SALISBURY – The Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees recently appointed two chief officers to the College’s executive leadership team. Nekita Eubanks has been appointed as the Chief Officer of Human Resources, and Sarah Walker was appointed as the College’s new Chief Officer of Governance, Advancement and Community Relations.

Nekita “Nikki” Eubanks joined the college in 2010 and has nearly 20 years of experience in human resources. She holds a master’s degree in human resources management and a bachelor’s degree in human relations, along with civil rights investigations and 504 coordination certifications from the Association of Title IX administrators, and various certifications in employee behavior. This year, Eubanks graduated from a three-year college administration program with the College Business Management Institute. She also serves as Director at Large for the North Carolina University Professional Association for Human Resources, representing all 58 of the state’s community colleges.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to continue working with the best employees in Rowan and Cabarrus counties and to work for a visionary college president,” Eubanks said. “I believe we succeed when we take up an idea, dream it and believe in it!”

Sarah Walker previously served as an executive director leading the College’s governance, foundation operations, public information, and grants management and development. She holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor of science degree, as well as two national fundraising credentials, Certified Fund Raising Executive and a certificate in fund raising management. Walker also serves on various community and statewide committees, including the city’s 20-Year Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee and the North Carolina Community College System’s statewide enrollment management committee.

“I am so proud of the work Rowan-Cabarrus does to make a difference in our communities, and it is my absolute honor to play a small role in helping our students achieve their dreams,” Walker said. “I am grateful to the President, the Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board Directors, and to the College for investing in me. This is more than a job – it is a vocation and I am thankful for the opportunity to make a true difference in the lives of our students.”

With their appointments, effective Jan. 1, 2020, Eubanks and Walker are members of college President Carol Spalding’s cabinet

“Nikki Eubanks and Sarah Walker are talented, strategic, purposeful leaders, and I could not be more pleased to have them as part of our Cabinet and leadership team,” Spalding said. “They are visionary leaders and are an integral part of our mission to be a leading educational institute that propels our region forward and improves the lives of its citizens.”

Catawba College names new pair of trustees

SALISBURY – The Catawba College Board of Trustees has named two new members to its board, according to an announcement by Bill Graham, Chairman of the Board.

They are Gary Blabon of Salisbury, interim President and Chief Operating Officer of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, and Gerald “Gerry” Francis of Burlington, former Executive Vice President and Provost of Elon University.

Brien Lewis, President of Catawba, said that he was delighted that “These two outstanding leaders in their respective fields with be sharing their expertise and insights to help move Catawba forward.” Catawba President Brien Lewis said.

Graham said that the two new members will bring depth to the board in their areas of expertise. Blabon is a 1991 graduate of Catawba, earning a degree in sports medicine. He also earned a Master of Healthcare Administration from Pfeiffer University. He has devoted most of his professional career to healthcare administration. He is currently the Chair of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce. He is originally from South Florida, but he has lived in Salisbury since attending Catawba.

Francis, now a consultant with Credo Higher Education Consultants, devoted his professional career to higher education, including serving as a faculty member and as an academic administrator. He received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Appalachian State University. He earned a Ph.D.
in mathematics from Virginia Tech.