Rowan-Cabarrus Community College on Friday named Natasha Lipscomb as its new vice president for student success.

Lipscomb replaces Janet Spriggs, who recently was named president of Forsyth Technical Community College. Rowan-Cabarrus conducted a national search to fill the position.

“While we knew our vision was on the right track because of the many accomplishments of our student success team, we wanted to be sure we had the right leader to continue the good work and take the student experience to the next level,” said RCCC President Carol S. Spalding. “I appreciate the work of the hiring committee. Natasha did a fabulous job throughout the interview process, and we are sure that she is the best person for this job.”

Lipscomb previously was executive director of student success for Rowan-Cabarrus. She has risen through the ranks at the college, beginning her career as a student life coordinator.

“We reviewed nearly 150 qualified applications from across the United States and interviewed many candidates through a rigorous process,” said Ken Ingle, chief officer of information services. “We were incredibly impressed with Natasha and her leadership. Ultimately, she was the absolute best person for the role.”

Lipscomb has more than 18 years of experience in education administration, including public K-12 and higher education.

“It is my distinct honor to lead the Division of Student Success,” Lipscomb said. “Having been a part of this team for the last 14 years, I know how passionate and amazing this group is. We are passionate, and we think big. We think big because we have an enormous responsibility to each other and to our students.”

Lipscomb holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, several North Carolina teaching certifications and a master’s degree in public administration. She is a professional leadership trainer, coach and speaker through the John C. Maxwell certification program.

Lipscomb has served on several community boards over the years, including the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, State Employees’ Credit Union and the statewide Student Leadership Development Program at William Peace University.

“We are thrilled that Natasha will be able to dive right into the important work of her new role,” Spalding said. “She has an incredible base of institutional knowledge, leadership experience and skills that she will use to literally hit the ground running.”

Lipscomb is a 2015 recipient of the Women Embracing Excellence Award. She was a candidate in the 2016 election for the Kannapolis City Schools Board of Education. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and a licensed minister at Bethel Temple Faith Church in Concord.

Lipscomb is married to Barry Lipscomb, a native of Kannapolis, counselor at A.L. Brown High School and member of the Army National Guard. They have two children, Aria, a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a reporter at News 14 in Evansville, Indiana, and Jaren, a junior at A.L. Brown High School.