Randolph Community College opens downtown office to get closer to community

Megan Crotty
mjcrotty@randolph.edu 

ASHEBORO — Randolph Community College (RCC) officially opened its new Education & Engagement Center (EEC) at 135 Sunset Ave. in downtown Asheboro on Friday Jan. 23, with a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting.

The new location expands RCC’s ability to deliver workforce training, small business support and student services in close proximity to local employers and the business community. 

The Education & Engagement Center serves as a hub for education, business development and community connection in the heart of Randolph County. By locating the Center downtown, RCC is strengthening partnerships with businesses and making it easier for working adults, entrepreneurs and employers to connect with training and resources that support workforce needs. 

Designed with both student support and instruction in mind, the Center functions as an additional “front door” to RCC. 

“Access is the first promise we make to our community, and this Center is that promise in action,” President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “The Education and Engagement Center brings Randolph Community College closer to the people we serve — and closer to the businesses and employers driving our local economy. It creates new opportunities for workforce training, business support, and career advancement right here in downtown Asheboro. This is more than a building; it is a workforce gateway that strengthens our local economy while opening doors to education and opportunity.” 

RCC Board Chair Reynolds Lisk noted, “When he came to RCC, one of the first things [Dr. Ardalan] told me was he wanted the College to be a hub for this community. Today, we are bringing our campus to the community.” 

In addition to staff, faculty, and community members, elected officials and community partners in attendance included NC Sen. Dave Craven; U.S. Sen. Tom Tillis’ Regional Representative Mike Fenley; U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson’s Field Director Daniel Dorociak; Randolph County Commissioner David Allen; Asheboro Mayor Joey Trogdon; former Asheboro Mayor David Smith; Asheboro Mayor Pro Tem Eddie Burks; City Council members Kelly Heath, Mary Joan Pugh and Phillip Skeen; City Manager Donald Duncan; Asheboro-Randolph Chamber President Adam Deathe; Chamber Board Chair Richard Schoenberger; Ready Telecom Inc. President Al LaPrade; RCC Foundation Board members Robert Graves, Neal Griffin and Ann Hoover; Lisk; RCC Board Vice Chair Chris Yow and RCC Board members Alvin Battle, James Goudy, Grant Hollowell, Allen McNeill, Cindy Schroder and Bill Wittenberg.

“Randolph Community College is committed to fostering learning, engagement, and meaningful exchange among students and the broader community. To advance this vision, the college established the Education & Engagement Center,” EEC Coordinator Abraham Encinas said. 

The EEC features two classrooms that will host programming based on community and employer needs, including ESOL courses beginning in February, with additional workforce training and small business programming planned in the months ahead. 

RCC invites community members and organizations to use the space for meetings and small gatherings. To reserve a space, visit https://randolphcc.wufoo.com/forms/rcc-facility-use-request-a-eec/.  For more information, call 336-328-1755 or email educationandengagement@randolph.edu. 

The Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.