Rowan-Cabarrus Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Online Learning Programs and Services
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has again received national recognition for its commitment to excellence in online education. The Department of eLearning and Faculty Development Services earned the 2026 Outstanding eLearning Support for Faculty or Students Award from the Instructional Technology Council (ITC), one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to advancing digital learning. The recognition carries particular significance at Rowan-Cabarrus, where 80% of curriculum students took at least one online course during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Presented during the 2026 ITC Annual eLearning Conference in March, the award recognizes an organizational unit that demonstrates exceptional, innovative and replicable support for faculty or students in online learning environments. Rowan-Cabarrus was recognized among peer institutions from across the country for its comprehensive approach to faculty development, instructional technology and commitment to high-quality online learning.
“This award reflects the incredible work happening behind the scenes to support teaching and learning at Rowan-Cabarrus,” said President Dr. Carol S. Spalding. “The College’s Department of eLearning and Faculty Development Services empowers faculty with the resources and support they need to create engaging online learning experiences, and that commitment ultimately benefits every student we serve.”
Rowan-Cabarrus offers fully online, blended and hybrid courses to meet a range of student needs. These formats allow students to complete coursework entirely online, combine online and in-person instruction, or choose how they participate based on the course design.
The Department of eLearning and Faculty Development Services supports teaching and learning across the College through online instructor certification, instructional design and professional development opportunities. The College’s Quality Matters initiatives use a nationally recognized, research-based framework and peer-review process to evaluate and improve the design, accessibility, and effectiveness of online courses. Faculty receive training on the College’s learning management system and Quality Matters standards, with continued access to instructional design and technology support.
In addition, the department organizes nearly 100 professional development opportunities each academic year. Its annual Summer Institute brings together internal and external presenters for more than 40 workshops that help faculty and staff stay current, explore emerging practices and continue strengthening the student learning experience. Rowan-Cabarrus was the first community college in North Carolina to offer a Quality Matters-certified training course for faculty and continues to be a statewide leader in Quality Matters-certified course development.
The department also plays a key role in supporting instructional technology initiatives, including the College’s transition to Canvas as part of North Carolina’s statewide learning management system implementation.
“This national recognition from the Instructional Technology Council is a tremendous honor,” said Associate Vice President of Academic Support Services Debra NeeSmith. “It reflects our team’s commitment to providing high-quality support that helps faculty stay current, adopt effective technologies and create online learning experiences that meet students where they are.”
As online learning continues to advance, Rowan-Cabarrus remains focused on providing faculty and students with the technology, training and support needed to create high-quality learning experiences across every instructional format.
For more information about the Department of eLearning and Faculty Development Services, visit www.rccc.edu/elearning.
