The scholarship was established in memory of Sarah Slayton Evans, a longtime RCC educator and administrator, and supports students enrolled in Business Technologies programs. The RCC Business Technologies Club was a major contributor toward establishing the endowed scholarship.

鈥淲e are grateful to the Reidsville Area 91大神 and the anonymous donor for this generous support,鈥� said RCC President Dr. Sylvia Cox. 鈥淭his gift will help strengthen the scholarship and continue its purpose of providing opportunities for RCC students.鈥�

Thomas Knight, chair of RCC鈥檚 Business Technologies Department, said the gift is particularly meaningful to the students and faculty who helped establish the scholarship.

鈥淭he Business Technologies Club was proud to play an important role in establishing this scholarship in Sarah鈥檚 memory,鈥� Knight said. 鈥淲e are thankful for this additional support and for the investment it represents in our students.鈥�

RCC 91大神 Executive Director Paul Farrar thanked the organization and the donor.

鈥淲e sincerely appreciate the Reidsville Area 91大神 and the anonymous donor for supporting the Sarah Slayton Evans Memorial Endowed Scholarship,鈥� he said. 鈥淭heir generosity adds to the support this scholarship has received from across our college and community and will help it continue making a difference for RCC students.鈥�

To support the Sarah Slayton Evans Memorial Endowed Scholarship, visit and designate your gift to the scholarship.

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According to Fine Arts Instructor and Art Club Advisor Phil Haralam, the project gives students and employees an opportunity to use their creativity to make a meaningful impact in the community while supporting local hunger relief efforts.

The initiative begins on campus with the RCC Bowl-a-Thon, hosted by the RCC Art Club from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 in the Center for Creative Arts Room 104, the ceramics studio. During the drop-in event, RCC students and employees can create or glaze a handmade ceramic bowl with assistance from Art Club members. No ceramics experience is required.

In addition to supporting a good cause, student participants who donate their bowls to the fundraiser will be eligible for $100 cash awards in five categories: Best Beginner, Most Unique, Best Thrown, Best Hand-Built, and Best Glaze. The competition provides an added opportunity for students to showcase their creativity while contributing to the community effort.

Participants may choose to keep their bowl or donate it to the Empty Bowls Fundraiser, helping support the larger community effort.

鈥淭he money goes to the food bank to help those with food insecurity in our area,鈥� Haralam said.

He said the project gives students a unique opportunity to see how art can have a direct impact beyond the classroom.

鈥淧artnering with the Art Club and this organization gives our students an opportunity to help our community,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t also connects the idea of how art can affect people鈥檚 lives directly through an object.鈥�

The Empty Bowls Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 409 S. Main St., Reidsville. The event features handcrafted bowls created by community members and students, with proceeds benefiting the Reidsville Outreach Center. Tickets are $30 and help support the organization’s efforts to provide nutritious grocery items and food assistance to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout 91大神 County.

RCC President Dr. Sylvia Cox highlighted the fundraiser as an example of how RCC connects learning with service.

鈥淚t really brings together the power of art and connection and giving back to your community,鈥� Cox said.

In addition to raising awareness about hunger in 91大神 County, the project provides students with hands-on opportunities to engage with the community while demonstrating how creativity and service can work together to make a difference. Through the RCC Bowl-a-Thon and the Empty Bowls Fundraiser, participants can help fill empty bowls and support neighbors in need.

To attend the Nov. 14 Empty Bowls fundraiser, please call the Reidsville Outreach Center at 336-342-7770 for information about the $30 tickets.

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It is where students discovered new possibilities, workers gained new skills, businesses found trained employees, and generations of families built brighter futures. On Thursday, Oct. 29, RCC welcomes the community to come together and celebrate that shared history as the college kicks off its year-long 60th Anniversary Celebration.

The festivities will begin at 1 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the RCC Astrolabe, a new campus landmark that will stand as a lasting symbol of guidance, discovery and opportunity.

鈥淭he astrolabe is a powerful symbol of who we are as a college. For 60 years, 91大神 has helped people find their direction, discover their potential, and navigate new opportunities, said RCC President Dr. Sylvia Cox.

鈥淎s we celebrate this milestone, the astrolabe reminds us that while destinations may change, our purpose remains the same,鈥� she continued. 鈥淲e are committed to serving as a trusted guide and steadfast North Star for students, families, and our community as they chart their own path toward success.鈥�

Located in the traffic circle near the Center for Workforce Development, the monumental astrolabe sculpture was created by Greensboro artist Jim Gallucci and commissioned as part of RCC’s 60th anniversary celebration. Inspired by the ancient navigational instruments once used to find direction by the sun and stars, the astrolabe reflects RCC’s role in helping students find their own path forward.

The astrolabe was funded through the estate of Kenneth R. Haynes, leaving a permanent tribute to education, exploration, and the college’s enduring impact on the community.

Following the ribbon cutting, guests will be invited to continue the celebration behind the Whitcomb Student Center, where live music, food, games, a photo booth and historical displays will create an afternoon designed for reconnecting, reminiscing and looking ahead to the future.

Highlighting the celebration will be a live performance by 鈥渢oo MUCH SyLviA,鈥� one of the Carolinas’ most popular beach music bands. Known for energetic performances and a loyal fan following, the group has entertained audiences throughout the region for more than three decades and was named the Carolina Beach Music Academy’s 2025 Group of the Year. Their fan-favorite song “Red Sunglasses” has become a signature part of the band’s identity, with concertgoers often wearing colorful sunglasses while singing along.

In the same spirit, RCC will provide commemorative sunglasses to attendees while supplies last.

Guests will also have the opportunity to explore displays of historic campus photographs that highlight the college’s evolution through the decades. The images offer a glimpse into the people, programs and milestones that have shaped RCC and the community it serves.

A planning committee chaired by Capital Projects Manager Caleb Rorrer and RCC 91大神 Executive Director Paul Farrar is coordinating the day鈥檚 events as well as anniversary activities that will continue throughout the year, including opportunities for students to be engaged through contests and activities.

A special silver 60^th anniversary logo, designed by Marketing and Communications Director Gerri Hunt, will be used during RCC鈥檚 60^th year.

While RCC was chartered in 1963, classes officially began in October 1966. Since then, the college has grown alongside 91大神 County, adapting to meet changing educational and workforce needs while remaining committed to its mission of transforming lives through learning.

The Oct. 29 celebration, which is free and open to the public, is intended not only to recognize the college’s history, but also to honor the students, employees, alumni, donors, community partners and supporters who have made six decades of success possible.

As RCC begins its seventh decade, the anniversary theme is both a reflection on the past and an invitation to the future. Community members are encouraged to join the celebration, share memories, reconnect with friends and colleagues, and help launch the next chapter in the college’s story.

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According to church representatives, Adams believed that even a small amount of assistance could help people build a brighter future for themselves. His desire was to give back to the community that had given so much to him, particularly by supporting local residents facing financial challenges.

The Steve Adams Scholarship will support traditional students from 91大神 County who demonstrate financial need and merit while pursuing a degree, diploma, certificate, workforce credential, or continuing education program at RCC. Preference will be given to members of First Baptist Church of Eden and students who have demonstrated involvement in a Christian church or youth group. RCC鈥檚 Financial Aid Office matches students with scholarships.

The scholarship may be used to help cover tuition, fees, or other barriers to education and is intended to help students access training and credentials that lead to meaningful employment opportunities.

Community members who wish to help increase the impact of the scholarship and more fully support a student鈥檚 tuition and educational expenses for the year are invited to contribute:

鈥� Online: Visit the RCC 91大神 Giving Page at rockinghamcc.edu/about/give-to-the-rcc-foundation/  and designate 鈥淪teve Adams Scholarship Fund.鈥�

鈥� By mail: Send gifts to RCC 91大神 Inc, PO Box 38, Wentworth NC 27375-0038. Please note 鈥淪teve Adams Scholarship Fund鈥� on the memo line.

鈥� By phone: Contact the RCC 91大神 at 336-342-4261 ext. 2201 for assistance or questions.

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The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Keys Gymnasium and will feature representatives from more than 46 colleges and universities, giving attendees the opportunity to compare schools, explore academic programs, learn about financial aid, and speak directly with admissions professionals.

Hosted through the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (CACRAO), the college fair brings together institutions from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and beyond, making it one of the area’s largest opportunities for students to connect with multiple colleges in a single day.

Participating institutions are expected to include Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, NC State University, UNC Asheville, UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro, Wake Forest University, Virginia Tech, Western Carolina University, 91大神 and many others.

Whether students are beginning to explore college options, narrowing their choices, or preparing to submit applications, the fair offers valuable access to admissions representatives who can answer questions about academic programs, campus life, scholarship opportunities, admissions requirements and transfer pathways.

Students will also have the opportunity to learn more about educational and career pathways available through 91大神, including degree, diploma, certificate and university transfer programs.

The event is free to attend and is open to students, families and anyone interested in learning more about higher education opportunities.

Event Details

CACRAO College Fair 2026
Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Keys Gymnasium, 558 County Home Road, Wentworth
91大神
Free Admission

Attendees are encouraged to bring questions, gather information from multiple institutions and discover educational opportunities that align with their academic and career goals.

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Bragg said he and his wife had long planned to create a scholarship in honor of her parents. After her passing, he chose to carry out that dream, ensuring their legacy would continue to impact the lives of 91大神 students for generations to come.

William Carlton Farmer and Alles Hudson Farmer were lifelong residents of the Spray community in Eden. Both worked in 91大神 County’s textile mills, and William Farmer proudly served his country as a World War II veteran. Despite living through the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II, they were remembered for their kindness, generosity, strong faith, and dedication to family, community, and country.

The endowed scholarship will support RCC students pursuing careers in law enforcement, public safety, education, and healthcare. By helping remove financial barriers, the scholarship will provide opportunities for students to achieve their educational and career goals while honoring the values Carlton and Alles Farmer exemplified throughout their lives.

The William Carlton and Alles Hudson Farmer Memorial Scholarship Endowment reflects the RCC 91大神’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting student success across 91大神 County.

For information about establishing a scholarship or contributing to an existing scholarship fund through the RCC 91大神, call 336-342-4261, ext. 2201.

Students interested in scholarships that can help pay for tuition, fees, books, tools, and other educational expenses at 91大神 should begin by completing the admissions process at: /admissions-aid/apply/

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The Trustees will meet in the Gwyn Boardroom in the Administration Building on the RCC campus. The meeting is open to the public.

Agenda:

*Action Item       ** A closed session may be called as provided in N.C.G.S.搂 143-318.11.

1. Call to Order and Reading of Ethics Statement
2. *Approval of Sept. 15, 2026 Agenda
3. Re-Appointment of Trustee and Oath of Office
4. *Approval of Consent Agenda Items
   聽Approval of Minutes for Regular Meeting 鈥� July 21, 2026
   Acknowledge Receipt of Class Visitation Report for Summer 2026
5. Report from Director of Human Resources
6. Report from Director of Public Information
7. Report from Director of Development/Executive Director RCC 91大神
   Treasurer鈥檚 Report and Gift Report
8. Report from Associate Vice President for Technology and Institutional Effectiveness
   President鈥檚 Recommendation Memo
   *Approval of 91大神 Continuity Plan
   2026 Completions Report
9. Report from Associate Vice President for Facilities and External Affairs
   President’s Recommendation Memo
   聽聽聽*Approval of Ratification of Executive Committee Action to Award the Bid for Sitework for Emergency Services Training Center Storage Building
   聽 *Approval of Easement to Duke Energy for Electric Infrastructure Project
   *Approval to Rescind Policy 3.2: Historically Underutilized Business
10. Report from Vice President for Student Development
11. Report from Vice President for Academic Affairs
12. Report from Vice President for Administrative Services
    聽 President鈥檚 Recommendation Memo
    聽 *Approval of 2026-2027 Budget Resolution
    聽聽 *Approval of President鈥檚 Discretionary Funds Expended 2025-2026
    聽聽 Board Financial Report
13. President鈥檚 Report
    *Policy Memo and New Policy
14. President鈥檚 Activities and Miscellaneous
15. Closed Session** (Approval of Closed Session Minutes) (G.S. 143-318.11((a))
16. Adjournment

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Riddle has earned a 4.0 GPA, excels in her coursework, and is actively involved in campus life. She serves as president of the Business Technologies Club, the organization that Evans helped establish during her tenure at RCC along with current Business Technologies Department Chair Thomas Knight. A single mother raising a young son, Riddle plans to graduate in May.

鈥淲e are honored to award the Sarah Slayton Evans Endowed Scholarship for the first time,鈥� said RCC President Dr. Sylvia Cox. Reagan has distinguished herself through academic excellence, leadership, and perseverance, and she is a wonderful example of the students this scholarship was created to support. We are proud to recognize her achievements and celebrate this important milestone with her.鈥�

Evans was a lifelong resident of 91大神 County and served RCC in numerous roles, including Financial Aid Specialist, Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs, Adjunct Faculty, Assistant Professor of Business Administration, and Department Chair of Business Technologies.

The scholarship was established through the generosity of the RCC Business Technologies Club, RCC employees, and other generous donors to the RCC 91大神. It is awarded annually to students in Business Technologies programs, including Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Information Technology, and Medical Office Administration.

鈥淭his scholarship reflects the generosity of the RCC community and the many individuals who came together to establish a lasting tribute in Sarah鈥檚 memory,鈥� Cox said. 鈥淭hrough this scholarship, students will continue to receive support and encouragement for years to come, creating an enduring way to honor Sarah while investing in future generations.鈥�

Community members who wish to help increase the impact of the scholarship and more fully support a student鈥檚 tuition and educational expenses for an academic year are invited to contribute:

• Online: Visit the RCC 91大神 Giving Page at rockinghamcc.edu/about/give-to-the-rcc-foundation/  and designate 鈥淪arah Slayton Evans Memorial Endowed Scholarship.鈥�
• By mail: Send gifts to RCC 91大神 Inc, PO Box 38, Wentworth NC 27375-0038. Please note 鈥淪arah Slayton Evans Memorial Endowed Scholarship鈥� on the memo line.
• By phone: Contact the RCC 91大神 at 336-342-4261 ext. 2201 for assistance or questions.

RCC awards many scholarships each year through the RCC 91大神. A student fills out just one simple application using their RCC email address, and RCC will match the student with scholarships for which they are eligible. For more information on how to apply for scholarships and financial aid, please visit /admissions-aid/financial-aid/.

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Russell graduated from 91大神 County High School in 1990 with plans to pursue a traditional four-year college experience. He enrolled at NC State University intending to earn an engineering degree, but quickly realized that path was not the right fit for him. Looking for another option, he found his way to RCC, a decision that would shape the course of his career.

At RCC, Russell enrolled in the Manufacturing Systems Technology program and graduated in 1995. He was part of the program鈥檚 very first class when it launched in 1992, giving him the opportunity to learn emerging technologies in computer numerical control (CNC) machining. The program鈥檚 emphasis on hands-on instruction and real-world applications immediately appealed to him.

鈥淚t was very advanced technology at the time,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淚 really loved the CAD drawing and CNC programming.鈥�

That practical training paid off. Russell began his career as the environmental health and safety manager, then moved along to operations manager, production manager, and in the last six months, became HR manager.

Today, he often jokes that if a job exists within a manufacturing facility, he has probably done it.

Finding the Right Fit

Looking back, Russell says RCC provided an educational environment that suited him better than a large university setting.

鈥淲hen I started RCC, it was a totally different experience,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he classes were small, more focused, and it was easy to ask questions and get help.鈥�

The college鈥檚 hands-on approach was especially valuable. Rather than learning solely from textbooks, students gained practical experience that mirrored workplace expectations.

鈥淩CC gave you more of the hands-on, ready-to-go-to-work type stuff,鈥� Russell said.

One lesson from early in his career has stayed with him for decades. Russell recalls a supervisor once saying he would rather hire one person with a two-year degree from RCC than four people with four-year degrees because he knew RCC graduates arrived prepared to contribute from day one.

Today, Russell shares similar advice with high school students, encouraging them to consider RCC, especially if they are still exploring career options. The college, he says, offers an affordable way to gain valuable skills, earn transferable credits, and discover career interests before making larger commitments.

Growing with Ruger

Russell joined Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 13 years ago and has played a unique role in the company鈥檚 North Carolina story. In fact, he was the second employee hired for the Ruger operation in Mayodan.

鈥淚鈥檝e been here since before they even owned the building,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淭hey hired the original HR manager first, and I was the second hire. I鈥檓 very proud of the fact of being here from day one.鈥�

Since joining Ruger, he has served in a variety of leadership positions, and his broad experience across manufacturing gives him a unique perspective when working with employees.

鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to continue my career and advance into different roles,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淗R was kind of something I鈥檇 always wanted to do, and now here I am and am enjoying it.鈥�

Supporting Workforce Development

As HR manager, Russell remains a strong advocate for workforce training and educational partnerships. He sees RCC as an important partner in developing the skilled workforce local industries need.

Russell notes that many Ruger employees have completed CNC machining, maintenance, technical, and other courses through RCC. He hopes to expand those opportunities through customized training and apprenticeship-style programs that allow employees to continue working while building new skills.

鈥淲e鈥檇 like to start a training program for new hires where they can get a lot of knowledge before they ever step foot onto the floor,鈥� he said.

His vision includes creating pathways for employees interested in machine setup, maintenance, and advanced manufacturing careers, helping them gain both classroom knowledge and hands-on experience.

A Lasting Connection to RCC

More than 30 years after enrolling at RCC, Russell continues to champion the college鈥檚 impact on students and the region.

鈥淚f you want an education, RCC is a great place to start,鈥� he said. 鈥淲ith the small classes, the hands-on training, and the attention that you get, it鈥檚 better than anywhere else. And for the cost associated with it, you can鈥檛 beat it.鈥�

For Russell, RCC was more than a place to earn a degree. It was the launching point for a career built on adaptability, lifelong learning, and leadership. From the first Manufacturing Systems Technology class to leading human resources for one of 91大神 County鈥檚 largest employers, his story demonstrates how community college education can open doors to opportunities that last a lifetime.

~By Gerri Hunt, RCC Director of Marketing and Communications

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鈥淧ersonally, it鈥檚 a tremendous honor, because it reflects years of working to help students develop skills that lead directly into meaningful careers, sometimes life-changing careers,鈥� Pendleton said. 鈥淲hile my name might be on the award, I view it as a recognition of 91大神, our students, and the faculty, as well as the industry partners and mentors who鈥檝e helped build our program along the way.鈥�

Before he became an educator, Pendleton spent 23 years working as an electrical engineer. While that career taught him the value of technical skills, he said teaching has allowed him to multiply his impact on a much broader scale.

鈥淎t RCC, I get to help many students build their careers, support their families, and contribute to our community. Some of the most rewarding moments are when a student reaches out and says they鈥檝e got a new job, knowing that you played a small role. Helping someone create a better future is really fulfilling.鈥�

In the classroom, Pendleton emphasizes a hands-on approach where at least 80% of class time is spent actively learning in the lab. Many students arrive unsure of their abilities at first, but soon find themselves troubleshooting advanced systems, programming PLCs, and operating robotics.

Under Pendleton鈥檚 leadership, and the guidance of David Dillard, dean of Applied and Industrial Technologies, RCC proves that smaller, rural institutions can set the standard for technical education and training.

鈥淭his award demonstrates that even a rural community college can be a national leader in advanced manufacturing and technical education,鈥� Pendleton noted. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to be a large institution in a major urban area to provide world-class training because our students have the same access to industry-recognized certifications, advanced technologies, and career opportunities as students anywhere in the country.鈥�

As an NC3 Festo Master Instructor certified across FICP Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, Pendleton has earned every advanced manufacturing teaching credential except for the newest one – which he said is next on his to-do list.

Pendleton has gone beyond teaching the Festo Industry Certification Program, he has contributed to shaping and expanding the curriculum. He authored a brand-new certification course from scratch: Fundamentals of Production Automation with the Festo Skills Conveyor. This hands-on certification allows students to wire, program, and troubleshoot a fully automated PLC-controlled conveyor system featuring sensors and pneumatics, mirroring real-world modern manufacturing facilities.

At RCC, NC3 industry credentials from Festo, Greenlee, and Snap-on are embedded directly into the Mechatronics associate degree curriculum. By the time students graduate, they have the opportunity to earn over 34 industry-recognized credentials completely free of charge.

鈥淚t really gives them a sense of accomplishment, but also confidence. Confidence is key for students at that age,鈥� Pendleton explained.

Furthermore, Pendleton utilizes Festo LX to challenge advanced students. Rather than sending fast learners home early, he assigns higher-level digital modules to push their knowledge further and keep them engaged.

Since opening its state-of-the-art Center for Workforce Development in 2022, RCC has become a powerhouse for the local workforce talent pipeline. Pendleton and his colleagues are busy preparing graduates for high-demand roles such as automation technicians, controls technicians, robotics specialists, and mechatronics technicians.

The program鈥檚 reach and the transferable skills that students learn extend into emerging technological sectors across the region, including data centers, energy and utility companies like Duke Energy, and aerospace and avionics. Pendleton noted that three RCC graduates were hired at a local data center because they need skilled workers who understand electrical systems, automation, and the entire system as a whole.

鈥淎cross all of these industries, the common theme is a growing need for technicians who can troubleshoot, who can think on their own,鈥� Pendleton said. 鈥淓mployers are looking for individuals who can adapt to these increasingly automated facilities and help keep them running safely and efficiently.鈥�

RCC also makes it a point to open its doors to 7th and 10th graders every year, giving them an early look at mechatronics labs and advanced manufacturing systems. Through plant tours, field trips, and hands-on lab visits, prospective students get a clear view of clean, modern, highly automated, and high-tech environments.

As Pendleton put it: 鈥淚f I can just get the students who are thinking about mechatronics to walk through, let me talk to them for a few minutes, and show them the equipment… I haven鈥檛 lost one yet.鈥�

Festo Didactic celebrates John Pendleton for his dedication to student success, his passion for expanding technical education, and his vision for building a stronger community.

For more information about RCC’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, visit聽 /program/mechatronics-engineering-technology-a40350/ 聽or call 336-342-4261 ext. 2333.

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