Randolph Community College opens new center in downtown Asheboro

Randolph Community College president Shah Ardalan, center, cuts the ribbon at the grand opening of the RCC Education & Engagement Center as RCC board chair Reynolds Lisk, left, and Asheboro mayor Joey Trogdon look on.  (Randolph Community College photo)

ASHEBORO — Randolph Community College held a ribbon cutting last Friday to officially opened its new Education & Engagement Center at 135 Sunset Ave. in downtown Asheboro.

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, according to school officials.

The Education & Engagement Center serves as a location for education, business development, and community.

“Access is the first promise we make to our community, and this Center is that promise in action,” said Shah Ardalan, RCC’s president. “The Education & 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.

The school announced that the downtown venue is designed to strengthen partnerships with businesses and make it easier for working adults, entrepreneurs, and employers to connect with training and resources that support workforce needs.

“This is more than a building,” Ardalan said. “It is a workforce gateway that strengthens our local economy while opening doors to education and opportunity.”

Reynolds Lisk, RCC board chair, said that one of Ardalan’s goals had been for CC to be a hub in the community and this move is a step in that pursuit.

N.C. Sen. Dave Craven and Asheboro mayor Joey Trogdon also spoke at the ceremony.

The downtown center includes two classrooms that will be a spot for programming based on community and employer needs, including 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. Those need to come with reservations.

The center is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays.