In December, the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College board of trustees recognized some of the most outstanding employees of the year.

“Our staff at Rowan-Cabarrus is vital to our mission. We cannot help students achieve their goals in the classroom if they aren’t receiving stellar support in registering for classes, needed counseling and advising, and well-maintained buildings to study and learn in,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus.

Each year, Rowan-Cabarrus recognizes employees who go “above and beyond,” providing stellar service and making significant contributions to the institution. The college’s 2014 Outstanding Employees Award winners are: Jenny Beaver, program chair, English; Paula Dibley, director of college relations, marketing and communications; Gene McCants, enrollment specialist; Carl Ritchie, facilities services technician; and Jay Taylor, lead instructor, SOAR.

“They are remarkable employees, exhibiting a work ethic, attitude, professionalism, and demeanor worthy of recognition. They ‘live’ our values,” said Tina Haynes, chief officer of human resources and institutional effectiveness.

These employees display a passion for their work and an unreserved commitment to students and the college’s mission.

“It’s also important to me that we celebrate the successes that our employees have, inside and outside our college,” said Spalding.

One such recognition included honoring Carla Howell, chief officer of governance, foundation and public relations. Howell was recently awarded Business Today’s Top Women in Business Award for 2014.

“As I gained more satisfaction, confidence and momentum in the various roles and positions that I was privileged to serve, I yearned for more opportunity and realized that happiness could be achieved through professional and personal success,” said Howell.

A graduate of Rowan-Cabarrus herself, Howell is a success story for the college.

“I was honored to receive this award. I believe in the mission of the college and have enjoyed my professional career here. It’s a great place to be a part of and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. ” said Howell.

Also, among the class of nominees for the Top Women in Business award was Rowan-Cabarrus instructor and program chair Jenn Selby. Selby, a leader in the fine arts community and chair of the college’s Department of Fine & Applied Arts, recently developed the new Advertising & Graphic Design associate in applied science degree program that launches this spring.

“I want to congratulate all of our recent award winners and thank them for them contributions to the college and the community. This board of trustees is proud of you,” said Carl M. Short, chair of the college’s board of trustees.