Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

KANNAPOLIS — The Rowan-Cabarrus Community College board of trustees, staff and faculty recently gathered with North Carolina Research Campus representatives, the mayor of Kannapolis and community residents to discuss the future of Kannapolis.

“We are very proud of our relationship with the city of Kannapolis and the North Carolina Research Campus,” said Carol S. Spalding, president of the college. “Our strong partnership has continued to grow over time.”

The college has two sites in Kannapolis, with a third on the way.

The Rowan-Cabarrus building on the Research Campus, opened in 2010, is home to nursing and biotechnology programs.

The college’s West Avenue Center, which opened in June 2015, houses the cosmetology, esthetics and manicuring programs, as well as nurse’s aide and employability training.

Kannapolis also will soon be the home of the Advanced Technology Center, thanks in part to the donation of nearly 3 acres by David H. Murdock, CEO and president of Castle & Cooke Inc. and the N.C. Research Campus founder. The new technology center will be a 60,000-square-foot classroom and laboratory building adjacent to the college’s existing facility on the Research Campus.

The discussion of Kannapolis’ future centered on revitalization and the college’s role in growth and development.

“We work together frequently to move our community forward,” said Mayor Darrell Hinnant. “The best way to do it is to do it together.”

Hinnant said revitalization will mean 2,000 to 4,000 people working in downtown Kannapolis.

“We’re looking at the possibility of relocating the college’s cosmetology facility across the street from the current location,” he said. “We’d plan for you to be in the new building for the fall 2018 semester. This is part of the city’s 10-year capital plan and will require no new taxes. We will make the college whole.”

While the final location for the new college space has not been determined, the city is working with developers to determine the best use of all downtown space.

“The mayor has been very careful and caring for the college during this process,” Spalding said. “We know how much property we need and our program’s needs. We know that our futures are linked and we are a major part of the success of this region.”

The cosmetology program is one of the largest in the state. The building also houses associate degree, diploma and certificate programs and serves more than 700 community college and high school students.

“We are committed to our partnerships with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and the city of Kannapolis,” said Mark Spitzer, Castle & Cooke North Carolina vice president of operations. “As a result of Mr. Murdock’s generosity, we at Castle & Cooke are proud to support the addition of the ATC, which will enhance the campus’ role not only as a premier center of scientific research but as an engine for workforce and economic advancement for Kannapolis and the surrounding region.”

For information about the cosmetology, manicuring and esthetic services, call 704-792-9788.

For information about the college, visit www.rccc.edu or call 704-216-RCCC (7222).