Salisbury-based school honored as double finalist at American Association of Community Colleges annual awards

SALISBURY — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is making national waves as a 2025 double finalist in the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Awards of Excellence.

The college has been recognized as a 2025 national finalist in two categories by the American Association of Community Colleges for Exemplary CEO/Board Relationship and Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership. Both recognitions highlight the college’s collaborative leadership and innovative workforce programs that continue to drive student success and economic impact across the region.

“Being named a finalist in two categories affirms the strength of our mission and the power of our partnerships,” RCCC President Dr. Carol S. Spalding said. “Whether through governance or workforce development, we are focused on solutions that uplift our students and strengthen the communities we serve.”

Presented annually to showcase innovation, impact and leadership among the nation’s 1,200 community colleges, the AACC Awards of Excellence recognized Rowan-Cabarrus, not once, but twice, during the April 15 gala in Nashville, Tennessee.

Propelled by bi-annual state board training, strategic retreats and consistent self-evaluation, the college’s leadership prioritizes continuous growth and forward-looking planning. These practices have guided key initiatives, including holistic student support and groundbreaking financial milestones, such as securing a $45 million bond, a $1 million private gift for solar infrastructure, and bridging a $30 million funding gap.

“This recognition from AACC is evidence of the trust, care and accountability at the core of our leadership model,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. “Our board of trustees approaches every challenge with thoughtfulness, integrity and a clear commitment to the mission of the college.”

Support for this strong governance model is provided through the efforts of the college’s Governance, Advancement and Community Relations division, led by Chief Officer Sarah Devlin, which helps align board strategy with community engagement, institutional priorities and transparent communication.

“For the past 15 years, the Rowan-Cabarrus trustees and Dr. Spalding have worked in true partnership — elevating the college’s profile, fueling student success and helping our region thrive,” Chair of the Rowan-Cabarrus Board of Trustees said Cyndie Mynatt. “The relationship between the board of trustees and the president is one of genuine collaboration and shared purpose. This partnership has been instrumental in positioning the college as a forward-thinking institution that is responsive to the needs of our students and community.”

In addition to its governance recognition, Rowan-Cabarrus was named a top-five national finalist in Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership for its collaboration with the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute (NCMI) — a powerful workforce development engine driving opportunity and economic mobility across the region.

“These recognitions speak to the deep alignment between our leadership, our educators, and our industry partners,” Mynatt said. “The board is proud to work alongside a president and a college community that embraces innovation, drives impact and keeps students at the center of every decision.”

Launched in 2015, the NCMI is an eight-week, scholarship-funded program that equips students with current manufacturing skills, the industry-recognized credentials and guaranteed job interviews with local employers. To date, more than 400 graduates have earned their Certified Production Technician credential, with 85 percent securing full-time employment, earning annual salaries between $44,000 and $58,000 with benefits.

“The success of the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute shows what is possible when education and industry come together with a shared mission for workforce development,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding. “This recognition speaks to the innovation of our teams, the dedication of our partners and the life-changing outcomes for our students.”

What sets NCMI apart is its powerful network of 36 industry partners and a strong collaboration with Mitchell Community College — an unprecedented partnership that continues to grow. The Rowan County commissioners further support this collective momentum, who have invested in expanded scholarship opportunities through the Better Jobs for Better Lives initiative. NCMI offers a unique “pay it forward” model, where employers fund scholarships for future students after hiring graduates. It is led by Vice President Elbert Lassiter through the College’s Corporate and Continuing Education division.

“This isn’t just about jobs — it’s about building careers, supporting families and strengthening the entire region,” said Austin Shrewsberry with Martin Marietta, one of NCMI’s lead industry partners. “This partnership works because it listens, adapts and delivers results.”

AACC’s national honors reaffirm Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s place at the forefront of higher education, where strategic leadership, innovative partnerships and student-centered programs shape lasting change.