News and Features

Several hundred students expected to ‘march,’ receive their college credentials

WHAT: Central Piedmont Community College will hold its 2023 winter commencement on Thursday, Dec. 14, in Charlotte. Approximately 630 students are expected to “march” and receive their college credentials during the morning ceremony. More than 1,380 students are eligible to graduate. The college invites media representatives to cover the celebration.

Yamilth Navarrete, a 2023 associate degree candidate in Construction Management Technology, will address her peers by delivering the commencement address. It has become Central Piedmont’s tradition to have graduating students serve as commencement keynote speakers. 

The ceremony will mark only the second time Central Piedmont has held a winter graduation. The college hosted its first-ever December commencement in 2022 to honor its graduates who completed their programs during the summer and fall semesters. The addition of a winter ceremony allows the college to celebrate its summer and fall graduates in the same timely way as its spring graduates.

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. 

WHERE: Bojangles Coliseum, 2700 Independence Blvd., Charlotte, N.C., with free parking in the coliseum lot.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Entering the coliseum might be slowed due to heavy traffic and security screening. Please plan accordingly. For more information about Central Piedmont’s graduation ceremonies, please call 704.330.6660.

Several hundred students expected to ‘march,’ receive their college credentials

WHAT: Central Piedmont Community College will hold its 2023 winter commencement on Thursday, Dec. 14, in Charlotte. Approximately 630 students are expected to “march” and receive their college credentials during the morning ceremony. More than 1,380 students are eligible to graduate. The college invites media representatives to cover the celebration.

Yamilth Navarrete, a 2023 associate degree candidate in Construction Management Technology, will address her peers by delivering the commencement address. It has become Central Piedmont’s tradition to have graduating students serve as commencement keynote speakers. 

The ceremony will mark only the second time Central Piedmont has held a winter graduation. The college hosted its first-ever December commencement in 2022 to honor its graduates who completed their programs during the summer and fall semesters. The addition of a winter ceremony allows the college to celebrate its summer and fall graduates in the same timely way as its spring graduates.

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. 

WHERE: Bojangles Coliseum, 2700 Independence Blvd., Charlotte, N.C., with free parking in the coliseum lot.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Entering the coliseum might be slowed due to heavy traffic and security screening. Please plan accordingly. For more information about Central Piedmont’s graduation ceremonies, please call 704.330.6660.

Central Piedmont Community College student Demi Snow was recently honored with the 2023 Community Impact Student Award by NC Campus Engagement for her outstanding commitment and contribution to civic and community engagement. 

Snow was selected as the award winner by Central Piedmont after carefully considering students who have made a lasting impact while at the college. She was honored for her efforts and achievements at the recent NC Campus Engagement biennial CSNAP Student Conference. 

Since 2006, the Community Impact Student Award (CISA) recognizes an outstanding, full-time undergraduate student service leader from each NC Campus Engagement member college. Award winners are selected by campus leaders and honored during the biennial CSNAP Student Conference. This year, CSNAP was held at NC State University with the theme, “Rising Together: Students Depolarizing North Carolina.”

Snow was selected as the Central Piedmont CISA winner for her exceptional commitment to civic engagement and equity advocacy both on and off campus. Her journey began as she matriculated through an intensive summer service program, an adaptation of the Citizen Redefined curriculum, which equipped cohorts of students with essential civic skills through interactive workshops. Following the program, Snow was inspired to partner with local non-profits, engaging in various volunteer services to address pressing community needs.

Snow's impact is most notable in her work as a multi-campus dialogue facilitator within the Student Engagement department, where she has been instrumental in engaging students in meaningful and crucial dialogues regarding equity issues, specifically focusing on gender and sexuality. Her efforts have fostered inclusive discussions and empowered students to participate actively in conversations vital to a diverse campus environment.

Beyond her roles within the Student Engagement department, Snow's involvement in various campus clubs and organizations dedicated to intersectional equity and community service has been exemplary. Collaborating with members of her summer cohort, local non-profits, and her peers, she has demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing and amplifying community issues, effectively bringing attention to pertinent matters among the student body.

Snow graciously accepted the Community Impact Student Award as the Central Piedmont Community College Winner on Nov. 4, alongside 14 other students representing colleges and universities across North Carolina.

Queens University of Charlotte announced that Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College, has been selected as the 2023 Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year. Now in its 38th year, the award and event celebrate female leaders who have made significant contributions to the Charlotte region through outstanding leadership and achievement.

Dr. Deitemeyer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Central Piedmont’s president. Her extensive and diverse background in community college administration spans over three decades across North Carolina, Kentucky, and Florida. She and her family moved to Charlotte in 2017, when she began leading the college as its fourth president.

“Kandi is a dynamic leader, educator, businesswoman, and now the senior chief executive of Charlotte’s thriving higher education landscape,” said Queens University President Dan Lugo. “Her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to student success have transformed Central Piedmont into a driving force of economic growth for Charlotte while empowering countless students and their families to achieve greater economic mobility. It is a great privilege and honor to recognize her with this year's Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year award.”

Dr. Deitemeyer, a community college graduate herself, values the transformative impact Central Piedmont has had on countless individuals and the community. She is passionate about the student experience and is unwavering in her commitment to ensuring student success.

“When I consider the women selected before me for this award, and when I reflect on the distinguished members of the selection committee, I am both honored and humbled,” said Dr. Deitemeyer. “To be chosen as the 2023 Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year is such a wonderful distinction. I am so pleased and appreciative to join such an auspicious group of women.”

Dr. Deitemeyer serves on several local, statewide, and national committees. Locally, she serves on the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council, Leading on Opportunity Council, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance’s Executive Committee, Charlotte Center City Partners Board of Directors, Novant Health Greater Charlotte Board of Trustees (Vice Chair), Charlotte Country Day School Board, and the Charlotte Regional Collaborative for a Global Workforce.

She is an active member of the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents. As a commitment to future community college leadership, she serves as an advisory board member for the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at North Carolina State University. Nationally, she is a member of the Roc Solid Foundation Board and has served as an executive board member of the American Association of Community Colleges. 

The distinction of being named Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year has been given to prominent figures in the Charlotte community including Diane Morais, president of Consumer and Commercial Banking at Ally Financial Inc; Tanya S. Blackmon, former executive vice president and chief diversity, inclusion and equity officer for Novant Health; Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County Manager; Peggy Brookhouse, former president of Luquire George Andrews (LGA); and Carol Lovin, executive vice president and system chief of staff for Atrium Health.

The Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year award will be presented to Dr. Deitemeyer at a Queens luncheon March 7, 2024. To find out more about the luncheon and previous winners go to: https://www.queens.edu/attend/charlotte-businesswoman-of-the-year/ 

The Town of Matthews recently officially recognized Central Piedmont Community College in honor of the college’s 60th anniversary. On Sept.18, the college marked 60 years since it first opened its doors to students and began its work of service to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.

The proclamation, signed by Matthews Mayor John Higdon, commends the college for providing “a robust education to students in a variety of programs, providing personalized and flexible learning that fits what, when, and how individuals choose to learn.” Further, the proclamation states that Central Piedmont provides “higher education opportunities, occupational programs, community education, workforce, and economic development opportunities that add to the area economy and address crucial workforce needs, empowering students with essential skills for future success.”

Central Piedmont’s Levine Campus opened in 1998 and is located in Matthews and is the college’s second-largest campus. Central Piedmont has provided educational opportunities since 1963 the North Carolina General Assembly passed the historic state community college bill. Opening as a fully integrated institution, the college combined the Central Industrial Education Center programs on Elizabeth Avenue and Mecklenburg College on Beatties Ford Road.

Today, with six campuses and two centers, Central Piedmont offers nearly 300 degree, diploma, and certificate programs, plus an array of non-credit offerings. Central Piedmont enrolls approximately 43,600 students annually in for-credit programs, continuing education, and basic skills courses, making it one of the largest colleges in the Carolinas. Over the years, over 100,000 individuals have earned credentials at Central Piedmont.

Over the next year, college advertising and printed materials will include an anniversary call out, “60 years of serving our community.”

Read the full proclamation.

Forbes and Statista recently announced that Central Piedmont Community College had been chosen for the second consecutive year as one of “America’s Best-In-State Employers.” Central Piedmont is ranked as one of the top 100 employers in North Carolina for 2023. The college also was included in the Forbes 2022 ranking.

According to Forbes, America’s Best-In-State Employers 2023 were identified based on an independent survey of employees working for companies and other organizations from all industry sectors employing more than 500 individuals. Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey 70,000 workers at companies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Participants were asked if they would recommend their employer to others and to evaluate their employer based on working conditions, diversity, compensation packages, potential for development, company image, and more. Participants also assessed employers other than their own. All surveys were anonymous to encourage candor.

Central Piedmont is an attractive option for individuals seeking employment within an institution that strives to serve its community. The college aims to facilitate student learning, success, and completion by providing exceptional education and globally competitive training in an engaging, supportive environment. Central Piedmont prides itself on being Mecklenburg County’s primary workforce development partner.

Approximately 43,600 students call Central Piedmont home. With eight locations and nearly 300 for-credit programs, it is one of the largest colleges in the Carolinas. It serves people of all ages who seek a real-world, affordable, hands-on education that will transform their lives.

To learn about  Central Piedmont’s career opportunities, visit the college’s employment webpage.

The City of Charlotte recently gave official recognition to Central Piedmont Community College in honor of the college’s 60th anniversary.

In a proclamation signed by Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, the city proclaimed Sept. 18 as “Central Piedmont Community College Day,” commending the college on its 60th anniversary, which it celebrated on Sept. 18.

The proclamation commends the college for providing “pathways to rewarding careers and avenues to further education,” and serving as “a bedrock institution in the Charlotte community.” Further, the proclamation references how Central Piedmont “works directly with employers across all industries to provide new and incumbent worker training and serves as Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s primary workforce development partner.”

Central Piedmont has provided educational opportunities since 1963, the year the North Carolina General Assembly passed the historic state community college bill. Opening as a fully integrated institution, the college combined the programs of the Central Industrial Education Center on Elizabeth Avenue and Mecklenburg College on Beatties Ford Road. On Sept.18, the college marked 60 years since it first opened its doors to students and began its work of service to the community.

Today, with six campuses and two centers, Central Piedmont offers nearly 300 degree, diploma, and certificate programs, plus an array of non-credit offerings. Central Piedmont enrolls approximately 43,600 students annually in for-credit programs as well as continuing education and basic skills courses, making it one of the largest colleges in the Carolinas. Through the years, more than 100,000 individuals have earned credentials at Central Piedmont.

Over the next year, college advertising and printed materials will include an anniversary call out, “60 years of serving our community.”

Central Piedmont Community College’s Board of Trustees recently had one member reappointed and three members appointed for the first time. Each will serve a four-year term through June 2027.

Gabe Esparza, a seasoned executive leading global business development, marketing and strategy work, was reappointed to the Central Piedmont board by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. Esparza recently served as an associate administrator within the Office of International Trade of the U.S. Small Business Administration. He has served as a Central Piedmont Trustee since 2021.

Weston Andress has been appointed by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board. Andress is the regional president for PNC Bank in Western Carolina. He previously served on the Central Piedmont Foundation Board.

Bertram Scott was appointed by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper. Scott serves as a director of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a global medical technology company. He retired as senior vice president of Population Health of Novant Health in 2019.

Alison Summerville of Ally Financial Inc., was appointed by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. Summerville is a longtime officer and leader with Ally. She currently works as Ally’s business administration executive and head of corporate citizenship.

“I am delighted with the reappointment of Gabe Esparza and the appointment of Weston Andress, Bertram Scott and Alison Summerville to Central Piedmont’s Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “Each of these individuals brings years of leadership experience, superb business acumen, and multi-faceted wisdom that comes from serving on other boards and providing sound counsel. The college recently updated its strategic plan and soon will unveil a new long-range academic and facilities master plan. Our Trustees will be important as we work to implement these plans. We also will look to them as the college’s champion and to help share our story of service and transforming lives in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community.”

Central Piedmont Community College proudly announced the installation of a new monumental sculpture, "Synergy," created by renowned artists Hanna Jubran and Jodi Hollnagel-Jubran of J&H Studio Inc. Hanna and Jodi, co-owners of J&H Studio Inc., have created many sculptures nationally and internationally.

The contemporary sculpture, spanning 16'6" in height, 12" in width, and 9' in depth and made from stainless steel and bronze, integrates a series of motivational words inspired by Central Piedmont's mission, vision, and values. Complementary benches were installed near the sculpture, featuring academic disciplines within the arts and humanities.

This initiative was made possible by the generosity of anonymous donors passionate about integrating the arts and humanities into students' perspectives. They believe that these branches offer students a chance to understand the past, better analyze the present, and achieve a more informed outlook on the future.

The global selection process for the sculpture began in the fall of 2021 and saw over a dozen submissions from across the US and Canada. After a rigorous process, the college's Public Art Committee, leadership, and donors narrowed the selection. 

The installation of "Synergy" was also facilitated by several in-kind donors and friends of Central Piedmont, including Concrete Supply, Showalter Construction, Black Diamond Crane & Rigging, Metrolina Steel Erectors, Henry Batten, Glenn Sherrill, and Carl Showalter.

Central Piedmont Community College invites community members, students, and visitors to witness the beauty and message of "Synergy," located on the quad of the college's Central Campus.

Central Piedmont Community College, one of the largest colleges in the Carolinas, celebrated its 60th anniversary on September 18, 2023. In recognition of this significant milestone, Mayor Melinda Bales of Huntersville, North Carolina, has proclaimed September 18, 2023, as "Central Piedmont Community College Day."

"Central Piedmont Community College is our community's first stop for postsecondary education and workforce training," Mayor Bales stated in the proclamation. "Central Piedmont has provided 60 years of service, connecting the past, present, and future for this community," she added.

About Central Piedmont Community College

Founded on September 18, 1963, Central Piedmont Community College serves more than 43,600 students across six campuses in Mecklenburg County, including the Merancas Campus in Huntersville, which has been operational since 1990. The institution offers various skill courses, continuing education, and for-credit programs.

A Vital Role in Higher Education

Central Piedmont Community College plays an essential role in the regional higher education landscape, offering an outstanding education to citizens. The institution encourages civic engagement among its students, faculty, and staff. 

Proclamation Highlights

The proclamation signed by Mayor Bales highlights several important aspects of the college's 60-year history, including:

• Its role as a critical provider of postsecondary education and workforce training
• The impact of the Merancas Campus in Huntersville since 1990
• The college's efforts in connecting the past, present, and future of the community

"We're deeply honored by Mayor Bales' proclamation and grateful for the continued support of the Huntersville community," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, President of Central Piedmont Community College. "This is a milestone not just for us but for everyone who has been a part of the college's history. We look forward to many more years of service and community impact."

Read the full proclamation.