Randolph Community College board membership evolves

Former Randolph Community College board member Bob Morrison, center, receives a portrait from Board of Trustees chair Reynolds Lisk, left, and president / CEO Shah Ardalan during August’s board meeting. (RCC photo)

ASHEBORO — Longstanding Randolph Community College trustee Andy Sykes was sworn in for another term, marking his 34th year of service to the board.

The oath of office was administered last month in the Martha Luck Comer Foundation Conference Center.

RCC president / CEO Shah Ardalan praised Sykes’ decades of leadership.

“Andy’s dedication to Randolph Community College is unmatched,” Ardalan said. “His thoughtful guidance has strengthened our institution for more than three decades, and we are especially grateful for his work in representing and supporting our Liberty community. We deeply appreciate his continued service.”

Board chair Reynolds Lisk said that board service demands substantial time and dedication, and few are willing to shoulder that responsibility so consistently.

“Andy has a great wealth of knowledge, and we are proud to have him as part of what we do,” he said.

The meeting also marked the end of Bob Morrison’s two terms as a trustee. He was presented with his official portrait as a gesture of gratitude for his service.

“The board is a better board because of Bob Morrison,” Ardalan said.

New trustees welcomed

Two new members — Alen McNeill and Grant Hollowell  — also took oaths of office

“Allen and Grant bring a wealth of professional experience, a history of servant leadership, and a shared dedication to our community,” Ardalan said. “Their insights will be invaluable as we continue advancing RCC’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education and training for all.”

A lifelong resident of Asheboro, McNeill began his law enforcement career in 1977 with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. During the next three decades, he rose through the ranks, serving 19 years as Chief Deputy.

In 2012, McNeill was elected to the N.C. House of Representatives, representing District 78 (Randolph/Moore counties), where he served multiple terms until 2022. During his time in the legislature, he held leadership roles on committees, including co-chair of the Community College Committee.

McNeill said he grew up less than a mile from the RCC campus in Asheboro.

Hollowell, a Caldwell native, earned his undergraduate degree in biological and agricultural engineering from North Carolina State in 2009. Following graduation, he became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, beginning his career managing a Fayetteville facility for five years.

In 2016, Hollowell and his wife, Danielle — also a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, relocated to Pleasant Garden to manage Clapp’s Nursing Center. Their leadership expanded in 2019 to include Clapp’s Nursing Home and Clapp’s Mountain Top Living in Asheboro. In 2023, they purchased the facilities, solidifying their commitment to elder care in the region.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how I can help RCC be even more a part of the community, especially in the healthcare space,” Hollowell said. “I like the fact that community colleges focus not just on education, but on careers.”