SALISBURY, N.C. – Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has officially broken ground on a new Driver Training Range that will expand hands-on learning opportunities for students preparing for careers in commercial trucking and emergency response.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Rowan County Fairgrounds, marking the official start of construction on the new Driver Training Range. The project is being developed on more than 20 acres of land generously donated by Rowan County, reflecting a strong partnership between the College, local government and industry leaders. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026, supported through a combination of county investment, state funding and College resources dedicated to expanding workforce training opportunities.
“Today’s groundbreaking is not just the start of construction. This is the continuation of a promise to serve our students, our workforce and our community,” said Rowan-Cabarrus President Dr. Carol S. Spalding. “This facility will provide the space, safety and structure students need to train with excellence, preparing them for essential careers that support our economy and strengthen public safety.”
Since the Truck Driver Training Program was launched in 2016, nearly 450 graduates have completed the program, with 14 more set to graduate this October. The program boasts a job placement rate between 91 and 93 percent, with most students entering the workforce already hired and earning a starting salary of more than $50,000 per year.
In addition to serving commercial truck driving students, the new training range will also support public safety programs by providing a dedicated space for emergency vehicle operator training. This shared facility will enhance hands-on learning for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services students, helping prepare them for real-world scenarios that prioritize safety, skill, and quick response.
Elected officials also emphasized the significance of the investment for the state and region. “This is the kind of stuff that keeps North Carolina number one in the nation for business,” said Senator Carl Ford. “This proves when leaders come together and work together, what we can get done, what we can accomplish.”
Graduates of the program have gone on to succeed in a variety of paths, from commercial trucking to business ownership. One of the day’s featured speakers was Rowan-Cabarrus alumna Clarissa Rankin, now the owner of Road Knowledge Training Academy. “I graduated from Rowan-Cabarrus back in 2017. It changed my life,” said Rankin, who shared her journey from student to entrepreneur with the audience.
Rowan County leaders spoke about the long-term benefits for students and the local economy. “Trucking is more than a job. It is the backbone of America’s supply chain. It is the roaring engine of modern, thriving commerce. It is a calling. And here at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, we are answering that calling with a bold new investment in people, in training and equipment, and in the future,” said Greg Edds, Chair of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners.
The Driver Training Range is scheduled to open in 2026 and will serve as a cornerstone in the College’s ongoing efforts to provide career-focused education and meet regional workforce needs.
The event concluded with remarks from Rowan-Cabarrus Board of Trustees Chair Cyndie Mynatt, who reflected on the collaboration that brought the project to life. “At Rowan-Cabarrus, we are committed to meeting the needs of our region. That means expanding access, listening to our partners, and investing in the tools and facilities that ensure student success. This project reflects that commitment.”