In May 2018, the citizens of Rockingham County made a powerful investment in the future by approving a quarter-cent sales tax to support workforce development at Rockingham Community College. Thanks to your support, the college has been able to address long-standing infrastructure and technology needs creating a safer, more modern, and more inspiring campus environment.
Your commitment is helping us attract and prepare students for meaningful careers, whether they enter the workforce directly or continue their education at a four-year institution. Because of you, our students have the tools, spaces, and support they need to succeed.
We are deeply grateful for your belief in education and your dedication to building a stronger community.
Thank you for helping us shape the future of Rockingham County, one student at a time.
Respiratory Therapy Program Adds Cutting-Edge Vest Therapy System
Respiratory Therapy students at Rockingham Community College now have a new Philips InCourage vest therapy system, funded by a local sales tax and replacing an older donated unit. The vest helps clear mucus from the lungs, improving quality of life for patients with chronic respiratory conditions, and is used both in student training and community outreach events. Enrollment in the program has grown significantly, leading RCC to hire additional clinical instructors and expand hands-on learning opportunities.
News Article: High-tech vest elevates Respiratory Therapy training
Interview with RCC’s Faculty
Check out the Mike More Media Podcast as he interviews Caleb Parrish about RCC Computer-Integrated Machining.
Buildings and Infrastructure
Center for Workforce Development
With your support, RCC has completed the new Center for Workforce Development, a 42,000-square-foot, $25 million facility funded by the quarter-cent sales tax you approved. Finished in August 2024, the Center features advanced manufacturing technology and houses programs in Machining, Mechatronics, and Electrical Systems, along with our Small Business Center and Corporate Education Office. It also includes a 200-seat meeting space and catering kitchen.
Industrial Technologies 1 (IT1)
In 2021, Rooms 112 and 113 in Industrial Technologies I were renovated to house our Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Program. This $437,181 upgrade, funded by the local quarter-cent sales tax, gives students a dedicated space to train for essential careers in climate control and building systems.
Industrial Technologies 2 (IT2)
Renovations to the Industrial Technologies II building were completed in July 2024, creating two new welding labs and expanding capacity from 17 to 40 stations. Funded by ConnectNC bonds, state infrastructure funds, and the local quarter-cent sales tax, this $5.58 million project gives students more space and better tools to train for in-demand careers.
Science Building
Thanks to the quarter-cent sales tax, several classrooms in the Science Building have been renovated to support modern learning. Highlights include a new virtual classroom, a larger combined classroom, and a student lounge. Room 116 now serves as a hydraulics/mechanical lab. These upgrades, totaling $215,224.03, included flooring, lighting, technology, and more.
Parking Lots, Road Improvements and Roofs
In 2019 and 2020, RCC completed key infrastructure projects thanks to the quarter-cent sales tax. These included a new roof for the Administration Building protecting vital computing systems, repaving and ADA improvements across campus roads and parking lots. Together, these upgrades totaled $650,094 and enhance safety, accessibility, and reliability.
Academic and Career Support
Agribusiness
RCC has made big strides in Agribusiness. We built a new 30′ x 72′ greenhouse, added a two-bay storage building, refreshed the Horticulture Building, and recovered our smaller greenhouse, all part of a $359,276.10 investment completed between 2020 and 2022.
Center for Construction
Thanks to the quarter-cent sales tax, the Center for Construction Trades and Woodworking got a fresh new look! Renovations included new flooring, lighting, paint, a new classroom wall, storefront upgrades, shades, and a new sign. The City of Reidsville even pitched in with fresh exterior paint. Total cost: $198,376.03.
Cosmetology Lab
In fall 2021, the Cosmetology lab got a major refresh with new equipment, flooring, lighting, paint, and electrical upgrades. The $345,242 renovation was funded by the quarter-cent sales tax.
