— LISTEE'S SPOTLIGHT —

Since 2008, Dr. Carol S. Spalding has been the president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, where she brings more than five decades of educational leadership expertise. She first became involved with the community college system as a young Navy spouse pursuing continuing education after being unable to secure work in a new location. In 1975, she was hired to oversee a grant-funded program at Florida Community College of Jacksonville (FSCJ), rising to become the school’s director of continuing education in 1978 and president in 1986. Dr. Spalding proudly served as president of FSCJ for over 20 years, stepping down in 2008 to accept her current role.

In recognition of her commitment to workforce development, Dr. Spalding has received accolades from the American Association of Community Colleges and the North Carolina Community College State Board. She is the namesake of a STEM building on the Ro wan-Cabarrus Community College Campus, a distinction she considers a professional highlight and hopes will be an inspiration to other women in the field. Dr. Spalding holds a Doctor of Education from Columbia University and a master’s degree in HR management from Pepperdine University.