Shah Ardalan, President & CEO, Randolph Community College

In an interview with Invest:, Shah Ardalan, president and CEO of Randolph Community College, discussed the college’s role in supporting Randolph County’s economic transformation, workforce training demands, and AI integration. As major employers reshape the region, RCC is focused on expanding access, strengthening industry partnerships, and preparing students for emerging careers. “Whatever the community needs, we are their resource,” he said.

What changes over the past year have had the greatest impact on the college, students, and employers you serve?

I will go back three years because that is when I arrived in North Carolina. These are historic times for Randolph County. Not long ago, this area was known for one of the country’s fastest industrial declines after furniture manufacturers left, but everything changed when Toyota announced a $14 billion investment. More recently, JetZero announced plans that will also create thousands of jobs in the region.

Several of such announcements and investments have transformed expectations. Instead of talking about a handful of jobs, people are talking about tens of thousands and more than $30 billion within 30 miles of the college. That creates tremendous opportunity but also places significant responsibility on Randolph Community College as a lead workforce training partner. If these companies succeed, they will become a major economic engine for the county.

When I arrived, I was asked to help take a college with more than 60 years of success to the next level. We developed a strategic plan aligned with North Carolina’s 2030 vision after extensive conversations with industry and community stakeholders.

Our vision is RCC 2.0. We are building on our legacy while becoming more relevant, career-focused, and renewing our commitment to students, industry, the county, and the state. The plan is built around four pillars: access, connection, experience, and success. Access is at the heart of our mission. Connections ensure our programs align with industry needs. Experience reflects the expectations students and employers have for speed and service. Success is the ultimate measure. If our students are not successful, nothing else matters. Our new slogan is RCC: Where Access leads to Success!

How has the role of community colleges in supporting economic development changed over the past several years?

The American community college is one of this country’s greatest innovations. Since 1901, community colleges have consistently, efficiently, and effectively trained people, prepared them for work, and helped improve lives.

North Carolina’s network of 58 community colleges is a major reason businesses choose to invest here. Each college focuses on serving its own community while providing the workforce training that employers need. Major regional projects are served collectively by several of us.

The challenge today is speed. Companies need workers immediately. Toyota is a good example. Last month, we operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week so Toyota could train employees on our campus. More than 2,000 Toyota employees have already received training through RCC. Meeting those commitments sometimes requires postponing other projects, but supporting investments like Toyota benefits the entire state.

Where do you see the biggest gaps between employer demand and available talent, and how are you addressing them?

The aging workforce is a real challenge. Companies often depend on a small number of experienced employees with critical skills. Sometimes it is just the sheer numbers. 

Welding is one example. Companies are not looking for five or six welders. Some need hundreds. Training that many people is challenging, and once they are trained, they are often recruited elsewhere because demand is so strong.

Healthcare faces similar challenges. Nursing and radiography graduates often receive job offers before they finish their programs. Expanding workforce training capacity is not simple because of facility requirements, regulations, and the cost of specialized equipment.

We stay closely connected with employers through our advisory groups and our partnership with the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation. We regularly discuss their hiring plans, growth strategies, and workforce needs so we can align our training programs. Healthcare, manufacturing, welding, building trades, and other skilled professions continue to be among the areas of greatest demand.

How does RCC support lifelong learning and broader community needs beyond degree programs?

We opened a center in downtown Asheboro where community members can take short courses. Small businesses learn how to use tools such as AI for marketing, and we also help entrepreneurs launch businesses. Many of the entrepreneurs we support are Hispanic women, and we stay engaged beyond the startup phase to help them succeed.

We also provide cultural training for businesses and help individuals prepare for citizenship exams. Whatever the community needs, we are their resource.
Our photography program is nationally recognized, and many people discover new passions through our nondegree offerings. Community colleges are about far more than traditional education.

How do you see AI impacting higher education, workforce preparation, and the community?

We are developing the Applied Industrial AI (AI2) Center of North Carolina on our campus. Rather than focusing on creating AI, we will focus on applying it across industries.

We are looking at applications in areas such as building trades, agriculture, manufacturing, and cybersecurity. For example, AI can help farmers monitor livestock, identify potential health issues earlier, and improve productivity. AI can help with construction management, building code compliance, and worker safety.

We are modifying a 25,000-square-foot building to house the AI2 center. Cybersecurity will also be a major focus because cybersecurity increasingly involves AI fighting AI.

One statement will greet visitors when they enter: AI is not here to replace people; it is going to replace people who do not learn how to use it.

Instead of creating AI degrees, we are integrating AI into every academic program. Whether students study photography, welding, or carpentry, they need to understand how AI can improve safety, productivity, and decision-making.

We are also developing ethical guidelines. Some assignments will require AI, some will allow AI assistance, and others will prohibit it. Ignoring AI is not a realistic approach.

What are your top priorities for RCC, and what gives you confidence about the region’s future?

I believe the future is bright because people across the county are working together. The college, county commissioners, legislators, and economic development leaders share a common vision for Randolph County’s future.

Our priority is staying ahead of growth. We have already acquired 22 acres in Liberty and are pursuing funding to build a new center near the Toyota site (not for Toyota), because all indications point to tremendous population growth in that region. We are also preparing for future industries, including aviation, as new investments such as JetZero come to neighboring counties.

Funding and the pace of growth remain challenges. Companies need skilled workers immediately, while the tax base created by those investments takes years to develop. Balancing those realities requires planning and collaboration.

A recent study done by a reputable company calculated that RCC generates an annual economic impact of $142.4 million in total added income for the regional economy. Students receive  $6.70 in value for every dollar they invest, demonstrating that supporting community colleges is an investment with measurable returns.

Our results reinforce that value. RCC has been ranked the No. 1 community college in North Carolina three times. Our nursing students have achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on their state licensing exam for five consecutive years, and our law enforcement academy and radiography programs have also achieved 100% pass rates. Those outcomes strengthen the community’s confidence in its college and reinforce our commitment to supporting the region’s continued growth.