Rockingham Community College

09/03/2026

Rockingham Community College's John Pendleton has been recognized with the prestigious NC3/Festo Instructor of the Year Award, honoring his outstanding leadership in technical education and workforce development.

Pendleton serves as RCC's Mechatronics Engineering Technology faculty member and program coordinator and is an NC3 Master Instructor. Through his work, he prepares students and incumbent workers for careers in advanced manufacturing by providing hands-on training in automation, robotics, fluid power, sensors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and Industry 4.0 technologies.

The NC3/Festo Instructor of the Year Award recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student success and excellence in career and technical education. Festo and the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) partner with colleges and industry leaders across North America to provide workforce-focused training and industry-recognized certifications.
Pendleton accepted the award at the NC3 Annual Leadership Summit, held July 21-23 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

“Congratulations on your selection as this year’s Festo Instructor of the Year – it is well deserved,” Festo Didactic Director of Business Development Steve Lehr told Pendleton. “There were many great candidates this year, but you stood out. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.”

Lehr said he is “very proud to have John and Rockingham Community College recognized for the hard work he and the school do for the benefit of the community.”

At RCC, Pendleton has helped expand access to industry credentials and advanced manufacturing training opportunities. He recently led cohorts of students and working professionals in earning NC3/Festo certifications in mechatronics-related disciplines, helping strengthen the region's skilled workforce pipeline.

In addition to teaching college students, Pendleton has worked with local middle and high school Career and Technical Education teachers through a Duke Energy Foundation-supported program designed to increase mechatronics education opportunities for Rockingham County students.

RCC's Mechatronics Engineering Technology program prepares students to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve automated and electromechanical systems used in modern manufacturing environments. Through partnerships such as NC3 and Festo, students have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials that are valued by employers.

To read the full story, visit https://rockinghamcc.edu/pendleton-wins-festo-high-award/.

For more information about RCC's Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, visit https://rockinghamcc.edu/program/mechatronics-engineering-technology-a40350/ or call 336-342-4261 ext. 2333.

09/02/2026

Rockingham Community College is closed on Monday, Sept. 7 in honor of Labor Day.

09/02/2026

Discover how to work smarter with artificial intelligence in RCC's new AI Prompt Engineering and Agent Development course. Learn how to create effective prompts, build AI agents, and automate real-world tasks using today's leading AI tools.

Cost: $74
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 10 -Oct. 29
Location: RCC campus in ADT 116

Learn more and register: https://rockinghamcc.edu/coned/ai-prompt-engineering-and-agent-development/

09/01/2026

Launch Your Career in Manufacturing!
Rockingham Community College is offering the Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 course — perfect for anyone looking to start a high-demand, high-wage career in advanced manufacturing.

Scholarship Alert!

Students may qualify for the $180 Eagle Train & Gain Scholarship, making tuition free. Additional costs can be found at the link below.

Learn essential skills in:
- Safety & Employability
- Manufacturing Process & Production
- Quality Practices & Measurement
- Maintenance Awareness

Course Dates: Oct. 6-April 27
Time: Tuesdays, 2-6 PM
Location: RCC’s Center for Workforce Development

For more information, including other fees, and to register, visit: https://rockinghamcc.edu/coned/certified-production-technician/

Questions? Call 336-342-4261 ext. 2333.

08/31/2026

Interested in working with young children?

Rockingham Community College's Introduction to Early Childhood Education course is a great way to explore the field and learn about child development, learning environments, and career opportunities in early childhood education. Students who complete the course receive a qualifying letter that provides eligibility for employment in a childcare facility.

The next class meets on campus Mondays and Thursdays, Oct. 19 through Dec. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., plus online coursework.

Even better, eligible students can receive a $180 Eagle Train & Gain scholarship, making the course free except for $10 in fees.

For students who want to continue into RCC's Early Childhood Education program to earn a certificate or associate degree, this course can be used for the college credit for the required EDU-119 course.

Learn more and register: https://rockinghamcc.edu/coned/intro-to-early-childhood-education/

08/31/2026

A 100% pass rate. Fourteen graduates. Hundreds of hours of training. Congratulations to Rockingham Community College's BLET Class 64 as they begin careers dedicated to serving others. Read more: https://rockinghamcc.edu/rcc-graduates-14-from-blet-class-64/

08/31/2026

We're hiring!

Rockingham Community College seeks a Financial Aid Advisor II & Veterans School Certifying Official to help students navigate financial aid opportunities and veterans' education benefits.

If you're passionate about student success and enjoy helping others achieve their educational goals, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply online at www.TinyURL.com/RCCfinaidII

08/31/2026

RCC representatives Ben Crouch, Shawna Daniels, and Celeste Allis joined community partners at the Ready ROCO KidsReady Initiative meeting sponsored by the Rockingham County Partnership for Children on Aug. 20.

The KidsReady Initiative works to ensure children enter school ready to learn by bringing together educators, families, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to address early childhood needs across Rockingham County. RCC is honored to support efforts that invest in the success of future generations.

08/29/2026

As we continue celebrating our Fire Academy graduates, check out the full story here, which includes additional photos!

Ten students completed an intensive accelerated Fire Academy program this summer.

08/29/2026

We are so proud of our 10 cadets who completed a 2.5-month Fire Academy this summer!

At the graduation ceremony Friday evening, RCC Fire and Rescue Services Coordinator Anthony Crowder presented certificates to these students: Carly Bray, Abiagail Burleson, Alexis Dillon, Nathan Eastwood, Skyler Haynes, Adam Hundley, Matthew McMillen, William Newnam, Isabella Schlosser, and Breylen Smith.