service area and work well together to help create the future of the college and our community,” said Dr. Carol Spalding, Rowan-Cabarrus president.

Barr and his wife, the former Gwin Dalton Carter, are members of Life Church. They have three children.