RENOVATIONS

Thanks to the completion of nearly all of the construction projects on North Campus including the final renovations to the Health and Sciences Building (Building 600) which faces Interstate 85, the College has a fresh new view to welcome visitors and community members alike. These exciting projects were funded through the 2010 Rowan County bond referendum and a generous grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).

“We are excited to bring a new face to the College’s North Campus. From I-85, you are beginning to see a new and welcoming ‘front door’ to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and our community,” said President Spalding.

Building 600 is home to a newly renovated and improved Dental Assisting program that has received updated equipment and furniture. The lab is a functional training facility that looks very similar to what graduates will find in the industry. The College’s Radiography program is also located in Building 600 and has seen significant renovations and equipment updates in the last few years.

In addition, the College has two more health programs in development: Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). New program development is critically important for community colleges. However, the current funding structure does not support program development, so it requires careful planning and implementation. Both fields have very promising job outlooks, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We have been very purposeful and diligent with the funding provided in the 2010 Rowan County bond referendum. We took adequate time to raise additional funds and to strategically plan for the future,” said President Spalding. “We have gained critical space for instruction and the expansion of new health programs.”

As part of the renovations, the College also took the former administration building, Building 300, and turned it largely into newly refurbished classrooms with smart technology.

“The technology in our new classrooms is doing just what we hoped it would do – making it easier for our students to learn. We’re getting a lot of positive feedback from instructors and students,” said Ken Ingle, the College’s chief information officer.

The College also completed phase I of the outdoor learning center/amphitheater, which is an exciting and innovative project that will take advantage of the available land and natural resources on the North Campus. The space is designed to provide an opportunity for students to utilize the campus’ natural habitats for curriculum related projects and instruction. The 900-seat amphitheater will also provide a venue for outdoor performances or lectures by the College and community based organizations.

Another exciting aspect of campus improvements is the progress on the College’s sustainability and energy efficiency projects. Thanks to a one million dollar donation from Fred and Alice Stanback, the largest donation the College has ever received, Rowan-Cabarrus is able to launch a solar energy initiative that will ultimately save Rowan-Cabarrus and local taxpayers in long-term energy costs. Additional exciting energy efficiency projects supported by Rowan County and Duke Energy Foundation are underway as well.