I am a proud Rowan County resident and supporter of the 2020 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College bond referendum.

As a member of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees, I have learned firsthand about the widespread, life-changing impact this institution has on our community. The college serves more than 25,000 students each year and has changed the lives of over 650,000 graduates since its doors opened nearly 57 years ago.

These graduates are your neighbors, friends, nurses, firefighters and more. They live and work locally, adding to the diverse workforce pipeline that helps Rowan County businesses succeed.

The bond referendum will allow the college to expand career and technical education pathways that educate students to perform jobs in current and emerging industries. We need these facilities to educate, innovate and elevate our county as our citizens, government and business entities work together to build a better community.

It has been 42 years since the county last invested in new construction of a classroom building on the college’s North Campus. It’s time to do so again. If Rowan County is to remain a wonderful place to live and work, it is our responsibility to invest in the vision and mission of our community college so that we can embrace progress and grow.

Thank you in advance for supporting the 2020 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College bond referendum when you vote on March 3.

— Jeanne Dixon

Kannapolis