CCC dedicates new studio, honors Roark
- Chuck Thompson
- Aug 29, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Editor's note: Since the publication of this article on Aug. 29. 2025., Dorothy (“Dot”) Mulder Roark,101, passed away at home on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025. The Shelby Independent extends our heartfelt condolences to her family.
Cleveland Community College held a special ribbon cutting and recognition for Dorthy “Dot” Mulder Roark on Thursday afternoon and dedication of the new C19 studio. The special event was held at the new location of the John O. Harris, Jr. Broadcast Studio, in the Jack Hunt Campus Center.
The event honored Roark’s accomplishments, and her unwavering dedication to CCC. Roark shaped the college into what it is today, first joining as a media specialist in 1971. Later, she taught English, also leading the public relations and information office, and played a major role in building CCC’s advancement program which would later become the Cleveland Community College Foundation.
Roark was the leading figure behind the creation of C19, the broadcast service of Cleveland Community College. College focused and community-oriented educational programming can be seen in Cleveland County on Spectrum Cable Channel 19. The programming is entirely produced by Cleveland Community College faculty, staff and students.
Director of Grants for Cleveland Community College, Emily Sisk told The Shelby Independent, “Today’s event is to ribbon cut our new location, which we’re real excited about, and we're also recognizing Dot Roark. Mrs. Roark has made an estate gift to the Cleveland Community College Foundation so that the C19 studio and programming continue for years to come.”
Many notable people were in attendance, from elected officials to county, city and college employees. N.C. State Senator Ted Alexander; Cleveland County Commissioners’ Chairman Kevin Gordan; Emily Sisk, Dir. Of Grants; CCC President Dr. Jason Hurst; former City of Shelby Mayor Mike Philbeck; Shelby Manager Rick Howell; along with several CCC Board of Trustee members; foundation Chair Jamey Davis; plus, Dot Roark and the Roark Family, just to name a few.
“Since 2009, the John O. Harris, Jr., Broadcast Studio, located in the Bailey Center, has served the college well,” Dr. Hurst said in his opening remarks. “However, over the years, C19’s programing has evolved, and with it the channel’s needs have also changed. This relocation places the studio in a much more visible area on campus, making our students more aware of C19 and what this program offers.”
Hurst went on to mention the expansion of the health science program. The former studio in the Bailey center will make room for the health science program’s ever-expanding needs.
Tim Foster, Director of C19 also spoke to those in attendance, stating, “This is the next chapter in the storytelling and the community connection of our C19 channel.”
The focus was then turned to Dot Roark, where her distinguished military service and her dedication to Cleveland Community College through unwavering determination and service through the decades was lauded.
From her beginnings in Michigan, growing up on a 40 acre farm, to having access to classified information during the Korean War and an officer in the United States Air Force, Roark has accomplished more than some could imagine, paving the way for women and broadcasting students who dare to dream of what can be with a little hard work and focus.
“Discipline, hard work, good work ethic and community focus were qualities instilled in Dot at a very young age,” noted Hurst. “Fortunately for all of us, she married Cleveland County native Les Roark, who was Shelby’s mayor from 1976 – 1979.”
She began her career in 1971 when it was known as Cleveland County Technical Institute, and she continued until she retired in 1989.
“Recognized for her strong organizational and leadership skills, Dot was known as a pioneer who thrived on challenges,” said Hurst. “She was among the first women in the U.S. to earn a master’s degree in television, she was also one of the first female officers in the Korean War to hold top secret clearance and attend high-level briefings.”
“Dot’s pioneer spirit along with her talent, skill and training helped elevate the image of this college,” he added.
Hurst also noted Roark’s importance of helping establish C19 and was among the staff who initiated the creation of the foundation and wrote the first grant to benefit the college. In 2022 she pledged a significant gift estate to establish the Dorthy Mulder Roark Endowed Fund.
“This fund will help support C19 and ensure the continuation of high-quality public television,” added Hurst.
Roark herself made a few comments, reminiscing back to her early days in broadcasting, and her time at Cleveland Community College. She mentioned her fascination with television dating back to the 1950’s. She also spoke of broadcasting the Shelby Christmas parade, a staple of local public broadcasting.
“One thing we started back then was to broadcast the Shelby Christmas parade, we’ve had it every year since, so that’s something that started with C19, which I enjoyed during my time there in the 70’s and 80’s,” Roark said to those in attendance.
After which was the ribbon cutting and unveiling of a plaque in her honor at the C19 studio.
Several in attendance shared their thoughts after the special ceremony.
“It was an honor to attend, and represent the Board of Commissioners, at today’s ribbon cutting and special recognition of Dorothy “Dot” Mulder Roark,” said Commissioner Chairman Kevin Gordan. “Mrs. Roark has dedicated much of her life to developing and shaping Cleveland Community College’s (CCC) public voice and community reach.”
Gordan continued, “We all should applaud her commitment to serve CCC over the decades. As she has always been a strong advocate for C19. Her service to this country, in the US Air Force, should also be saluted; along with her tireless dedication as a public servant and for being a champion of CCC, C19 TV, and the broadcasting program.”
“I think it’s great that Dot is making the gift to the college for what she was involved in, and helped start. She and her husband Les were some of Shelby’s citizens for a long time and we’re blessed to still have them,” said former Mayor of Shelby Mike Philbeck.
On Friday morning, The studio was already in use, with Political Smackdown making history as the first show to be recorded in the new studio.
For more information on C19 and their original programming, visit https://c19.tv/.
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Chuck Thompson is a reporter for The Shelby Independent.
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