Randolph Community College Adult High School Diploma /GED Graduation Set for December 16

Elbert Lassiter, plant manager for Goodyear and a Randolph Community College trustee, will be the guest speaker at Randolph Community College's Adult High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED) fall graduation ceremony set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Asheboro High School Performing Arts Center.

The Basic Skills Division holds three graduation ceremonies throughout the year for Adult High School Diploma and GED graduates who finish their studies at various times throughout the year. A ceremony was held May 13 for spring graduates and Aug. 16 for summer graduates.

Approximately 25 students are expected to participate in Thursday's ceremony out of 116 GED graduates and five Adult High School Diploma graduates who were eligible in December.

For more information on the ceremony and a list of graduates, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-12-10.php.

Randolph Community College Converts JobsNOW Programs Into Ongoing Certificate Programs

Randolph Community College will be converting its JobsNOW programs into Occupational Extension certificate courses beginning in January. They will include courses in Electrician Assistant, HVAC, Hospitality and Tourism, and Administrative Assistant.

Elizabeth Kremer, director of occupational extension for RCC, said that instructional hours have been added to all the programs to increase the employability of the graduates. Funding for the JobsNOW program, which came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), ends this month.

Human Resources Development Career Exploration courses have been scheduled for people who are unsure what training area they might be interested in. Fees for the Career Exploration courses are waived for individuals who are unemployed, have received notification of pending layoff or who meet income requirements. The Career Exploration courses, which include Hospitality and Tourism Career Exploration, Electrical/HVAC Career Exploration, and Administrative Assistant Career Exploration, will be held from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, Jan. 24-28, on the Asheboro Campus.

The certificate program courses are scheduled to begin at the end of January.

For more on this story and a schedule of courses, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-12-09.php.

Randolph Community College Foundation Provides Over $195,000 in Scholarship Funds to Curriculum Students

The Randolph Community College Foundation has awarded over $146,898 in scholarships to 112 students for the 2010-2011 academic year. An additional $1,182 is available to award during the spring semester. These awards include various scholarships funded by individuals, businesses, and organizations, plus Foundation Ambassador scholarships, and High School Achievement scholarships. They are for Curriculum (credit) students pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate program. The Foundation also provided $47,000 to RCC's financial aid office for unrestricted scholarships to help Curriculum students who have financial need but do not qualify for traditional financial aid.

Most of the Foundation's scholarship funds come from endowments that enable the Foundation to award scholarships each year. The principal in these scholarship funds is invested and a portion of the earnings is used to award scholarships. Currently, an investment of $10,000 will fully endow a scholarship to assist RCC students in perpetuity.

The Foundation also accepts designated scholarships in which contributions to the fund are paid out to students. Designated scholarships may be established in any amount.

To read more on this story, along with a list of scholarship recipients, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-12-08a.php.

Randolph Community College to Hold Graduation Dec. 15 for JobsNOW, Medical Office Assistant Graduates

Randolph Community College's Corporate and Continuing Education Division will hold a combined graduation ceremony for JobsNOW and Medical Office Assistant program (noncredit) graduates at 6:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 15, in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center on the Asheboro Campus.

RCC President Robert S. Shackleford Jr. will be the keynote speaker, with Anne Hockett, vice president for instructional services, providing the welcome and introduction. Robert Leslie, dean of corporate and continuing education, will provide closing remarks. A reception will follow the ceremony in the Armadillo Café.

For a list of students graduating, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-12-08.php.

Randolph Community College's Cosmetology Program Records 100% Pass Rate

Randolph Community College's Cosmetology program has a 100% state board pass rate to date, according to the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology for North Carolina. Tammy Matthews, program head and instructor for the Cosmetology program, said the NIC notifies her of the results each time one of RCC's students or graduates takes the exam.

To date, two RCC Cosmetology graduates have passed both the written and practical tests, one graduate has passed the written exam, and nine RCC students still enrolled in the program have passed the written exam. Current students can choose to take the written exam after 1,000 hours of instruction, said Matthews, but must wait until they graduate to take the practical exam. Graduates then have up to six months after they graduate to take the practical exam.

"I'm really proud of my group," said Matthews. "They have done really well. The students actually said my tests were harder than the state boards, which was my goal."

After 1,200 hours of instruction, if a student passes the exam with a score of 70 or higher, he/she is licensed at an apprentice level, but then must work under a licensed cosmetologist for six months. After 1,500 hours of instruction, if a student passes the exam with 75% or higher, he/she becomes a full licensed cosmetologist. Matthews said that Randolph Community College students have passed with scores of 87 and above.

For more information about enrolling in Randolph Community College's Cosmetology program, contact RCC at 336-633-0224. Spring semester classes begin Jan. 10.

Randolph Community College Faculty Association Collects 241 Coats for Charity

The Faculty Association at Randolph Community College just completed a Give a Kid a Coat campaign drive on the Asheboro Campus. The faculty members collected 241 gently used or new coats to donate to the campaign drive held annually by A Cleaner World, Fox8/WGHP, 107.5KZL, and The Salvation Army.

Dahlia Oldham, an RCC student who helped with the campaign, collected over 70 coats from family and friends. "I never gave (our coats) away before," said Oldham of her family's coats, which numbered about 20. She even gave up one of her own favorite coats. "I told my husband that someone else could wear it," she said. "My heart is really full."

RCC faculty members Carra Miskovich and Maria LeBaron delivered the coats to A Cleaner World on Dec. 2. "Carra and Maria were really the driving force behind this project," said Jennifer Macy, president of the RCC Faculty Association. "I would like to thank everyone who donated coats to this campaign, which will make difference in our community this winter."

Randolph Community College Continuing Education Spring Schedule Online

Randolph Community College has posted its spring 2011 Continuing Education schedule of courses online.

RCC's Continuing Education courses include noncredit courses in workforce development, business and industry training, teacher renewal, personal enrichment, and basic skills. They include certification courses in areas such as emergency medical services, fire services, law enforcement, electrical, automotive inspection and safety, and welding. Personal enrichment classes include such topics as painting, photography, pottery, sewing and stitchery, T'ai Chi Ch'uan, and Zumba.

Classes are available on the Asheboro Campus, at the Archdale Center, at the Emergency Services Training Center, and at various locations throughout the county. To browse RCC's spring Continuing Education offerings, go to www.randolph.edu/continuinged/programs/ .

For more information on specific courses, or to register, call 336-633-0268 in Asheboro or 336-862-7980 in Archdale. Online registration is also available.

Forty-Six Randolph Community College Students Inducted Into Honor Society

Forty-six students were welcomed into Beta Theta Rho, Randolph Community College's Five-Star Phi Theta Kappa chapter, during the fall induction ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 30, in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center auditorium on the Asheboro Campus. RCC President Robert S. Shackleford Jr. was the guest speaker at the ceremony, and Anne Hockett, vice president for instructional services, made closing remarks.

For more on this story, a list of the new inductees, and photos, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-12-01.php.

Scholarships for Community College Students and Recent Alumni Offered

Randolph Community College students and alumni who earned a degree since spring 2006 and have not since transferred to a four-year college are eligible to apply for the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.

The private foundation will award up to $30,000 annually per recipient to help students and recent alumni from community colleges and two-year institutions pursue four-year degrees at any accredited college or university in the United States. Last year, the Foundation received approximately 500 nominations for these awards.

While 45 percent of all college students in the United States attend community colleges, few private funds are available to help top community college students transfer to four-year institutions, in spite of their high levels of ability and need. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation scholarships can provide funding for tuition, room and board, required fees, and books for the length of the undergraduate degree, generally two years. Award amounts will vary based on such factors as the cost of the institution each recipient attends.

The Foundation plans to award approximately 60 scholarships through this program in spring 2011, a 50% increase over 2010. It will renew awards each year based upon student performance.

The application deadline is January 7, 2011. An online application is available on the Foundation's Web site, www.jkcf.org. All candidates for the scholarship must be nominated by a representative at their college. RCC students with questions can contact Julie New, financial aid specialist, at jhnew@randolph.edu or 336-633-0364.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to helping young people of exceptional promise reach their full potential through education. The Foundation provides challenging opportunities to high achievers from lower-income families through its Young Scholars Program, generous scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study, and grants to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions.

Pfeiffer to Offer Master's in Elementary Education at RCC's University Center of Randolph County

When Randolph Community College President Robert Shackleford announced the University Center of Randolph County in 2008, which offered bachelor's degrees locally for the first time, it was a historic occasion. RCC will make history a second time this spring when it again partners with Pfeiffer University to offer the first master's degree in Randolph County.

"I'm very excited about this development," said Dr. Shackleford, when he announced the program to the RCC Board of Trustees at the regular meeting Nov. 18. "Through the University Center of Randolph County, we are able to offer some unprecedented educational opportunities for the people of our county, and this new master's degree is a great step forward for the program."

For more on this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-11-19.php.

Randolph Community College's Inner Strength 3MP Sponsors Toy Drive

Inner Strength 3MP (minority male mentoring program) at Randolph Community College is sponsoring a toy drive for Fox 8 Gifts for Kids.

The program is asking for donations of new, unwrapped gifts for kids of all ages. Gifts will be collected from now through Monday, Dec. 6, and they will be delivered to Fox 8 by Inner Strength participants sometime later that week.

Drop-off points for the toys are the Student Services Center lounge, the Design Center, and the Health & Science Center on the Asheboro Campus.

The Inner Strength program focuses on three components: academic enhancement, character/leadership development, and career development. The goal of the program is to increase graduation and retention rates among minority males. The program currently has 31 participants.

For more information about Inner Strength or the toy drive, contact Arnold Gaines, retention specialist, at 336-0205 or algaines@randolph.edu.

Randolph Community College Adds Nursing Assistant Certificate Program

The need for nursing assistants in North Carolina is expected to rise about 30% through 2016, according to data from the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina. Nationally, numerous job openings and excellent job opportunities are expected. Most jobs are in nursing and residential care facilities and in hospitals.

That need is one reason why Randolph Community College has added a Nursing Assistant certificate program to its Curriculum (college credit) offerings. RCC has offered Nursing Assistant I training through its Continuing Education division for many years. The benefits of the change include additional seat capacity in NAI classes and the expansion of the curriculum with Nursing Assistant II and Home Health Care courses, according to Anne Hockett, vice president for instructional services at RCC. "With the aging population, we are excited to be able to prepare our Nursing Assistant students in a specialty area in which employment needs will increase as baby boomers age," she said.

To read more, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-11-12.php.

Holiday Concert/Tree Lighting Set for Dec. 1 at Randolph Community College

Randolph Community College's Cultural Arts Series will present a holiday concert and tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center on the Asheboro Campus. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Handbell Choir from Marlboro Friends Meeting in Sophia will provide festive sounds of the season. The tree lighting and caroling will take place in the plaza, and the handbell choir will perform in the LRC lobby. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information on the Cultural Arts series at Randolph Community College, call 336-633-0244, or visit www.randolph.edu/newevents/culturalarts.php. RCC's Asheboro Campus is located at 629 Industrial Park Avenue. Take the McDowell Road exit off of U.S. 220 Bypass/I73-74 and follow the signs.

Randolph Community College Archdale Center Youth Art Show Opens

Randolph Community College's Archdale Center is hosting its third annual youth art show in conjunction with Christmas at Creekside. The show features art from local preschools, childcare centers, elementary and middle schools.

Voting begins Nov. 11 and will continue through Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to visit the Archdale Center, view the artwork, and vote for their favorites at a penny a vote. Proceeds go to RCC's Relay for Life Team, which benefits cancer research.

On Friday, Dec. 3, the Archdale Center will host choral performances beginning at 5:30 p.m. An award ceremony for the art show will take place at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, and poinsettias will be for sale at great prices.

The art show is open for viewing Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. RCC's Archdale Center is located at 110 Park Drive in Creekside Park on Highway 311 south of Archdale.

Randolph Community College Cosmetology Students Win Awards

Four Randolph Community College Cosmetology students won awards at the North Carolina Cosmetology Aesthetics Nails Association 2010 Student Competition on Nov. 6 at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro.

Felix McNeil of Asheboro won 1st place in Twisty Braids. Keione Covington of Asheboro placed 2nd in Bridal Manikin (there were 27 contestants in this category). Michelle Lewis of Asheboro won 3rd place in the Fantasy category. Katie Corfios of Level Cross placed 3rd in Female Hair Cutting.

Over 18 schools were represented in the competition. RCC had 15 students competing and placed in every category entered except one, according to Tammy Matthews, program head for Cosmetology.

RCC is now accepting applications for the Cosmetology program for the spring semester, which begins Jan. 10. Interested students should contact the admissions office as soon as possible to complete the admissions process. Call 336-633-0224 for more information.

Twenty-one Students Chosen for Randolph Community College Student Leadership Academy

Twenty-one students have been chosen for Randolph Community College's fourth annual Student Leadership Academy based on a competitive process that considered leadership experience, leadership potential, and a letter of reference from a faculty member. The group includes 12 traditional RCC students and 9 Randolph Early College High School students.

During the first session held on Oct. 26, participants had the chance to identify their own leadership styles through the Jung Typology Test, a personality assessment, and hear about resume writing. In upcoming sessions, the students will learn about leadership, communication, and ethics from a variety of speakers. Students will create a personal portfolio, which will be reviewed by Human Resource professionals, and will participate in a Student Leadership Project.

To read more about this story and see the list of students chosen, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-11-08a.php.

Randolph Community College Hosts College Fair on Nov. 11

Randolph Community College will host a College Fair on Thursday, Nov. 11, from 8:30-10 a.m. in the Student Services Center lounge on the Asheboro Campus. It is open to RCC students and the public.

Colleges represented will include Catawba College, East Carolina University, Fort Hays State University, Guilford College, John Wesley College, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, Pfeiffer University, Queens University, Salem College, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and Winston-Salem State University.

Randolph Community College Cosmetology Center Holiday Hours Set

Randolph Community College's Cosmetology Center will be open for limited hours for the rest of November and December due to holiday schedules and the break between fall and spring semesters.

The Center will be closed Nov. 24-27 for Thanksgiving. It will reopen from Dec. 1-4, then will close again for exams and the semester break.

The Center's hours are 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Senior Appreciation is on Wednesday with all hair services only 1/2 price for those age 55 and up.

The students will begin to take clients again in the spring semester on Saturday, Jan. 15.

The Cosmetology Center is located in Hillside Shopping Center at 1003 S. Fayetteville Street. For more information, go to RCC's Web Site at www.randolph.edu/cosmetology/.

Registration Opens Nov. 8 for Spring Semester Salem College Business Classes at University Center of Randolph County

Registration for spring semester classes in Salem College's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program at the University Center of Randolph County begins Monday, Nov. 8. The University Center is located on Randolph Community College's Asheboro Campus. Students are urged to register as early as possible before scheduling options decline.

The spring semester begins on Tuesday, Feb. 1, and runs through May 12.

International Finance (FINC 310) will be offered on Tuesdays from 5:15-7:15 p.m. Thursday night classes are International Marketing (MKTG 234) from 5:15-7:15 p.m. and Special Topics in Business: Business Communications (BUAD 260) from 7:15-9:15 p.m. All classes will be held in RCC's Computer Technology Center Room 113 on the Asheboro Campus.

For more information, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-11-01b.php.

Health & Science Job Fair Set for Nov. 10 at Randolph Community College

Randolph Community College's Health and Human Services Division will sponsor a Health & Science Job Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the Asheboro Campus. The event, which will be open to RCC students from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and open to the public from 12 noon-3 p.m., will feature employers in the health care field.

Employers represented will include Randolph Hospital, Premiere Home Health Care of High Point, Cross Road Retirement Center of Asheboro, Alamance Regional Medical Center of Burlington, Randolph County JobLink Career Center, Randolph Community College, and other health care agencies.

The event will be held in Room 104 of the Health & Science Center, which is located at the east end of the Asheboro Campus on Industrial Park Avenue. Take the McDowell Road exit off of Highway 220 Bypass (I-73/74) and follow the signs.

Associate in Arts Degree Program to Debut at Randolph Community College Archdale Center in Spring

Randolph Community College has announced it will offer its first complete degree program at the Archdale Center, located in Creekside Park. Beginning in the spring semester 2011, Archdale/Trinity-area students will be able to complete an Associate in Arts (College Transfer) degree without leaving Archdale.

Registration for spring classes is open now for current RCC students. New students who have completed the application process will be registering by invitation only Nov. 8-19. Open registration for spring will be Thursday, Jan. 6. Spring classes begin Jan. 10.

To read more about this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-11-01.php.

Son Returns to Randolph Community College to Teach Father

The tables were turned recently when Brandon Kiser visited his former classroom at Randolph Community College. Brandon Kiser, 26, graduated from RCC in 2005 with an associate degree in Machining Technology. One of his former instructors, Mitchell Kiser, is also his father.

But when Brandon Kiser stepped into the Machining Technology lab this time, his role was the instructor. He is now a service engineer for Jeffreys Manufacturing Solutions of Colfax and a Haas certified service technician. He was at RCC to install two new pieces of machining equipment, a Haas VF-2 CNC Machining Center and a HAAS ST-20 CNC Turning Center, and train the RCC instructors on how to use the high-tech machines. The ST-20 has "live tooling for turning and milling applications," said Brandon Kiser. "The Haas VF-2 can do multiple axis milling work. It can hold and manipulate a part in multiple ways," he said, which reduces the time to make a part and increases profitability.

Both father and son seemed extremely pleased at the turn of events. "He has already taught me some things this morning," said Mitchell Kiser. "I'm extremely proud. That's the best way I could state it."

For more of this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-10-26.php.

Randolph Community College's Shackleford Presents at Ramseur STEP Meeting

Dr. Robert Shackleford, president of Randolph Community College, spoke at a special meeting of the Ramseur STEP Team on Tuesday, Oct. 12. More than 20 people attended the breakfast meeting where Shackleford outlined the ways RCC could assist the Ramseur community with its educational needs as it proceeds through the STEP process. The North Carolina Rural Center's NC Small Towns Economic Prosperity (NC STEP) program focuses on helping individual small towns reinvigorate their economies through a combination of coaching, training, planning, and grants.

2011 Dancing with the Randolph Stars Planning Committee Set

The Planning Committee for the Randolph Community College Foundation's 2011 Dancing with the Randolph Stars benefit has been finalized. Local "celebrities" will take to the dance floor competing for monetary votes in support of the Foundation on Saturday, June 4, at AVS Catering & Banquet Centre.

Ann Hoover and Vickie Gallimore will co-chair the Planning Committee again this year, according to Joyce Wolford, executive director of the Foundation. "Ann and Vickie were a key part of the success we achieved during last year's Dancing with the Randolph Stars," she said. "We are very excited to have their expertise for a second year in a row."

The Planning Committee also includes RCC staff and the following community members (with subcommittee chairs noted): Kaye Bryan, Sponsorship Subcommittee chair; Lisa Huffman, Volunteer Subcommittee chair; Gail McDowell and Cindy Schroder, Dancer Subcommittee co-chairs; Pat Allred, Sara Baker, Talmadge Baker, Gail Crawford, Jane Crisco, Rhonda Eblin, Carol Fountain, Neal Griffin, Cindy Hart, Kathy Homiller, Janet Jones, Janice Simpson, Michael Trogdon, Dr. Patricia Vinocur, Laura Wilson, Diane Winnemuller.

The following community members are serving exclusively on the Sponsorship Subcommittee: Jim Campbell, Dr. Stuart Fountain, Carla Freemyer, J.B. Griffith, Curt Lorimer, Dean Sexton, Terri Sexton, and Mac Sherrill.

For more information, contact Joyce Wolford in the Foundation office at 336-633-0295 or jbwolford@randolph.edu.

Public Invited to University Center Night at Randolph Community College Oct. 12

Randolph Community College will host a University Center Night on Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center auditorium on the Asheboro Campus. The University Center of Randolph County was established in 2008 and is a collaborative effort between Randolph Community College, Pfeiffer University, and Salem College. Courses are offered in particular disciplines at reduced tuition rates.

Representatives from both Pfeiffer University and Salem College will be on hand to discuss how interested students can obtain a four-year degree in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Elementary Education without leaving Randolph Community College's campus.

For more information, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-10-01.php.

Randolph Community College Establishes Minority Male Mentoring Program

Randolph Community College has received a five-year grant from the North Carolina Community College System to implement a Minority Male Mentoring Program at the College. The goal of the program is to increase graduation and retention rates among minority males.

To read more about this program, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-09-30.php.

Randolph Entrepreneurial Summit Oct. 16 at Randolph Community College

Randolph Community College will host the Randolph Entrepreneurial Summit on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Asheboro Campus.

"Interested individuals should attend and discover the programs and opportunities available at Randolph Community College to unleash the entrepreneur that lives inside of you," said Lonnie Hamm, director of RCC's Small Business Center, which is sponsoring this unique networking opportunity.

The event will feature a ribbon cutting for GATE entrepreneurs. Growing America Through Entrepreneurship (GATE) is a demonstration program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps rural dislocated (laid-off) workers approach self-employment as an alternative career path to finding a job.

The Summit will also include a small business panel for questions and advice, a NCLeap presentation on legal services, and opportunities to meet bankers and to network with other business owners. Attendees will be able to meet with representatives from the North Carolina REAL (North Carolina Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning) Institute, the North Carolina Rural Center, and SCORE. SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small business start, grow and succeed nationwide.

Any small business owner can register to set up a table at this free event. For more information, contact Lonnie Hamm at 336-633-0240 or Marty Brown, RCC GATE counselor, 336-633-0306.

Laurelyn Dossett in Concert at Randolph Community College Oct. 13

The Randolph Community College Cultural Arts Committee will present Laurelyn Dossett in Concert on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center auditorium on the Asheboro Campus. Admission is free, but seating is limited.

Composer/songwriter Laurelyn Dossett (www.laurelyndossett.com) lives and writes in the Piedmont of North Carolina, and her songs tend to reflect the stories of the region, both traditional and contemporary. One of the most sought‑after voices in creative collaborations, she cofounded Polecat Creek with singing partner Kari Sickenberger and has partnered with Triad Stage's Preston Lane on four plays featuring regional folklore and original music: Brother Wolf, Beautiful Star: An Appalachian Nativity, Bloody Blackbeard, and Providence Gap. A song from Brother Wolf, "Anna Lee," was featured on Levon Helm's Grammy‑winning record, Dirt Farmer.

Laurelyn is also a regular performer at regional music festivals such as Merlefest, a guest on the radio show Prairie Home Companion, and most recently, a writer and performer with the North Carolina Symphony. She is currently performing with songwriters Alice Gerrard and Diana Jones, "Redbird Round," and premiered composer Kenneth Frazelle's song cycle, "Songs in the Rear View Mirror," at Reynolda House in Winston‑Salem.

She is currently commissioned to write a song cycle for the North Carolina Symphony for 2011 and will be in residence at the Virginia Center for Creative Arts. She is the 2009‑10 recipient of the North Carolina Arts Council Fellowship for songwriting.

Go to www.randolph.edu/newevents/culturalarts.php to download a free ticket. For more information on the Cultural Arts Series at Randolph Community College, call 336-633-0244. RCC's Asheboro Campus is located at 629 Industrial Park Avenue. Take the McDowell Road exit off of U.S. 220 Bypass/I73-74 and follow the signs.

Randolph Community College Interior Design Student Wins WithIt Scholarship

Randolph Community College Interior Design student Amarinh Kongmanivong of Jamestown was one of two recipients of the Jena and Stephen B. Hall Scholarship from WithIt (Women in the Home Industry Today) for 2010. Kongmanivong received $2,500 to be applied toward tuition.

A story about the scholarship recipients appeared in national furniture newspapers Furniture Today and Home Accents Today recently. The scholarship was open nationally to all full-time college sophomores or juniors in majors related to the home furnishing industry.

Kongmanivong was honored and presented the scholarship at the WOW Dinner Awards during WithIt's National Leadership Conference in Charlotte on August 18.

The judging was based on the student's academic performance, as reflected in the grade point average, SAT/ACT scores, and curriculum selected. Subjective judging criteria included an essay, references and a statement of personal goals. Special emphasis was placed on involvement in extracurricular activities and the community, attitude, creative thought, and ability towards leadership.

Randolph Community College's Interior Design program has an excellent reputation within the design community. Established in 1967, it was the first associate degree Interior Design program in the North Carolina community college system. For more information on the program, contact Holly Barker at 336-633-0318 or visit www.randolph.edu/interiordesign.

Randolph Community College Students Create Hellbender Costume for N.C. Zoo

Randolph Community College's Advertising & Graphic Design students have been working on a project with the N.C. Zoo to create a costume for the Eastern Hellbender salamander to promote education about this species, which is in decline and listed as a Species of Concern. Four of the students and their instructors will debut the costume at the New River Celebration Day at New River State Park in Laurel Springs, N.C., on Saturday, Aug. 28. Presentations about the Hellbender are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Visitor Center.

For more on this story, plus photo galleries, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-08-26.php.

Randolph Community College Kicks Off Cultural Arts Series with Art in the Park Sept. 14

The Randolph Community College Cultural Arts Committee is kicking off its 2010-11 Cultural Arts Series with Art in the Park on Tuesday, Sept. 14, from 4-7 p.m. in the Azalea Park on the Asheboro Campus. Admission is free.

Patrons can stroll through RCC's Azalea Park (located behind the Administration/Education Center) and enjoy the work of area artisans and crafters. Some items may be for sale. The show will feature the paintings of renowned area painter and former RCC Interior Design instructor Lenton Slack and the photographs of fine art photographer Ashley Fetner, who is also an instructor in RCC's Photographic Technology program. Other displays will include jewelry by Lisa Durbin, pottery by Adam Wiley, and many more. Light refreshments will be served.

Upcoming events in the series include Laurelyn Dossett in Concert on Oct. 13; a Holiday Concert & Tree Lighting on Dec. 1; "The History of Black History Month" lecture with Robert Barnes on Feb. 11; and "Hansel and Gretel" by the UNCG Theatre and the North Carolina Theatre for Young People on March 31. For more information or to reserve seats for any of these free events, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/culturalarts.php.

Randolph Community College's Asheboro Campus is located at 629 Industrial Park Avenue. Take the McDowell Road exit off of U.S. 220 Bypass/I73-74 and follow the signs.

Randolph Community College Announces Summer Honor Roll

Randolph Community College has announced the President's List, Dean's List, and Honor List for the 2010 summer session.

To see the list, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-08-19.php.

2010-11 Initiatives Presented at Randolph Community College Fall Convocation

In opening the Fall Convocation ceremony for the 2010-11 school year at Randolph Community College, Anne Hockett, vice president for instructional services, welcomed the crowd of faculty and staff members saying, "We are on the absolute cusp of greatness at Randolph Community College." The presentation for nearly 200 full-time faculty and staff members and approximately 100 adjunct faculty members was held on Aug. 12 in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center. The audience included more than 20 new full-time faculty members hired because of the unprecedented enrollment growth that RCC experienced last fall –13.4%.

Jim Campbell, chair of the RCC Board of Trustees, welcomed the group on behalf of the board. RCC President Robert S. Shackleford Jr. introduced his presidential initiatives for the 2010-11 school year, explaining that they fall into five areas identified as core values of the College: community, employees, quality education, radical hospitality, and student success.

To read more about this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-08-13.php.

Randolph Community College Adult High School Diploma/GED Graduation Set for August 16

Richard Wells, Randolph County manager and former RCC library director, will be the guest speaker at Randolph Community College's Adult High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED) summer graduation ceremony set for 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16, at the Asheboro High School Performing Arts Center.

The Basic Skills Division holds three graduation ceremonies throughout the year for Adult High School Diploma and GED graduates who finish their studies at various times throughout the year. A ceremony was held Dec. 17, 2009, for the fall semester, and on May 13, 2010, for spring graduates.
Approximately 25 students are expected to participate in Monday's ceremony out of 85 GED graduates and 5 Adult High School Diploma graduates who were eligible in August.

For more information and a list of graduates, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-08-12.php.

Randolph Community College Student Leadership Academy Application Deadline Oct. 4

Randolph Community College is soliciting applications for its fourth annual Student Leadership Academy, a dynamic, intensive student leadership experience. Participating students are selected to attend the Student Leadership Academy through a competitive application process.

The Student Leadership Academy will offer students the opportunity to learn about leadership from local and regional leaders. Participants will have the chance to identify their own leadership styles and learn how to use these styles effectively. Students will create a personal portfolio, which will be reviewed by Human Resource professionals who will give feedback to assist in developing a more professional polish. One evening will be devoted to leadership and ethics. In addition, students are asked to participate in a Student Leadership Project.

The Student Leadership Academy sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m. throughout the school year. The dates for 2010-11 are Oct. 26, Nov. 16, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, and March 29. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.

Interested students must fill out an application form and ask an RCC faculty member to submit a letter of reference that addresses their leadership potential. Faculty members may write reference letters for more than one applicant. Any student enrolled in a curriculum program at RCC is eligible to apply. Randolph Early College High School seniors and juniors are also eligible.

Students may obtain an application form by going to http://www.randolph.edu/studentlife/leadership_academy.php. Applications and reference letters must be received by 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 4.

Randolph Community College Debuts Second Life Psychology Class; Registration Aug. 10-11

Students who register for fall classes during open registration on Aug. 10 and 11 at Randolph Community College will have the opportunity to participate in the college's first Second Life class. Space is available for 10 more students.

Second Life Psychology 150 is a 100% online class with a synchronous virtual component where students meet online through Second Life, a user-created 3D virtual world. Students will create an avatar and meet with psychology instructor Maria LeBaron in a virtual classroom every Friday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lecture and questions. Students can connect using the computers in the Distance Education lab on the RCC campus, from their home, or anywhere there is high-speed Internet access and the downloaded Second Life viewer.

Psychology 150 is a popular College Transfer class that provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, and social psychology. Psychology 150 is also a requirement for many of RCC's associate in applied science degrees, including Associate Degree Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Funeral Service Education, Physical Therapist Assistant 1+1, and Radiography.

The class will also fulfill the Social/Behavioral Science requirement in programs such as Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Information Technology, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare Management Technology, Medical Office Administration, Networking Technology, Office Administration, Advertising & Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photographic Technology, Criminal Justice Technology, Automotive Systems Technology, Electrical-Electronics Technology, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Systems Technology, and Machining Technology.

Interested students will need a computer with high-speed Internet access; some computer skills (the ability to download programs and send e-mails with attachments); time on Fridays to meet in
Second Life; and the energy and enthusiasm to explore this innovative and exciting learning platform. Register for course number PSY 150 870SL.

Registration hours for Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 10 and 11, are 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Students are asked to check in at the registration tent at Building 300 (follow the registration signs when you arrive on campus). Fall semester classes begin Monday, Aug. 16.

For more information on RCC's programs of study, go to www.randolph.edu or call 336-633-0200.

Senator Hagan to Host Grants Workshop at Randolph Community College Sept. 7

U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, D-N.C., will host a grants and contracting workshop at Randolph Community College on Tuesday, Sept. 7. The workshop is designed for municipal leaders, nonprofits, and business owners to gather information from federal, state, and philanthropic funding agencies about potential resources. The workshop will be held from 12:30-5:30 p.m. in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center on the Asheboro Campus.

Representatives from the following agencies will attend the workshop: U.S. Department of Agriculture, General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Education, Golden LEAF, N.C. Department of Commerce, and others.

For more information or to register, e-mail grants@hagan.senate.gov or call 336-333-5311.

Randolph Community College's Asheboro Campus is located at 629 Industrial Park Avenue. Take the McDowell Road exit off of U.S. 220 Bypass/I73-74 and follow the signs.

First Cosmetology Students Graduate from Randolph Community College

The first students graduated from Randolph Community College's Cosmetology program on July 29. Six of the seven graduates already have secured jobs and the seventh is in the interviewing stage, according to Tammy Matthews, the program head and instructor who helped develop and implement the program in August 2009.

Dr. Robert Shackleford Jr., RCC president, welcomed the crowd, which included around 40-50 family members, classmates, and friends, plus several RCC faculty and staff members. "It seems like just a short time ago that we held the ribbon-cutting for this facility," Shackleford said. "These students came in here the first day ready to start…now they are going out of here as trained professionals."
Two of the graduates spoke during the brief ceremony. Chastity Wood Elliott of Denton talked about the "lighter side of what we do. We have covered some serious subjects like anatomy and diseases, but we have done a lot of laughing in these walls," she said. She teased and praised each of the cosmetology instructors in turn and described program head Tammy Matthews as "our fearless leader. She started this program with a dream and a lot of love for her profession."

Angela Wood Knestrick of Sophia adopted a more serious tone in her address to her fellow graduates, saying, "I am very passionate about this school and this program." She said in addition to the technical skills they had learned, "they have given us the tools to be exceptional people." She thanked each instructor in turn and talked about each graduate's individual qualities and talents.

Certificates and pins were presented by Matthews and Cosmetology instructors LaTia Robinson, Dianne Orrell, and Dean Brewer. Matthews concluded, "To say I am proud of these students would be an understatement. They have worked very hard, and I have pushed them very hard, and they have responded."

Matthews compared teaching to coaching and said that in this first class, "I had a stacked team," before categorizing the many talents of her "players." She said that the seven graduates have completed over 2,500 hours of client services, over 1,200 haircuts, and over 500 manicures and pedicures. She advised the graduates to "never stop learning, try out new things, and take on the hardest challenges."

In addition to Elliott and Knestrick, other graduates were Toshia Lee Cox of Ramsuer, Heather Austine Craven of Asheboro, Heather Dawn Gray of Seagrove, Jennifer Ann McCollom of Randleman, and Patricia Ann Wilkerson of Pleasant Garden.

These first seven graduates have finished the 1,200 contact hours (34 semester hours of credit) necessary to obtain their Cosmetology certificate from RCC, which makes them eligible to sit for the State Board of Cosmetic Arts exam and obtain an apprentice license. They still must work under a licensed cosmetologist for six months to obtain their full license. Other students in the first class have opted to continue their studies to obtain their diploma, 1,500 contact hours (44 semester hours), or their associate degree (70 semester hours). Graduates with diplomas can obtain their full license once they pass the state exam, with no apprenticeship required. Associate degree graduates are eligible to go on to advanced studies or teach.

Randolph Community College Cosmetology Students Win Awards

Four Randolph Community College Cosmetology students won awards at the annual Holliwood Hair Wars competition held at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem recently.

Felix McNeil of Asheboro won 1st place with a Rock Star theme; McNeil received a trophy and $100. Also winning trophies were Tiffany Patterson of Asheboro, 2nd place, children's theme, and Michelle Lewis of Asheboro, 3rd place, candy theme. Tuwana Williams of Seagrove won 4th place with a Bratz theme; she received a medal.

RCC's Cosmetology Center is now closed for exams and semester break. The Center will reopen to clients on Wednesday, Aug. 25.

Randolph Community College Receives $5,000 Grant from Greensboro AHEC

Randolph Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program has received a grant of $5,000 from the Greensboro Area Health Education Center (AHEC) to support clinical training for its nursing students.

The money will be used for additional nursing faculty salaries to support 19 students who will rotate hours in clinical training in the maternity unit at the Women's Hospital in Greensboro during the fall 2010 semester, according to Cieanna Hairston, division chair for the Health Sciences and Public Service Division and program head for Associate Degree Nursing at RCC. "The clinical hours at the Women's Hospital will allow our students to participate in more complex nursing situations and to see and participate in the types of care they would not be able to experience at local hospitals," said Hairston.

The Greensboro AHEC serves healthcare professionals in Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Guilford, Montgomery, Orange, Randolph, and Rockingham counties. The grant funding is designed to support the development of clinical training sites and the number of students who study at these sites. The ultimate goal, based on a report from the North Carolina Institute of Medicine Task Force on the North Carolina Nursing Workforce, is to help North Carolina schools of nursing significantly increase their enrollments.

Randolph Community College Students Have Tuition Payment Options

Randolph Community College students will have to pay a little more in tuition this fall, but the College has several options for students with financial need, including grants, scholarships, and payment plans. RCC's Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs has geared up to serve a record number of students this fall, according to Chad Williams, financial aid director.

The North Carolina General Assembly approved a community college curriculum rate increase of $6.50 per semester hour for in-state residents and $7.20 per semester hour for out-of-state residents with the 2010-11 budget bill. That's an increase of $104 per semester for full-time in-state community college students. But community colleges remain a cost-effective alternative. According to recent news reports, students at UNCG and N.C. A&T will pay nearly $500 more in tuition for the 2010-11 school year, and students at UNC-Chapel Hill and North Carolina State will pay $750 more.

For more on this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-07-22.php.

University Center of Randolph County/Pfeiffer Information Session for Criminal Justice July 28 at Randolph Community College

Beginning in the fall semester, students who complete Randolph Community College's two-year Criminal Justice Technology degree will be able to continue their studies at the University Center of Randolph County on RCC's Asheboro Campus and earn a bachelor's degree through Pfeiffer University. RCC Criminal Justice graduates will be able to transfer approximately 63 hours to Pfeiffer University under its bachelor of science in Criminal Justice program, according to Neil Weatherly, Criminal Justice program head at RCC.

On Wednesday, July 28, from 6-8 p.m., representatives from Pfeiffer will hold an Information Session at RCC to speak with individuals interested in a four-year Criminal Justice degree. The session will be held in the Foundation Conference Center on the Asheboro Campus.

"Feel free to stop by as we celebrate another addition to the University Center of Randolph County," said Weatherly. The University Center already offers four-year degree classes in Elementary Education from Pfeiffer and Business Administration from Salem College.

For admissions information for Pfeiffer University, contact Diane Martin, associate director of admissions, diane.martin@pfeiffer.edu, 704-463-3052. For information on RCC's Criminal Justice Technology program, contact Neil Weatherly, Criminal Justice program head, nlweatherly@randolph.edu, 336-633-0319.

Randolph Community College Trustees' Distinguished Service Award Goes to Lenton Slack

Lenton Slack, retired RCC Interior Design instructor and renowned local artist, was the recipient of the Randolph Community College Board of Trustees 2010 Distinguished Service Award, presented at the Board's annual meeting on July 15 on the Asheboro Campus.

To read more, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-07-16.php.

Randolph Community College to Hold Instructor Job Fair July 13

Randolph Community College will hold an Instructor Job Fair on Tuesday, July 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Foundation Conference Center on the Asheboro Campus. Qualified individuals interested in teaching part-time curriculum (credit), continuing education (noncredit), and basic skills classes are encouraged to attend this job fair. Potential instructors will have the opportunity to speak with academic department representatives and human resources personnel. Please bring your resume with you. Job applications will be available.

Part-time instructors are needed for future academic Curriculum courses such as English, Math, Biology, Reading, Interior Design, Nursing, Cosmetology, History, Industrial Systems, and Automotive Systems.

Part-time instructors are also needed for a variety of Continuing Education courses such as Phlebotomy, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Office Management, and Microsoft Office Suite. Potential instructors may be interested in teaching personal enrichment courses related to hobbies or special interests such as ballroom dancing, yoga, Pilates, painting, foreign travel, and many others. Come share your passion and experience with adult learners.

In addition, part-time instructors are needed for basic skills classes, including GED (General Educational Development Diploma) and adult high school.

For more information, call Bonnie Columbia at 336-633-7688 or e-mail becolumbia@randolph.edu. Directions and maps can be found at www.randolph.edu.

Randolph Community College Announces 2010 Spring Semester Honor Roll

Randolph Community College announces the President's List, Dean's List and Honor List for the 2010 spring semester.

To be eligible, a student must complete at least 12 credit hours for the session and earn a grade point average of 4.0 for the President's List, 3.50-3.99 for the Dean's List, or 3.00-3.49 for the Honor List. Also, students who complete at least six but less than 12 credit hours for the session and earn a grade point average of 3.00-4.00, excluding Developmental Studies hours and proficiency hours with no incompletes, are eligible for the Honor List.

To see the list, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-07-06.php.

Randolph Community College Meets "Exceptional" Standards for N.C. Community Colleges for the Second Consecutive Year

Randolph Community College was one of 11 community colleges in North Carolina that met "Exceptional Institutional Performance (EIP)" standards in the annual accountability measures for North Carolina's 58 community colleges, according to a report released yesterday. In addition to meeting or exceeding all eight system standards, these 11 schools met additional performance goals. Those goals were achieving the college performance rates of students who began in, rather than transferred into, the UNC System and attaining at least a 70 percent passing rate for students who sit for a licensure or certification exam for the first time. The accountability measures are based on 2008-09 academic year data.

Additionally, RCC was one of only four colleges in the state who achieved EIP two years in a row. "There is not a college president in this state who is more proud of his or her college's faculty and staff," said RCC President Robert S. Shackleford Jr. "These are not easy standards to meet, so that is why 47 schools did not meet them. We knocked it out of the ballpark."

To read more, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-07-02.php .

University Center of Randolph County/Salem College Gear Up Classes for Fall

Salem College's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program is beginning its third year at the University Center of Randolph County on Randolph Community College's Asheboro Campus, and the program is continuing to grow, according to Ed Hartgrove, executive-in-residence and coordinator of academic advising for the Martha H. Fleer Center at Salem College, and Clark Adams, English/Communications instructor and Salem College liaison for RCC. "The program is growing and classes are filling up," said Adams. "We expect record enrollment this fall." The program is designed to allow students to earn a four-year degree without leaving Randolph County.

Salem will be offering three classes this fall: ECON 201, Money, Banking, and Monetary Policy; WMST 220, Special Topics in Women's Studies; and BUAD 124, Business Ethics. Two information sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, July 13, from 12-1:30 p.m., and Thursday, July 22, from 7-8:30 p.m. in RCC's Computer Technology Center, room 110. Students who are interested in the program will be able to talk with Hartgrove and Adams during the sessions.

For more information, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-07-02a.php .

Randolph Community College Announces SACS Reaffirmation Results

ASHEBORO (July 1, 2010) - Approximately 150 Randolph Community College students, faculty, staff, trustees, and community partners gathered in the Learning Resources Center auditorium on the Asheboro Campus to hear President Bob Shackleford announce that RCC remains fully accredited, but the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has placed RCC on warning status for the next 12 months - the outcome of the reaffirmation visit by SACS in September 2009. By the end of the meeting in which Dr. Shackleford outlined what had happened during the reaffirmation process and RCC's response to SACS' single compliance recommendation for RCC, it was clear that the extended RCC family agreed with Dr. Shackleford's assessment, "I believe SACS badly missed this call."

That extended family included Bob Morrison, president of Randolph Hospital; Donald Andrews, superintendent of Randolph County Schools; and Randolph County Sheriff Maynard Reid. At the end of the presentation, Morrison stood up and said, "We know the quality of what you are doing (at RCC) because we hire your graduates." Sheriff Reid agreed, "The students we hire from RCC are some of the best officers I've ever had. I'll have to disagree with SACS."

To read more on this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-07-01.php.

Randolph Community College Goes Tobacco Free July 1

Randolph Community College will implement its Tobacco Free Policy on July 1, joining approximately 35 other colleges and universities in North Carolina who have committed to tobacco-free campuses to provide a healthy and safe environment for their students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The policy was approved by RCC's Board of Trustees on Nov. 19, 2009, with a July 1, 2010, effective date.

The new policy states that "Use of tobacco is prohibited by students, staff, faculty, or visitors in all campus buildings, facilities or property owned or used by RCC, including outside areas. Tobacco use shall be permitted in personal vehicles as long as no tobacco litter is left on campus. For the purposes of this policy, tobacco is defined as any type of tobacco product including, but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, hookahs, smokeless or spit tobacco, or snuff."

The College has spent the last six months publicizing the policy internally through banners, e-mails, the College Web site, and the student portal Campus Cruiser, according to Kevin Walker, co-chair of the College's Health/Wellness Committee. The College offered Smoking Cessation classes in April, although no one signed up at that time, said Walker. More classes will be offered in August. These classes are provided through Randolph Hospital.

Signage and other materials were provided through the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund, and RCC has joined the Tobacco-Free Colleges Initiative. More information about the grant funding and the Tobacco-Free Colleges Initiative, including a list of those colleges, can be found at www.healthwellnc.com or www.tobaccofreecollegesnc.com.

In preparation for the July 1 implementation, the College staff is removing ashtrays and installing new signage throughout the Asheboro Campus, Archdale Center, the Emergency Services Training Center, the Cosmetology Center in Hillside Shopping Center, and the RCC Learning Center in the Chevy Centre on South Fayetteville Street. The smoking pavilions on the Asheboro Campus will become tobacco-free sitting areas.

Violators of the policy shall be issued a verbal warning. For those who repeatedly violate the policy, further action will be taken. The full policy is available on the College's Web site at
www.randolph.edu/studentlife/tobacco_free.php.

Randolph Community College Receives Grants from Duke Energy, Golden LEAF, Others

In its ongoing efforts to supplement state and local funding for programs, equipment, and facilities, Randolph Community College recently sought and has been awarded significant funding from four sources that will support two curriculum programs, an internal lighting project, and its Library services.

To read more, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-06-28.php .

Taxidermy Class Begins July 19 at Randolph Community College Asheboro Campus

Randolph Community College will offer a Taxidermy course focused on fish this summer. The course will be held July 19-Sept. 29 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Asheboro Campus.

The course will cover fish identification, measuring techniques, rebuilding fish with proper form and coloration, state and federal laws affecting fish, and other topics. Cost is $181.25 and includes a registration fee of $175, a supply fee of $5, and an insurance fee of $1.25. Students must provide their own specimens.

The class is limited to a maximum of 20 participants, so register early. The registration deadline is July 12. To register, contact Kathy Thornburg in Continuing Education at 633-0216 or e-mail kwthornburg@randolph.edu.

Randolph Community College Urges Students to Apply Early for Fall

Randolph Community College is expecting another record enrollment this fall and is encouraging all new students to apply and register early. As of mid-June, RCC had received over 1,500 new student applications for fall, according to Anne Hockett, vice president for instructional services for the college. Students who complete their application process early, including placement testing, will receive an invitation to sign up for early advising and registration sessions the weeks of July 26-30 and Aug. 2-6.

New programs for this fall will include the Industrial Engineering Technology program and the Medical Office Administration program. In addition, RCC will offer 16 new premajors in the Associate in Arts (College Transfer) area.

Also new this fall, the Archdale Center will offer the complete Associate in Arts (College Transfer) program on that campus, pending SACS approval. That approval is expected soon.

In addition, RCC students will have more choices this fall in how they complete their classes. Seven of RCC's programs are now offered totally online as well as in a traditional classroom setting. Those are Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice Technology, Early Childhood Education, Healthcare Management Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Office Administration.

Students with questions should call the Information Center at Randolph Community College at 336-633-0200 in Asheboro or 336-862-7980 in Archdale. To apply online, go to www.randolph.edu and click "How to Enroll."

Students in need of financial aid are also encouraged to complete that application process early. Information on the financial aid process can be obtained at www.randolph.edu/fin_aid.

Fall semester classes begin Monday, Aug 16.

Historic Landmark Preservation Commission Adopts Logo Design by Randolph Community College Student

Just as it happens in the real world of work, when the Randolph Community College Advertising & Graphic Design students presented their logo designs (a fall semester class project) to the Randolph County Historic Landmark Preservation Commission last November, none of the designs were quite what the Commission was looking for. So three of the second-year students--DeAna Ramirez, Jamie Kellis, and Bryan Kennedy--decided to continue working with the Commission on a volunteer basis to rework the designs and come up with some new ideas.

The students decided to meet with the Commission members in groups of four or five to get a better idea of what the group was looking for in a logo. One of the earlier proposed logos had been developed based on the exterior of the historic 1909 Randolph County Courthouse. "One Commission member suggested we look at features inside the courthouse as inspiration for the logo instead of the outside," said Ramirez. "There was a unique ceiling tin used in that courthouse. I started developing a new logo design based on that ceiling tin."

To read the rest of the story, go here: http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-06-15a.php.

Randolph Community College Student Wins Three Taxidermy Ribbons

Randolph Community College Taxidermy student Vicki Hayes of Trinity won three ribbons at the 2010 Taxidermy Mini-Course and Competition held at Surry Community College in Dobson recently. Hayes, a student in the Taxidermy class at the RCC Archdale Center taught by Steve Davis, won 2nd place for a coyote, 3rd place for a Columbian Wyandotte rooster, and 3rd place for a pheasant.

There were 128 entries in the 2010 Taxidermy Mini-Course Competition. Competition entries were judged according to the National Taxidermists Association's specifications.

Hayes has been a student in RCC's Taxidermy program since January 2009. This was her first competition. She said she became interested in taxidermy after catching a fish she wanted to have mounted. "It's fun," she said. "There is a lot of camaraderie in the class." Hayes, who works as a certified nursing assistant, has three children and one grandchild on the way. She also got her CNA training at RCC.

Space Available in Daytime Pottery Class at Randolph Community College

Spaces are available in the afternoon sessions of Randolph Community College's pottery program. The course meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at RCC's pottery center on the Asheboro Campus and offers various levels to meet the needs of beginning through advanced students.

Cost is $175 with a $60 supply fee. For more information, contact Elizabeth Kremer, RCC director of occupational extension, at 336-633-0228, epkremer@randolph.edu, or to register, contact Kathy Thornburg in continuing education at 336-633-0216.

Laura Wilson and Bill Hoover take top honors in Randolph Community College Foundation fundraiser

It was a magical evening. Thirty-four Randolph County civic and community leaders put their toes on the line (and sometimes their dignity aside) to raise thousands of dollars for scholarships for Randolph Community College students during Saturday night's Dancing with the Randolph Stars hosted by the Randolph Community College Foundation.

Laura Wilson, chief operating officer and president of Pyramid Services Inc., and Bill Hoover, retired from RBC Centura and former president and CEO of First Southern Savings Bank, were named the top dancers by getting the most votes from the community at $10 a vote. Votes were solicited online before the event and during the evening at the elegant dinner show held at AVS Catering and Banquet Centre. Wilson and Hoover danced a Michael Jackson-style dance to the singer's signature song, "Bad."

To read the entire story and see a photo gallery, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-06-08.php.

Randolph Community College Photography Instructor Wins Awards in National Contest

Randolph Community College Photographic Technology instructor Ashley Fetner had two photographs chosen in the top 50 photographs in the Defenders of Wildlife's First Annual Photography Contest recently. Fetner's submissions were among more than 10,000 entries in the contest.

Fetner won Honorable Mentions for his photograph of Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park and a photograph called "Desert Storm" of a cloud burst above Lake Powell in Utah. The Desert Storm photograph was also recently published in the Japanese edition of National Geographic Explorer.

Fetner, who has taught photography at Randolph Community College since 2002, is also a graduate of RCC's program. He has won numerous awards for his portrait and fine art images.

The winning photographs can be viewed on his Web site at www.ashleyfetnerportraits.com under the Fine Art Gallery.

Randolph Community College Day of Design Set for June 5

Randolph Community will hold its annual Day of Design on Saturday, June 5 in the Design Center on the Asheboro Campus. The event is open to all students and adults interested in the creative fields of Interior Design or Advertising & Graphic Design. The workshops and lunch are free; however, registration is limited.

The Introduction to Interior Design workshop, which will be from 9 a.m.-12 noon in Design Center 109, will address career options within this field. Students will gain knowledge in space planning, furnishings, and color/fabric selection. Upon completion, students will produce a presentation board with a scaled floor plan, fabrics and finishes collage, title block, and legend. Instructors will be Holly Barker and Ann Smith-Palenchar. Limit is 30 students.

An Advertising & Graphic Design workshop will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. in Design Center 108. This workshop utilizes the principles and elements of design as it relates to graphic design. Students will explore basic graphic arts to create a printed design using block printing techniques on fabric. Students will produce a three-dimensional composition. Limit is 15 students.

In the Computer Graphics workshop, set for 10:30 a.m.-12 noon in the Design Center Mac Lab, students will explore basic graphic arts to create a printed design using computer technology. Students will produce a two-dimensional composition. Limit is 15 students. The Advertising and Computer Graphics workshops will be taught by Susan Shaw and Dawn Egerton.

Lunch will be from 12-1 p.m. with program information sessions and tours to follow.

To register for any session, contact Holly Barker by calling 336-633-0318 or Susan Shaw at 336-633-0289, or e-mail hdbarker@randolph.edu by June 3.

Randolph Community College Cosmetology Center Summer Hours Set

Randolph Community College's Cosmetology Center will reopen for the summer semester on Thursday, June 3 with new hours. The Center will be open from 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Clients requesting chemical services must sign in before 11 a.m.

Senior Appreciation Day will be on Thursdays, with 1/2 off all hair services for anyone 55 and older. RCC Day is on Friday; all hair services will be 1/2 off for faculty, staff, and students (with ID).

The Center will be closed on July 3 for Independence Day. The last day for clients for the summer semester will be Saturday, July 24. The Center will be closed July 26-Aug. 24 for exams and semester break, and will reopen on Wednesday, Aug. 25.

The Cosmetology Center is located in Hillside Shopping Center at 1003 S. Fayetteville Street. For more information and a price list, go to RCC's Web Site at www.randolph.edu/cosmetology/.

Small Poultry House Construction Class Set to Begin June 22 at Randolph Community College

Randolph Community College will be offering Small Poultry House/Chicken Coop Construction as part of its Green Collar Farming Series this summer.

The Small Poultry House/Chicken Coop Construction class will be taught by Jerry Hackney, who has more than 15 years of teaching experience in agriculture, and will include an emphasis on green construction methods. The class will be held at the Asheboro Campus Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on June 22, 24 and 29, July 1, 13 and 15. The class will culminate with two days of hands-on work on Saturday, July 24 and Saturday, July 31 from 2-6 p.m. Cost for the class is $66.25, and students will need to supply their own gloves, measuring tape, and safety glasses. The registration deadline is June 15.

This course is designed to instruct individuals in the basics of construction of various chicken coop/chicken house buildings utilizing low impact environmentally sound construction methods. Topics will include incubation construction; brooder box construction; movable structures; permanent structures and components needed for production (feed, water, nest boxes, etc.).

Also part of the Green Collar Farming Series, a class titled Small Farm Structures will be held Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. from July 29 through October 28. The registration deadline is July 22. Other classes to be offered in the future include Basic Farm Maintenance, the Fundamentals of Aquaculture, Small Greenhouse Construction, and Raising Backyard Chickens. Kelly Heath, director of occupational extension, said the series is part of an increased effort on the part of the College to help community members become more energy efficient and expand their green footprint.

To register, call 336-633-0268. For more information about the Small Farm Structures class or the entire series, contact Kelly Heath at 336-633-0275, kwheath@randolph.edu.

Vote Now for Your Favorite 'Dancing with the Randolph Stars' Couple

There are less than two weeks left to vote for your favorite couple in the Randolph Community College Foundation Dancing with the Randolph Stars benefit, scheduled for June 5 at AVS Catering & Banquet Centre. Online voting is available at http://www.randolph.edu/dancing.php for the 17 local celebrity pairs who are competing in this event to raise money for student scholarships at RCC. Online voting will be available until 3 p.m. on Friday, June 4.

In addition to voting and ticket sales, scholarship money is being raised through sponsorships from local businesses and community groups. Hans Klaussner and the Hans Klaussner Foundation have become the event's Galaxy Sponsor, donating $10,000 to the cause. "Hans Klaussner and his Foundation have always been committed to our community and to the many causes that have needed his support," said Dave Bryant, chief financial officer of Klaussner Home Furnishings. "His philanthropic efforts have focused on saving and improving the lives of those in need. Asheboro and Randolph County are lucky to have such an avid supporter of these efforts."

Pyramid Services, a privately held, woman-owned corporation that provides support of government services contracts, has become a Constellation Sponsor with a donation of $5,000. Technimark and Asheboro Elastics are Super Star Sponsors with donations of $2,500 each. Sponsors now total 48 with almost $45,000 in sponsorship money raised.

Additional money will come from the $10 per vote that anyone in the community can donate to vote for their favorite celebrity couple. If you would prefer not to vote online, you can vote by sending a check to the RCC Foundation, PO Box 1009, Asheboro, NC 27204-1009, with a note indicating whom the votes are for. Votes need to be received by June 4.

To see the names of the dancing couples and other information, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-05-25.php.

Randolph Community College Radiography, Nursing and BLET Ceremonies Recognize Several

Special recognition was given to high achieving students in three program areas at Randolph Community College during separate ceremonies held recently.

The Radiography program held a Pinning Ceremony on May 8 at East Side Baptist Church, where Rebecca Carriker of Asheboro received the Academic Achievement Award and Lindsey Davis of Liberty received the Outstanding Student Award.

At the Associate Degree Nursing Pinning Ceremony, held on May 15 at Rushwood Park Wesleyan Church, Lisa Lang of Ramseur received the Innovation in Nursing Practice Award, presented by Jackie Norris of Randolph Hospital. Melissa Byelene of High Point Regional Health System presented the Clinical Excellence Award to Michele Rogers of Ramseur. The Student Nurse Association Award was presented to Amber Grimmett of Trinity. Scotty Carlyle of Asheboro won the Team Player Award. Brandy Davis of Seagrove received the Spirit of Caring Award, and Angela Wall of Randleman received the Academic Excellence Award for having the highest GPA in the class.

A Basic Law Enforcement Training ceremony for the 60th and 61st classes was held May 18 at Oakhurst Baptist Church. Twenty-one students completed the evening class this year, with one student taking all three class awards. Joseph R. Holmes of Graham, who is associated with the Graham Police Department, won the Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT) Award with a time of 3 minutes, 44 seconds. He also received the Firearms Top Gun Award with a score of 99.12 and the Academic Award with a 94.03 GPA.

In the day class, which had eight graduates, Sean S. Craven of Liberty (Liberty Police Department) won the POPAT Award with a time of 4 minutes, 29 seconds. Christopher M. Lee of Asheboro (Star Police Department) won the Firearms Top Gun Award with a score of 99.68. Kevin J. Jarrell of Randleman (Randleman Police Department) won the Academic Award with a GPA of 88.79. In addition, the Terry Shankle Award, given to the best all-around student, went to Eric Taylor of Randleman (Randolph County Sheriff's Office).

Randolph Early College High School Makes History with First Graduation

Fifty-nine high school students from Randolph County made history this week, becoming the first graduating class from the Randolph Early College High School located on Randolph Community College's Asheboro Campus.

Around 400 people gathered on the front lawn of RCC on May 19 to witness the occasion, as the students marched in wearing their red caps and gowns. Just one week earlier, at Randolph Community College's May 12 graduation, 29 of them had received Associate in Arts degrees.

In his remarks, RCC President Robert S. Shackleford Jr. told the audience that Randolph Early College High School had a record of academic excellence and was one of the top achieving high schools in North Carolina. He said, "This inaugural graduating class has set the bar very high for all classes to follow. And that bar is this: At the Randolph Early College High School, mediocrity is not acceptable; the pursuit of excellence is the standard."

The students heard from several speakers during the emotional ceremony, including the graduation address by Dail Moore, a former RECHS English teacher who retired last year. Virginia Montes Aviles gave the valedictory address, and Daleena Spainhour was the class salutatorian. Megan Cates, RECHS Student Government Association president, gave the senior address; and Christopher Leonard, SGA vice president, welcomed the crowd and introduced Moore. Also addressing the crowd was Randolph County Superintendant of Schools Donald Andrews.

For a list of graduates, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-05-21.php.

Dog Grooming Class Begins June 3 at Randolph Community College Archdale Center

Would you like to be able to handle basic grooming chores for your pets at home? Randolph Community College's Archdale Center will offer a Basic Dog Grooming class beginning June 3.

Students will learn small animal grooming, proper use and care of professional grooming tools, handling/controlling small animals, parasite recognition, and skin disorders.

The class will meet from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays, June 3 through July 22 at the Archdale Center located in Creekside Park. Registration fee is $65. For more information or to register, call the Archdale Center at 336-862-7980 or the Asheboro Campus at 336-633-0268.

Randolph Community College President Shackleford Named Distinguished Alumnus at UNCG

Randolph Community College President Robert S. Shackleford Jr. was presented with the 2010 School of Human Environmental Sciences (HES) Distinguished Alumnus Award at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro on May 13. The School of Human Environmental Sciences, one of six professional schools at UNCG, includes the following departments: Human Development and Family Studies; Interior Architecture, Nutrition; Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies; and Social Work. The School currently has 1004 undergraduate students, 210 graduate students, and 70 faculty members.

Shackleford earned his M.S. in Child Development and Family Relations in 1989 and his Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies in 1993 from UNCG. He also holds a M.Div. in Theology and Pastoral Care from Southeastern Baptist Theology. Shackleford is a 1969 graduate of Roxboro High School.

"The Distinguished Alumnus Award is an annual award for someone who has had a distinguished career," said Jane K. Lawrence, director of development for the School of Human Environmental Sciences at UNCG. "The individual is nominated and the final selection process is through the HES Awards Committee."

The award was presented to Shackleford at the school's departmental graduation last week, where he also delivered the graduation speech. Shackleford has been president of Randolph Community College since January 2007.

Waddell Speaks at Randolph Community College Adult High School/GED Graduation May 13

In writing his graduation address for Randolph Community College’s Adult High School Diploma/ General Educational Development (GED) spring graduation ceremony held Thursday, May 13, in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center auditorium, Arthur Waddell, assistant pastor of Oakland Missionary Baptist Church and a retired N.C. Highway Patrolman, said he thought about "how difficult and truly painstaking getting an education can be on an individual and their loved ones." He compared the graduates to palm trees that, while storms and hurricanes wreak destruction all around them, stand firm by bending with the wind. He told the graduates that even though they had faced many obstacles, "like the palm tree, you kept bouncing back again, again and again. Like the palm tree you held strong."

Waddell congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to share their knowledge. "Knowledge is power, but it is a power that is to be used for the benefit of all," he said.

The Basic Skills Division holds three graduation ceremonies throughout the year for Adult High School Diploma and GED graduates who finish their studies at various times throughout the year. A ceremony was held Dec. 17, 2009, for the fall semester, and a ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 5 for the summer graduates.

Approximately 40 students participated in Thursday’s ceremony out of 98 GED graduates and 5 Adult High School Diploma graduates who were eligible in May.

Also speaking at the graduation ceremony were Dr. Robert Shackleford, RCC president, and student Alicia Perez. Perez said that after dropping out of school, she worked in a factory for many years, but she wanted more. "My dream was to become a nurse," she said, and the first step was obtaining her GED. She is currently taking a Certified Nursing Assistant class that is a prerequisite to enrolling in the Associate Degree Nursing program at RCC. "I stand here before you to let you know that anything is possible," she said.

To read more about the graduation and see the list of graduates, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-05-14.php.

State President Speaks at Randolph Community College Curriculum Graduation Ceremony Held May 12

North Carolina Community College System President Scott Ralls, guest speaker at Randolph Community College’s graduation ceremony held Wednesday at the Providence Grove High School gymnasium, said he has been traveling the state for the last couple of months "trying to find out the secrets of student success." He said he has found the real truth is "not about practices or policies, it's about people...engaging students, engaging faculty, engaging staff and administration."

Ralls continued that engagement is hard to define. "Engagement is one of those things that you know it if you see it and you know it if you don't." He told stories of several other graduates from throughout the state that helped define the term. "Being fully engaged is not just the secret to college success, it is the secret to success in life as well," he concluded.

Student Government Association President Sarah Elizabeth Blackwell encouraged her peers to embrace change in the future. She said that change and achievement at RCC was possible because "at RCC, the instructors and staff will not give up on you."

It was the first RCC graduation to include Randolph Early College High School graduates who also completed college degrees.

To read more about the graduation and see the list of graduations, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2010/2010-05-13.php.

Randolph Community College Foundation Names 2010-11 Student Ambassadors

The Randolph Community College Foundation recently selected the 2010-2011 Student Ambassadors. Joy Kearns of Asheboro, Shane Bryson of Thomasville, Donald Matthews of Randleman, and Lisa L. Vitale of Ramseur were chosen from 24 applicants this year.

Each year, the Foundation chooses four students who have demonstrated extraordinary academic excellence and have a commitment to achieving their educational goals to serve as Foundation Ambassadors. Through the Ambassador program, these students can give back to the College and their communities by participating in promotional activities for RCC. They promote and represent RCC on its campus, in middle and high schools, and in their communities.

Kearns, 35, who is double majoring in Associate in Arts (College Transfer) and Healthcare Management Technology, attended Southwestern Randolph High School before coming to RCC to complete her GED. The young mother--her son, Ethan, is 7 years old--was an office worker for Staco Construction and a teacher's assistant and substitute teacher at Faith Christian School before coming back to school. She currently works as a Financial Aid work-study at RCC and plans a career in dental health.
Kearns is the daughter of Randy and Sandra Routh of Randleman and Bobby Kearns of Asheboro.

Bryson, 24, is a graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School and attended Southern Wesleyan University. He is majoring in Computer Information Technology and plans to also earn a history degree from the University of Maryland online. Bryson has worked as a boat dock technician for Dock Hoppers and a handyman for McHandy Man. He also works as a Distance Education facilitator at RCC. He has been a delegate to the Student Government Association at RCC for one year. He is very involved with the youth group at Central Carolina Community Church. Bryson is the son of Felecia and Gene Bryson of Thomasville.

Matthews, 52, a Business Administration major, is the founder of Second Chance Ministry, a community outreach ministry for people with substance abuse issues. He has been a member of the First Baptist Church for 45 years, is active with the Randleman Planning Committee, and is a member of the Common Threads diversity group at RCC. He has completed the Randleman Leadership Development Program and Elon University Leadership Training. Matthews is the son of Betty L. Matthews and the late Donald W. Matthews of Siler City. He is a graduate of Jordan Matthews High School and plans to continue to work with community outreach after graduating from RCC.

A Photographic Technology student, Vitale, 43, is originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where she went to Coconut Creek High School and worked for The Home Depot from 1992 to 2006. After moving to North Carolina, Vitale completed her GED at RCC. She works at Dillard's while attending school, and in her free time, she enjoys volunteering at the Asheboro soup kitchen, helping with the Victory Junction Gang Camp Annual Toy Drive, assisting with the Salvation Army, and collecting donated items to mail care packages to active military members stationed abroad. After graduation, she plans to assist a local wedding photographer and do freelance work while establishing a client base.

Associate degree students who have completed a minimum of nine credit hours in the fall semester with a GPA of at least 3.0 and who are enrolled for a minimum of nine credit hours in the spring semester are invited to apply for the Foundation Ambassador program. Foundation Ambassadors receive many benefits, including an in-state tuition scholarship for three semesters.