The Long Range Planning (LRP) project by Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) provides an analysis of the college’s environment and predicts future program development and expansion needs based on historical evidence, current realities, emerging trends and economic conditions.  This planning effort is particularly important at this time because of the rapid growth of the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) in Kannapolis, funded by Dole Food magnate, David Murdock.  The transition of the college’s service area from a textile-based economy to a knowledge-based economy is demonstrated in this highly visible project and poses multiple challenges for RCCC.

The LRP initiative was designed and implemented to provide critical data to forecast imminent program planning and facility needs for the college.  Discussion and triangulation of data from all sources predict a pending demand for new biotechnology–related programs at the NCRC, as well as underscore the continuing relevance and need for college transfer, nursing and allied health programs, public safety, and professional, technical, and business services in both continuing education and curriculum programs.  The college’s role as the primary delivery source for lifelong learning opportunities from basic skills to advanced technologies relative to economic and workforce development was validated through the LRP committee’s work.

Click here to view RCCC's Long-Range Plan.