Sarah Devlin

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Chief Officer of Governance, Advancement & Community Relations

Native of Asheville, NC

Industry: Higher Education

Sarah Devlin has called Rowan County home for 14 years, relocating here from her hometown of Asheville to attend Catawba College. She has found that there is a place for everyone in Rowan County, making the county “the original” that is part of its attraction.

When she runs into someone new in the county, which she often does in her work at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, she likes to make sure that they see all the opportunities that are here, such as the public school system, the high-tech, high-wage job opportunities, and the local businesses “where owners get to know you by name.”

“Rowan County boasts affordable living and has many opportunities for great jobs,” she emphasizes. “Rowan County is the best of many worlds. I want people to feel how welcoming Salisbury is. The small-business, arts-and-culture downtown area make Salisbury a fun place to live where there is always something to be involved in!”

After she earned her degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Catawba in 2012, Sarah went to work for the community college the day after she graduated. In her current job, she leads six departments including the College’s foundation, grants, events, the President’s Office, board meetings, legislative advocacy, marketing and communications, governance, and special projects. Along the way, she has earned a master’s degree in public administration from UNC-Pembroke.

“I fell in love with the county over time,” she says of her early years here. “I loved the downtown area and the opportunity to be involved in so many organizations. Salisbury is the perfect size to get involved and make a difference!”

She is a member of the Rowan County Education Collaborative, as well as the City of Salisbury’s 20-Year Comprehensive Planning Committee, the Rowan Young Professionals, Rowan County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business, the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, and Elevation Church – Concord. 

“The Rowan Education Collaborative was formed three years ago when the county saw the need to align missions, offerings, and resources of our educational entities so that we could become a community with a  culture of education,” she says. “The Rowan-Salisbury School System, Livingstone College, Catawba College and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College are working together with Rowan County and the Rowan County Economic Development Council to align our work and create hope and opportunity for our citizens,” Sarah says. 

She points to the collaborative’s work in helping pass the recent $45 million bond referendum to fund the future Technology Education Complex on the College’s North Campus. The technology complex aligns with the Rowan Economic Development Council’s goals, as well as the Career and Technical Education programs in the school system. 

When not working, Sarah and her son, Canaan, enjoy Dan Nicholas Park as a favorite local place to visit. “It’s really a fun place and you never have the same experience twice,” Sarah says. “It has many affordable activities to do with families.”

A favorite yearly event is the Polar Express at the North Carolina Transportation Museum at Spencer. “It’s such a special experience. It’s a privilege to make memories year after year at a place most communities don’t have such convenient access to.”

Sidewalk Deli is one of her favorite restaurants. “It was one of the first restaurants that I went to in Salisbury. It feels like home because all of the sandwiches are named for local people or things. It’s run by a local Catawba alum, and I love that the owner always greets me by name.”

Sarah sees Rowan County as “a great fit for young professionals, growing families, and people who want a community that they can live and thrive in. It’s a great place to call home,” she says. “It’s a tight-knit community that provides opportunities for young professionals, robust and credible higher education opportunities, and a location that allows you to take a quick weekend trip to the mountains or the beach.”