Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

KANNAPOLIS — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College recently moved its cosmetology, esthetics and manicuring programs in Kannapolis to a new location as part of the city’s downtown revitalization.

The college hosted City Council members, county commissioners, and Rowan-Cabarrus trustees, staff, faculty and donors to commemorate the completion of the College Station project with a ribbon-cutting. Tours were offered at the new location, named College Station and home to the school of cosmetology.

“We are so thrilled the new College Station site is open and ready for clients,” said RCCC President Carol S. Spalding. “The teaching and learning at College Station is incredible. It is a delight to see the students working closely with their instructors and serving clients.”

The previous location at 120 West Ave. was a key site in Kannapolis’ plans to bring a new stadium downtown. In order for the city to move forward with those plans, the college needed to relocate. The new location is in a shopping center at 489 Cannon Blvd.

“This beautiful facility would not have been possible without the unique public-private partnerships between the city of Kannapolis and Cabarrus County. We are excited about the new space and look forward to continued partnerships with these and other community groups,” said Spalding.

“When the college moved downtown to 120 West Ave. in summer 2015, we did not anticipate needing to relocate this soon. However, we are extremely supportive of the city’s efforts to revitalize downtown Kannapolis and stimulate economic growth and development.”

 

College officials are pleased to be a part of the continued economic and workforce development in Kannapolis.

“This opportunity is a good move for the college. I am pleased that this will be a new 20-year lease with those same terms and conditions as the lease at 120 West Ave. and will continue through 2038,” said Carl M. Short, chairman of the Rowan-Cabarrus board of trustees.

The spacious facility is a showcase for the students and their cosmetology clients.

The cosmetology curriculum is designed to provide competency-based knowledge, scientific and artistic principles, and hands-on fundamentals associated with the cosmetology industry. The curriculum provides a simulated salon environment, which enables students to develop manipulative skills.

“We take pride in our ability to be a nimble and flexible partner in the community, and we are committed to being a catalyst for change in the region,” said Spalding. “We are happy to help be that anchor for the Jackson Park neighborhood. We believe that this move is a win for both the college and the city of Kannapolis.”

Also, as part of the revitalization efforts, the city enhanced the landscaping in the parking lot and the area around the former shopping center.

“Our cosmetology program is not only widely successful, but it’s a wonderful example of our strong partnership with local high schools,” said Spalding. “The Career & College Promise program allows over 80 high school students to simultaneously enroll in high school and college so that they can receive both high school and college credit for courses taken as part of the program.”

The college has been offering classes and seeing clients at the new location since August. The cosmetology program offers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.

College Station, in addition to cosmetology courses, also includes esthetician classes, which offers training in skin care and makeup. Students practice the latest techniques using a wet-dry microdermabrasion machine. They also do microcurrent treatments to stimulate face and neck muscles. Chemical exfoliation, chemical peels and LED light therapy help with acne, aging skin and other problems.

“We are proud of our cosmetology program, which is one of the largest and most successful in the state,” said Ronald Wolfe, chairman of the cosmetology program. “Our students are doing beautiful work and learning a great deal. I highly encourage anyone to come enjoy one of the many salon quality services we offer.”

At the ribbon-cutting, students worked with models to do hair, makeup and nail treatments for a holiday-themed runway show.

 

For additional information about cosmetology, manicuring and esthetic services, call 704-792-9788. A full list of the current services offered, along with pricing information can be found at www.rccc.edu/cosmetology.