Affordable. Flexible. Local. Explore career paths, transfer degrees and short-term training to help you navigate forward. Start your journey today. Dr. Richard L.
In the late 1950s, the North Carolina General Assembly approved funding for a new concept in higher education: industrial education centers for the purpose of training adults in vocational and technical skills needed by emerging industries. In 1963, Rowan Industrial Education Center became one of the first of 58 colleges in the NC Community College System, under the leadership of founding presiden
t Merrill Hamilton. Brownell followed Hamilton as president in 1977 and served in that capacity for thirty years. In 1991, under his leadership, the College earned distinction as the first multi-campus community college in the state of North Carolina. The College experienced four significant name changes in its 60-year history: Rowan Industrial Education Center (1961); Rowan Technical Institute (1964); Rowan Technical College (1979); and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (1987). In 2008, Dr. Carol S. Spalding became the third president of Rowan-Cabarrus. During her tenure, the College has continued to grow and thrive. Rowan-Cabarrus demonstrates a deep commitment to teaching excellence, student support and affordable education and training. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has two main campuses covering two counties, the North Campus in Salisbury and the South Campus in Concord. The College serves residents of Rowan and Cabarrus counties on these campuses, at additional College locations and off-campus instructional sites that are conveniently and strategically located in the counties, and through online programs. Enrollment has grown to more than 22,000 students annually, and today, 61 years after its opening, Rowan-Cabarrus serves as a catalyst for local economic development by providing a skilled workforce for the region. The College offers fully accredited associate degree programs in more than 30 areas of study, including arts and sciences, business, information technology, health and public services, and engineering technologies, as well as dozens of diplomas and certifications. Rowan-Cabarrus also offers numerous degrees entirely online, as well as accredited diploma and certificate programs focused on career and technical training, continuing education and adult basic education. Additionally, the College provides a strong general education foundation and transferable credits for students advancing to four-year colleges and universities while helping many adults secure the additional training they need to start or change careers. Rowan-Cabarrus is the area’s only public college, the largest workforce training resource and one of our largest employers. Most graduates continue to live and work in our local communities and provide essential and critical services in healthcare, public safety, manufacturing, government, business and human services. Since its inception in 1963, Rowan-Cabarrus has changed the lives of many individuals in our region and is committed to building sustainable futures for our citizens through public higher education.
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Social Media Community Standards
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College encourages interaction, discussion, comments and questions. We ask that individuals keep comments and posts relevant and respectful. The College has established these Social Media Community Standards to govern posts. The College’s official social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads and
YouTube) are administered and moderated by the College’s Marketing and Communications department. The administrators of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College accounts reserve the right to delete comments, replies or other content and interactions they deem to be in violation of the College’s Social Media Community Standards or in violation of the social media platform's community standards. The administrators may also take action to report, block or ban users from social media platforms for violations. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is committed to maintaining inclusive and accessible digital spaces. All interactions on official platforms must align with this commitment to ensure full participation by individuals with disabilities. Social media submissions that will be removed and reported may include, but are not
limited to:
• Harassing, intimidating or threatening comments to another person
• Comments that incite violence or other action in violation of any federal or state
anti-discrimination laws
• Sexually explicit, sexually vulgar, or violent language, profanity or imagery
• Infringement on copyrights or trademarks
• Comments that promote illegal activity
• Solicitations or promotions of products or services of any third party, unless approved
in advance by the Marketing and Communications department, or designee
• Comments that include false or defamatory information
• Posts that misrepresent or hide the poster’s identity
• Comments that violate privacy or confidentiality, especially as it relates to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Comments unrelated to the topic of the post or to the College community
• Repetitive comments and spam posts
Additional Community Standards for each social media platform are found here:
Revised April 2025. Original (signed) procedure is on file in the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College President’s Office.
05/30/2026
We're still celebrating the accomplishments of the Rowan-Cabarrus Class of 2026! Commencement was filled with celebration, excitement and well-deserved recognition as graduates marked an important milestone and prepared for their next chapter.
Join us in congratulating the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Class of 2026 and take a look back at some of the memorable moments from this year's ceremony.
05/29/2026
Starting a business can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone.
Programs like Retail Lab from the Small Business Center at Rowan-Cabarrus provide entrepreneurs with resources, guidance and support to help turn ideas into reality. After more than 30 years in nursing, the founder of The Zin Garden transformed a personal passion into a thriving small business with the help of these programs, gaining the tools, confidence and community needed to take the next step.
Ready to take the next step in your own business journey? Learn how the Small Business Center can support your goals at www.rccc.edu/sbc.
05/29/2026
Only a few spots remain in the Fashion Design and Sewing Camp at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College!
This summer enrichment program for ages 12-16 offers a hands-on opportunity to explore fashion design and sewing in a creative and engaging learning environment. The camp takes place July 6-10 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cabarrus Business and Technology Center in Concord. The cost is $125.
We’re gathering feedback from graduates to learn more about career paths, continued education and how Rowan-Cabarrus has helped shape your success.
If you graduated within the last five years, please take a few minutes to complete our Graduate Employment Survey. All alumni are welcome to participate.
The survey takes about 5 to 10 minutes and is open until Friday, June 5. Take the survey today at www.rccc.edu/gradsurvey.
05/27/2026
Every student has a story, and in the latest episode of Trail Mix, three Rowan-Cabarrus students reflect on the experiences that shaped their journeys to graduation.
Host Carter Wingfield sits down with Kylie Baucom, Halei Hamby and Michael Shoe to celebrate the Class of 2026 and discuss what brought them to Rowan-Cabarrus, the challenges they overcame and the support systems that helped them succeed along the way.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is currently experiencing a temporary power outage at South Campus in Concord. Power is estimated to be restored by 9 a.m.
Blackboard and email remain operational. All curriculum classes at South Campus with a start time before 12 p.m. noon will operate in a virtual format. At this time, curriculum classes at South Campus beginning at or after 12 p.m. noon will operate as originally scheduled. Curriculum classes at all other campuses are not affected at this time and will operate as originally scheduled.
Corporate and Continuing Education students will receive communications directly from their instructors regarding their courses for today.
Employees at South Campus should plan to work virtually until 12 p.m. noon unless they are contacted by their supervisors.
We will provide updates as more information becomes available. Please continue to monitor your College email and check www.rccc.edu for updates.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
05/27/2026
Taking care of your health just got easier.
Rowan-Cabarrus students and their families can access medical and mental health services right on campus through mobile wellness units, made possible by a partnership with Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Centers. Services include primary care, counseling and support for ongoing health needs.
The mobile unit will visit North Campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, and South Campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are available.
Prepare to renew or obtain your North Carolina Auto Safety Inspection license through Rowan-Cabarrus.
The Auto Safety Inspection course will be offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at North Campus. This one-day course includes classroom instruction, lab activities and an exit examination for individuals seeking North Carolina Auto Safety Inspection certification or renewal. The registration fee is $70.
College costs add up, but scholarship opportunities are still available at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College for the 2026-2027 academic year!
Scholarships through the Rowan-Cabarrus Foundation support students across a variety of programs and backgrounds, and every year, scholarship funds go unclaimed simply because students do not apply. Applications for new and returning students close Monday, June 1, 2026.
Looking to gain new skills, earn a certification or explore a new career path? Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Corporate and Continuing Education offers flexible training programs taught by experienced professionals, with many programs completed in nine weeks or less.
From workforce development and skilled trades to personal enrichment courses, there are opportunities for every stage of your journey.
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