Carol S. Spalding, EdD, received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who, an honor that reflects more than 17 years leading Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in North Carolina and a formative community college career in Florida. For Dr. Spalding, the mission of advancing student potential, innovating programs, strengthening community and business partnerships, and uplifting the future of community colleges has formed the centerpiece of her successful career in both states. She was honored as North Carolina President of the Year in 2019 and the Administrator of the Year in Florida in 1995.
As president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Dr. Spalding led three successful public bond referendums, each one marking a new chapter for the institution. The college’s continuous dedication to advancement shone on a national stage in 2025 when the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recognized Rowan-Cabarrus Community College as a finalist for both the Excellence in CEO/Board Relationship Award and the Outstanding College/Corporation Partnership Award.
“Community colleges are passageways to opportunity for students and catalysts for growth and prosperity for our region. To prepare communities for the future, colleges must continually innovate and be the change agent needed to prepare the local workforce,” Dr. Spalding said, capturing the spirit driving her work.
She began her first job at Florida Community College at Jacksonville. As an adjunct instructor, she shaped lives as a GED instructor, embracing a career as grant coordinator, director, dean, provost, and campus president. Dr. Spalding’s vision expanded as the founding president of the college’s Open Campus, one of the nation’s first higher education online learning degree program providers. Under her direction, the Open Campus became the largest and most dynamic within the college, establishing quality online degree programs for military and civilian adult learners and generating more than 45,000 annual student enrollments. Building distance learning capacity not only expanded accessibility and horizons for students; it shaped expectations for what distance education could accomplish in the world of higher education.
A Lasting Impact Through Mentorship, Engagement And Advocacy
In 2008, Dr. Spalding embarked on a quest for a multicampus presidency where advocacy, mentorship (expressed as professional development), and business and community partnerships are the core of her influence. Two of her vice presidents at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College have advanced to the presidency of sister colleges, continuing the legacy that she helped shape. The faculty and staff benefit and grow as they participate in professional development opportunities through the college’s Teaching and Learning Center.
Dr. Spalding’s contributions have reverberated well beyond college walls. In her service on national committees, national affiliated councils, and the board of AACC she influenced policy and academic aspirations. She and her board worked with AACC and her Senator to successfully preserve and expand the national Pell Grant program in 2025. Her work as co-chair of North Carolina’s Aspiring Community College Presidents program set in motion opportunities for the next generation of college leaders. Together with Northern Virginia Community College and the Instructional Technology Council, Dr. Spalding’s collaborative drive helped produce a national Presidents’ Summit focused on online and AI disruption.
Leadership Instilled Across Civic And Educational Communities
“I believe in blooming where you are planted. As a Navy wife transplanted to Jacksonville from Louisville, Kentucky, I felt like an outsider. But a focus on the possibilities of my personal growth guided me through challenges and opportunities alike in my career and in my volunteer work,” Dr. Spalding reflected.
Having developed and led leadership programs at the local, state, and national levels, Dr. Spalding chaired the National Association for Community Leadership Organizations, fostering ethical leadership pathways for community volunteers around the country. She co-authored the national training manual based on Servant Leadership. The Community Trusteeship manual guided Jacksonville’s ambitious visioning project which advanced under her coordination with Leadership Jacksonville and the Chamber of Commerce activating more than 1,000 volunteers.
She played vital roles with organizations in her communities such the Jacksonville Transportation Authority as a Governor’s appointee. Many other organizations including the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women and the League of Women Voters cable TV host for the series “Politics is Your Business,” and the Economic Development Commission also benefited from Dr. Spalding’s innovation and dedication amplifying her impact throughout her career.
A Lasting Impact: Building Sustainable Futures
“Staying curious, open to possibility and innovation, persevering through challenges and willingness to change course is essential to fulfilling your purpose,” Dr. Spalding said with conviction. The ripple effect of her leadership and mentorship continues throughout North Carolina’s community colleges, as new generations of students draw inspiration, guidance and momentum from her work. Their education and skills have improved their lives and the future of the community. Through every chapter of her career, Dr. Spalding has elevated those around her, solidifying her reputation among the most impactful leaders in higher education
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
