Trail Mix | Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield talks with Vice President of Student Success Services Dr. Natasha Lipscomb, Executive Director of Recruitment, Advising and First Year Experience Amy Weatherman and Director of Marketing and Communications Aaron Tallman about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College reaching a historic enrollment milestone of more than 8,000 curriculum students in fall 2026. The conversation explores the efforts behind the College's record enrollment, including how strategic marketing, recruitment initiatives and student support services work together to connect prospective students with educational opportunities and help them navigate their educational journeys. This episode also highlights the changing needs of students, the importance of expanding access to higher education and the College's continued commitment to helping students achieve their educational and career goals.

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield talks with Executive Director of College and Career Readiness Jay Taylor and Lead Instructors Mandy Thacker and Bridget Henderson about the Skills, Opportunity, Awareness and Readiness (SOAR) program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. The conversation explores how SOAR helps adults with intellectual disabilities develop academic, social, life and job skills while building confidence and greater independence. This episode also highlights student experiences through Beacon's Bistro, the annual SOAR Prom and the many ways students build connections, practice their skills and become more involved at Rowan-Cabarrus.

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield talks with Student Government Association President Nicky Robinson, Student Life Coordinator Jaworski Sartin and Director of Adult Learner and Student Engagement Programs Dr. Carrie Graham about student life at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. The conversation explores how clubs, campus events, leadership opportunities and the Student Government Association help students build connections, find their voice and make the most of their college experience. This episode also highlights the role of student leadership, opportunities to get involved across campus and the people and resources available to help students find a sense of community and belonging at Rowan-Cabarrus.

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield talks with Program Chair Aimee Durham, faculty member Kathy Knight and current student Braeden Culp about the Cybersecurity and Network and Virtualization programs at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. The conversation looks at how the programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience to prepare students for the technology systems and security challenges they will encounter in the workforce. The episode also covers the connection between networking and cybersecurity, opportunities to earn industry certifications, cybersecurity competitions and internships, and the College’s designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield talks with Faculty Advisor Chad Nichols, Rowan-Cabarrus FBLA Collegiate Chapter President Kiara Davis and National FBLA Collegiate Executive Vice President Colin Williams about the opportunities and experiences available through Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate (FBLA-C). The conversation explores how FBLA-C helps students develop leadership skills, build professional networks, compete at the state and national levels, and gain experiences that extend beyond the classroom. This episode also highlights the value of mentorship, student leadership, professional development and the lasting impact of getting involved, demonstrating how FBLA-C prepares students to lead with confidence in college, their careers and their communities.

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield talks with Director of Campus Health, Safety and Security Jeff Insley and Campus Safety Coordinator Dean Vernon about the people, planning and partnerships that support campus safety at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. The conversation explores the College's all-hazards approach to campus safety, the importance of building relationships with students and employees, and the behind-the-scenes work that supports a secure learning environment across all campuses. Listeners will learn about recent safety and security upgrades, how the College prepares for emergencies, and the role campus wellness resources play in supporting students, employees, and visitors.

What happens when life interrupts your path to a high school diploma? In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield connects with lead faculty Darrell Graham and Mary Jane Hartley to discuss how the Adult High School and High School Equivalency programs work, who they are designed for and how these flexible options help students balance education with work, family and life responsibilities. Plus, recent graduate Brianna Crisco shares her story of returning to school, finishing her credential and preparing for what comes next.

In this episode of Trail Mix, hosts Carter Wingfield and Tabitha Harry talk with Chief Officer of Human Resources and Organizational Culture Nikki Eubanks and Recruiting Specialist Edwin Rodriguez about career opportunities at Rowan-Cabarrus and what makes the College a unique place to work. The conversation explores the College’s employee culture, professional growth opportunities, benefits and commitment to supporting both students and employees. This episode also highlights the upcoming Summer Career Fair, the variety of roles available across the College and the many ways Rowan-Cabarrus employees contribute to student success, strengthen communities and make a meaningful impact throughout the region.

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield sits down with Rowan-Cabarrus students Kylie Baucom, Halei Hamby and Michael Shoe to celebrate the Class of 2026 and reflect on their journeys. The conversation explores what brought each student to Rowan-Cabarrus, the challenges they overcame along the way and the support systems that helped them succeed.

In this episode of Trail Mix, host Carter Wingfield sits down with Anna Marie Prado, Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director; Dr. Amy Mahle, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director; Nick Solomita, Physical Therapist Assistant student; and Faith Bitsko, Occupational Therapy Assistant student to explore two of the most in-demand careers in healthcare. The conversation highlights how these professions help patients recover from injury, illness or surgery by restoring movement, independence and quality of life. Guests share real-world examples of patient care, explain the key differences between occupational and physical therapy and offer insight into what students can expect from these hands-on programs at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.