Long-time RCC leader honored with Order of the Long Leaf Pine

ASHEBORO — Retiring Randolph Community College (RCC) Board of Trustees Chair Reynolds Lisk was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine during the College’s Fall Convocation on Thursday, Aug. 13, recognizing his decades of leadership, public service, and lasting contributions to the College Randolph County, and the State of North Carolina, RCC said in a press release.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the highest honor bestowed by the Governor of North Carolina. It is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service and exceptional contributions to their communities and the state.

NC Representative Brian Biggs introduced and presented the award. 

“Reynolds is a man who has done so much for our community and so much for this community college. He is a champion for each and every one of you every day.  He’s a champion here. He’s a champion in Raleigh,” Biggs said. “Today, we are going to recognize Reynolds Lisk with the highest honor you can receive in the State of North Carolina.”

Randolph County Board of Commissioners Chairman Darrell Frye, who was also on hand to present the award, recited the official toast of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in Lisk’s honor. 

“In my years of service to this county, a lot of folks have been a mentor to me, they have supported me, they have helped us build this county, build this community college where we’re gathered here today. One of my counselors, at the top of that list, is Reynolds Lisk,” Frye said. “We owe him a great debt of gratitude for all he has done and his service.”

The award presentation was arranged as a surprise for Lisk, who recently concluded 12 years of service on the RCC Board of Trustees, including three years as Board Chair.

“This award isn’t about me. God put us upon this earth not to serve ourselves, but to serve other people. It’s not about me. But it is about you and what you do. You change people’s lives. I cannot thank you enough. I love you all,” Lisk said through tears.

“I’m not going away. I’m going to advocate for this place from now on, because I am a believer in RCC and the community college system.”

During Lisk’s RCC Board of Trustees tenure, he helped guide the College through one of the most transformative periods in its history, including the successful presidential transition that brought current President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan to RCC. Under Lisk’s leadership, the College strengthened workforce partnerships, expanded educational opportunities, and advanced strategic initiatives that continue to shape RCC’s future.

“Reynolds has dedicated countless hours to strengthening Randolph Community College and our community as a whole,” Ardalan said. “His leadership has always been rooted in service, integrity and a genuine desire to positively impact the community. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is a well-deserved recognition of the tremendous impact he has had on our College, across Randolph County, and throughout North Carolina.”

Lisk was named Trustee Emeritus by the RCC Board of Trustees in June in recognition of his exemplary leadership and lasting contributions to the College. The lifetime honorary designation is among the highest honors the College can bestow upon a former trustee.

A lifelong Asheboro resident, Lisk has long been recognized as a dedicated civic and business leader. His commitment to Randolph Community College continues a family tradition of service, following in the footsteps of his father, Tyler Lisk, who also served as a member and chair of the College’s Board of Trustees.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine was established in 1963 and honors North Carolinians whose service and accomplishments have made significant and lasting contributions to the state. 

Recipients become members of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society, joining a distinguished group that includes educators, public servants, military veterans, business leaders, artists, and community advocates from across North Carolina.