Dot Roark (right) is pictured with her son Jeff Roark, and daughter Pam Washer, in front of a commemorative plaque in the new C19 studio. (Photos provided)

On Thursday, August 28, 2025 Cleveland Community College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new location of C19, the college's public access television channel.
During the event, CCC President Dr. Jason Hurst recognized Dorothy "Dot" Roark, whose leadership and vision were instrumental in the channel's creation more than 40 years ago.
Since 2009, C19 has operated from the John O. Harris, Jr. Broadcast Studio in the Bailey Allied Health Center. Over the years, the channel's programming needs evolved, and the college made the decision to relocate the studio to a more visible area on campus. "This fabulous new space will allow us to continue producing community-based and educational programming for years to come," said Dr. Hurst.
The move increases student awareness of C19, while freeing up approximately 10,000 square feet in the Bailey Center for expansion of CCC's growing health sciences programs. Renovations to the former studio space include adding a second floor, allowing the college to admit up to 200 Associate Degree Nursing and 60 Practical Nursing students. It will also allow expansion of other health sciences programs such as radiography, surgical technology, and medical sonography.
The celebration also honored Roark, who began her career at CCC--then Cleveland County Technical Institute--in 1971. She was pivotal in shaping the college's public voice, launching C19, and building the advancement program that later became the Cleveland Community College Foundation. Her legacy will continue through the Dorothy Mulder Roark Endowed Fund, established through her estate gift pledge, which will support C19 and sustain the high standards of programming and production she helped establish. "Dot's pioneer spirit, along with her talent, skill and training, helped elevate the image of this college," said Dr. Hurst. "Dot's legacy is an inspiration for all of us working to continue moving CCC forward."