Dr. Carol S. Spalding named IAOTP’s Top President of the Year in Higher Education

IAOTP selected Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in North Carolina, for its 2026 Top President of the Year in Higher Education honor. She will be recognized at the group’s annual gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City next December.

Why it matters: - IAOTP’s selection highlights Dr. Carol S. Spalding’s long-running leadership in higher education and workforce development. - The honor adds national recognition for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and its role in campus growth, technology integration and online learning. - The award also places Spalding among a small group of professionals invited to IAOTP’s annual gala.

What happened: - IAOTP selected Dr. Carol S. Spalding as Top President of the Year in Higher Education for 2026. - Spalding is president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in North Carolina. - IAOTP will honor Spalding at its annual awards gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City next December. - The gala is planned for New York City, and IAOTP describes the event as its signature annual celebration.

The details: - Spalding has more than four decades of experience in higher education. - Since 2008, Spalding has led Rowan-Cabarrus Community College through four successful bond issues that funded future growth and innovation across four campuses. - Rowan-Cabarrus became a leading pilot site for a statewide enterprise resource planning project during Spalding’s tenure. - The college’s online program was named the best online program in 2026 by the Instructional Technology Council, an affiliated council of the American Association of Community Colleges. - Before her current role, Spalding served as the first president of the Open Campus at Florida Community College at Jacksonville, now Florida State College at Jacksonville, from 1986 to 2008. - At FSCJ, Spalding expanded access through online learning and workforce programs focused on adult learners and associate degree completion for the U.S. Navy. - Spalding also served as interim college president at FSCJ. - Earlier at FSCJ, she worked as an instructor and as coordinator of grant-funded programs from 1975 to 1978. - As director of continuing education from 1978 to 1986, Spalding launched a speakers’ series on emerging issues and community engagement. - Her areas of expertise include higher education, leadership development, economic development, community outreach, program development, curriculum and instructional design, teaching, staff development, strategic planning, organizational development, conflict resolution, grant writing, research and student development. - Spalding earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of Louisville, a master’s degree in human resource management from Pepperdine University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Columbia University in 2003. - Her past awards include the Florida Department of Education’s 2003-2004 “Florida’s Best” Award for the Jacksonville Visioning project and the North Carolina Community College System’s 2019 Partner of the Year Award for the Dr. Carol S. Spalding Advanced Technology Building at the North Carolina Research Campus. - Spalding also served on the board of directors of the American Association of Community Colleges. - Her civic leadership has included chairing the National Association of Community Leadership Organizations and serving as president of the League of Women Voters in Jacksonville. - From 1983 to 2008, Spalding produced and hosted the cable television program “Politics is Your Business” with the League of Women Voters. - IAOTP said its panel chose Spalding for her leadership, vision and influence. - Spalding said her success stems from curiosity, hiring strong staff, systems thinking, marriage and mentors along the way. - Spalding said she remains committed to the future of community colleges and to creating growth opportunities for others in the field. - Spalding’s advice to aspiring professionals is to build a network of professional friends, pursue professional development, stay open to possibilities, persevere through challenges and be willing to change course in pursuit of purpose and fulfillment. - More information is available at the company’s announcement. - IAOTP says membership is by invitation or nomination, not open to the general public. - IAOTP says members can collaborate, share insights, serve as keynote speakers and inspire others in their fields. - More information on IAOTP is available at IAOTP’s website.

Between the lines: - The award fits IAOTP’s pattern of using recognition to spotlight senior leaders with long careers and visible institutional impact. - Spalding’s profile combines college administration, workforce development and civic engagement, which helps explain why the honor extends beyond a single campus role. - The announcement also functions as a broader résumé piece, underscoring prior awards, board service and community leadership.

What’s next: - Spalding will be honored at IAOTP’s annual awards gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City next December. - IAOTP says she will also be considered this year for The Empowered Woman Award and a feature in TIP (Top Industry Professionals) Magazine. - Spalding says she will continue focusing on community colleges and leadership opportunities in the field.

The bottom line: - IAOTP is recognizing Spalding for a career built on campus growth, workforce programs and public-service leadership, with the gala honor serving as the next public milestone.