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Stanly Community College (SCC) has announced that Candice Lowder will join the college as the associate vice president (AVP) of career connections.

In this new role designed to help students gain hands-on learning experiences, Lowder will provide collaborative leadership while serving as the director of apprenticeships and liaison to industry and ApprenticeshipNC.

With a career spanning over 17 years with the County of Stanly, with the last five being in workforce development and community engagement, Lowder brings much experience to her new role. Her tenure at Stanly County and her contributions to the Stanly County Economic Development Commission (EDC) beginning in 2019 underscore her qualifications and achievements, SCC officials said.

“Although saddened by Candice’s resignation, I am very excited for her and the opportunity at SCC she is leaving to pursue. Candice has been a tremendous asset to Stanly County government for 17+ years in multiple different leadership positions. I have no doubt she will excel in this new endeavor,” County Manager Andy Lucas said. “Candice will continue to be an integral part of our community’s economic development team and program of work, albeit in a new role. Effective and targeted workforce development initiatives are critical for sustained economic development success in a community, and SCC is in good hands with her talent and ability.”

During her time at the EDC, the community has experienced growth, including the expansion of several existing industries and the relocation of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, American Racing Headers and OB Builders. These projects are projected to generate more than $428 million in new investment and will create more than 900 jobs for Stanly County residents.

At SCC, her primary responsibilities will include conducting apprenticeship training and collaborating with industry partners to create work-based learning options to equip students with the skills and networks they need to thrive in their careers. Her work will contribute to the college’s mission of preparing students for success in the workforce.

“We are thrilled to welcome Candice to our team,” said Dr. Carmen Nunalee, vice president of Student Success & SACSCOC Liaison for SCC. “Her extensive experience in economic development and deep understanding of the Stanly County workforce make her an invaluable asset to our college as we strengthen our ties with local industry partners and provide our students with meaningful career opportunities.”

She will also be responsible for mobilizing college resources and strengthening partnerships with local employers to ensure that SCC students meet workforce needs. Through initiatives such as job shadowing, company tours and guest speakers, SCC aims to embed work-based learning across all programs and facilitate seamless transitions for students from education to employment.

“I am honored to join the team at Stanly Community College and look forward to contributing to the college’s continued success and growth of our community by supporting local businesses and students,” said Lowder. “A community’s most valuable assets are its people, and our collaborative work to improve opportunities for all citizens will ensure Stanly County remains a location of choice for business, industry and talent for many generations.”