Trail Mix | Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield is joined by Director of the Small Business Center Meg Johnson and Redbird Thread Co. owner Sammie Abernathy to explore how Rowan-Cabarrus Community College supports local entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. The conversation highlights the free resources available through the Small Business Center, including one-on-one counseling, workshops and expert guidance designed to help individuals start, grow and sustain their businesses. Through Sammy’s firsthand experience building her downtown Concord shop, listeners gain insight into the realities of entrepreneurship, the value of seeking support early and the impact of community connections. 

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield talks with Lead Program Manager of Training Services in Corporate and Continuing Education, Dr. Tricia Staggers and Program Manager for Personal Enrichment Courses, Tabitha Harrison, about the wide range of personal enrichment opportunities available at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. The conversation explores how these courses create accessible, flexible ways for community members to build skills, explore interests, earn certifications and experience lifelong learning outside the traditional college pathway. This episode also highlights summer enrichment camps for youth, popular offerings like sewing, photography, American Sign Language, notary, and motorcycle safety, and the many ways these programs help individuals and families discover new interests, strengthen confidence and connect learning to everyday life.

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield talks with Archive Services Librarian Laura Silva and Rowan-Cabarrus retiree Jeanie Moore about the people, moments, and milestones that have shaped Rowan-Cabarrus Community College over the years. The conversation explores how the Archives preserve the College’s history, why that history still matters today, and how major moments such as the Pillowtex closure revealed the College’s deep connection to the community it serves. Guests also reflect on the College’s 60th anniversary timeline project, memorable items preserved in the Archives, and the stories behind the people who helped build Rowan-Cabarrus into what it is today. 

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield talks with Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs Allison Scott and Financial Aid Advisor Michele Giron about how financial aid helps students at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College reduce financial barriers and achieve their educational goals. The conversation explores the role of the FAFSA, the importance of financial literacy, and the many funding opportunities available to students, including federal and state grants, institutional scholarships, work-study opportunities, and support programs for student parents and veterans. The Financial Aid team works one-on-one with students and families to help them understand their options, plan for college costs, and discover that higher education may be more affordable and attainable than they realize.

In this episode of Trail Mix, Carter Wingfield and Tabitha Harry talk with Executive Director of College and Career Readiness Jay Taylor and Food Service Instructor and Beacon’s Bistro Coordinator Stephanie Dunlap about the hands-on learning experience inside the Bistro at Rowan-Cabarrus. Beacon’s Bistro serves food to the campus community while also functioning as a real-world learning environment. Through the Bistro's partnership with the SOAR program, SOAR students build practical skills in food preparation, customer service and restaurant operations while gaining valuable workplace experience and developing confidence, independence and transferable skills.

In this episode of Trail Mix, co-hosts Carter Wingfield and Tabitha Harry explore how the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation supports students beyond the classroom. Executive Director of Advancement Connie Rheinecker and Occupational Therapy Assistant student and scholarship recipient Amber Huggins share how scholarships and emergency support remove financial barriers and help students stay focused on their education. The conversation highlights the Foundation’s role in funding scholarships, equipment and critical resources, as well as the lasting impact donor support has on student persistence, completion and long-term success.

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield talks with Head of Education for Superhuman (formerly Grammarly) Jenny Maxwell, Rowan-Cabarrus Vice President of Workforce & Technology Dr. Zack Hubbard, and Rowan-Cabarrus Program Chair of Associate in Arts, English & ACA Dr. Jenny Billings about how Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is navigating the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. The conversation explores responsible AI use, academic integrity, and the importance of strengthening critical thinking and communication skills. Guests also discuss the College’s partnership with Grammarly and how AI tools are being used intentionally to support learning rather than replace it, helping students prepare for success in both academic and professional settings.

In this episode of Trail Mix, hosts Carter Wingfield and Tabitha Harry sit down with Rowan-Cabarrus President Dr. Carol Spalding for a candid conversation about leadership, vision and the lasting impact of education. Dr. Spalding reflects on her unexpected path into higher education, her approach to leading a growing college and why keeping students at the center of every decision matters. The discussion explores workforce development, community partnerships, and the belief that education is not an expense, but an investment that strengthens individuals and communities.

In this episode of Trail Mix, Carter Wingfield and co-host Tabitha Harry sit down with Art & Design Program Chair Bailey Wingler and Art & Design student Lance Brush for a look at how creativity takes shape at Rowan-Cabarrus. The conversation explores the Bridge Gallery, hands-on student projects and the new Creative Currents initiative that brings artists, musicians and writers to campus. Bailey and Lance share how community, mentorship and real-world experiences help students grow as artists and designers. They also highlight the many ways art and design connect people, spark curiosity and open doors for students as they discover their own creative path.

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield talks with Business Services Account Manager and Apprenticeship Director Kerry Motley, Shop Manager Austin Shrewsbury from Martin Marietta, and Apprentice Josh Baker about how Rowan-Cabarrus apprenticeships are preparing the next generation of skilled workers. Through a model that blends paid, hands-on training with classroom instruction, apprentices gain thousands of hours of real-world experience while employers strengthen their workforce. Hear how apprenticeships create meaningful opportunities, support local industry, and connect students to long-term career success.

In this episode of Trail Mix, Carter Wingfield talks with Nursing Program Chair Dr. Emily Fink and nursing students Terry Portis and Andrea Nellis about how Rowan-Cabarrus is expanding access to nursing education. With new evening cohorts, multiple start points and flexible pathways, the College is meeting students where they are and preparing the next generation of skilled, compassionate nurses. Hear how these opportunities are helping students balance life, work and education while advancing their careers in healthcare.

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield talks with Student Activities Coordinators Amber King and Jaworski Sartin and Student Government Association President Jalil Agovic about how Student Life and Leadership helps students get connected and stay engaged at Rowan-Cabarrus. From campus events and student clubs to leadership opportunities and community-building experiences, discover how involvement beyond the classroom fosters growth, confidence and belonging.

In this episode of Trail Mix, Carter Wingfield talks with Executive Director of Transfer Success and Higher Education Partnerships Jenn Gardner Selby and Director of Advising, TRIO and First-Year Experience Amy Weatherman about how Rowan-Cabarrus Community College helps students transfer seamlessly to four-year universities. From articulation agreements and guaranteed scholarships to personalized advising and university mentor programs, learn how the College’s transfer pathways are helping students take the next step toward their goals. Whether you’re planning ahead or just beginning your journey, discover how Rowan-Cabarrus can help you navigate forward to transfer success.

In this episode of Trail Mix, Carter Wingfield and Tabitha Harry sit down with QEP Director Deanna Dixon and Program Chair of Associate in Arts, English and ACA Dr. Jenny Billings to talk about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Quality Enhancement Plan, Forward Together: Pathways to Success. Designed to help students from day one, this initiative reimagines the ACA-122 course and introduces pathways that strengthen belonging, learning, transfer and career readiness. Hear how Forward Together equips students with the tools, resources and confidence they need to succeed at Rowan-Cabarrus and beyond.

In this episode of Trail Mix, we talk with Keri Allman and Cassandra Barrier from the College's R3 Career Services. Since 2007, R3 has helped thousands of adults refocus, retrain and re-employ with free services that make career goals achievable. From resume clinics and career readiness certifications to scholarships and short-term training, the R3 team is dedicated to removing barriers and opening doors. Hear how their holistic approach is transforming lives and helping people across our community navigate forward.

In this episode of Trail Mix, we sit down with Dr. LaRhonda Bryson, Director of Student Support Services, and Imani Crawford, Case Manager for Student Needs and Community Partnerships, to explore the many ways Rowan-Cabarrus supports the whole student. From Zen Zones and campus food pantries to mobile wellness units that bring medical and mental health care directly to students, learn how the College is helping reduce barriers so every student can focus on success.