RCCC News Service

SALISBURY — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College will present its fifth annual Guide to Belonging Conference, a virtual event dedicated to advancing a sense of community and connection in education and the workforce, on Friday, Nov. 15. This free, public conference invites anyone interested in fostering an inclusive environment to join us online for a day of dynamic speakers and engaging discussions.

“We are dedicated to not only understanding diverse perspectives but actively promoting values that shape our campus culture,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. “Through events like the Guide to Belonging Virtual Conference, we’re engaging our community and expanding conversations to reach people from all walks of life.”

Focused on building a sense of belonging, this year’s Guide to Belonging Virtual Conference will feature a distinguished lineup of experts sharing insights on cultural awareness, identity, family engagement and more. With this virtual event, Rowan-Cabarrus continues its mission to create spaces where individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, valued and supported.

“We believe that fostering a true sense of belonging enriches our entire community and creates lasting connections,” said Cyndie Mynatt, chair of the Rowan-Cabarrus Board of Trustees. “By coming together in shared learning, we’re building a foundation of respect, empathy and unity that extends beyond our campus and into the lives of everyone we serve.”

This year’s conference will feature an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers, beginning with Interim President of New Jersey City University (NJCU) Andrés Acebo at 9 a.m. As the second Hispanic and youngest president to lead a public university in New Jersey, Acebo has been instrumental in guiding NJCU through a financial crisis. A first-generation Cuban American from Union City, New Jersey, he introduced three transformative initiatives: the NJCU Recovery and Revitalization Plan, the university’s first Academic Master Plan and the Strategic Enrollment Plan, all of which led to balancing the university’s budget for the first time since 2017.

The lunchtime keynote address will be delivered by Executive Director for Student Access and Success at North Carolina Central University Dekendrick Murray. Overseeing the university’s TRIO Programs, Murray is dedicated to advancing initiatives that support first-generation, low-income students and students with documented disabilities. His role encompasses managing departments such as the First-Generation Student Success Program, TRIO Student Support Services, Student Accessibility Services and two TRIO Upward Bound Programs. As a skilled grant writer, he has successfully secured over $4 million in funding for access and success initiatives. Additionally, Murray serves as co-chair of the National Black First-Gen Collective, advocating for students of color in higher education.

The afternoon will feature President of Green River College Dr. Suzanne Johnson as a keynote speaker. Since assuming the presidency in 2017, Dr. Johnson has prioritized collaboration among faculty and staff to promote equitable student outcomes and foster a culture of belonging. Her leadership has strengthened the college’s partnerships with local businesses and industries, supporting economic growth and stability within the community. Johnson is committed to building a welcoming community that continues to empower faculty and staff in their efforts to create a supportive environment for all students.

The conference will also include a wide range of breakout sessions featuring experts on topics related to belonging:

• Andrés Acebo, New Jersey City University
• Beth Ritter-Guth, Northampton Community College
• Celia Sandhya Daniels, Rebekon Consulting LLC
• Dr. Angela Coleman, North Carolina Central University
• Dr. Jerisha V. Farrer, Bradley University
• Dr. JuanEs Ramirez, College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC)
• Dr. LaMondré Pough, LaMondré Pough Unlimited, LLC & Billion Strong
• Dr. Laurica Yancey, Vance-Greenville Community College
• Dr. Mike Perko, UNC Greensboro, 500 Fist Bumps
• Dr. Rebecca Childs, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
• Dr. Stephen Hebard, Prevention Strategies
• Dr. Suzanne Johnson, Green River College
• Elizabeth Jerrolds, Nashville State Community College
• Elizabeth Watkin PgDip, MA, A-B Tech Community College
• Jaime Brown, with Jaime LLC
• Jocelyn Hernandez Guitron MPS, City of St. Louis Park
• Keri Withington, Pellissippi State Community College
• Lawrence Brinson, Gardner-Webb University
• Pallavi Lineberry, The Goddard School
• Paul Slack, Orange County
• Suchi Gupta, Central Pines Regional Council
• Tammy Sneed, The Goddard School

“I believe this event will help us all learn more about how we can work to be more welcoming in our work and personal lives,” Spalding said. “More than 800 participants from across the United States have registered. We invite anyone interested in personal and professional growth, serving students and serving our communities to join us.”