Central Piedmont launches new Leading Boldly strategic plan to become nation’s most transformative community college

Three-year roadmap positions Central Piedmont to accelerate workforce readiness and regional prosperity 

At a time when employers need skilled talent and communities are navigating rapid economic change, Central Piedmont Community College has unveiled Leading Boldly. Forward thinking. Future Ready., a new three-year strategic plan designed to strengthen workforce readiness, expand opportunity and power prosperity across the Charlotte region.  

The plan outlines how Central Piedmont will strengthen opportunities for students, deepen partnerships, invest in employees and steward resources. It also advances a new vision: to stand as the nation's most transformative community college, where future-ready talent, bold ideas and economic vitality take shape. 

Developed with input from employees, community stakeholders and industry partners, the plan establishes a clear direction for the college in response to the evolving needs of students, employers and the region. 

"Central Piedmont has long served as a catalyst for economic opportunity in our community," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. "This roadmap builds on our strong foundation while positioning us for even greater impact. We are not simply striving to do good work. We are accelerating our efforts to be exceptional in how we prepare students for meaningful careers, strengthen our workforce, and create lasting opportunities throughout our region." 

Central Piedmont continues to deliver strong outcomes for students and employers, and the strategic plan positions the college to advance from excellent to exceptional. It sets measurable goals focused on student success, workforce readiness, enrollment growth, and strategic partnerships. 

To achieve that vision, the college will focus its efforts on four strategic priorities: 

• Empower students to be workforce leaders 
• Activate partnerships to deliver exceptional programs and services 
• Cultivate a culture where people excel and engage in meaningful work 
• Exemplify future-focused, mission-anchored stewardship 

Preparing more students for career and academic success 

Central Piedmont will strengthen workforce development, expand skill-building opportunities, improve transfer pathways, reduce financial barriers, and broaden access to transformative student services and experiences. As a result, more students can achieve their educational and career goals. 

By 2029, the college plans to:  

• Improve fall-to-fall retention rate so more students stay enrolled and continue making progress toward their goals 
• Increase completion rates, enabling more students to earn degrees and credentials 
• Grow annual enrollment to expand access to education and training across the region 

Expanding opportunity through strategic partnerships 

Central Piedmont will deepen collaboration with employers and community partners, launch credentials aligned with workforce needs, broaden outreach to growing populations and increase opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. The college aims to increase enrollment across in-demand workforce sectors, including healthcare, information technology, engineering and advanced manufacturing, public safety, and skilled trades and transportation. 

The college is already demonstrating this approach through nationally recognized partnerships. Central Piedmont is a member of the Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, supported by the Lowe’s Foundation, which brings together leading workforce organizations from across the country to strengthen pathways into high-demand skilled trades careers. The college is also collaborating with UNC Charlotte through the Aspen Institute Transfer Intensive, a national initiative focused on improving transfer outcomes and helping more students earn bachelor's degrees. 

Attracting and empowering exceptional talent 

Central Piedmont recognizes that employee success drives student success. To support its vision, the college will invest in talent development, leadership growth, employee engagement and workplace innovation while aligning resources with its mission and long-term sustainability.  

Through competitive benefits, a strong commitment to professional development opportunities, leadership pathways and a culture that supports employee well-being and belonging, Central Piedmont aims to attract, retain and empower exceptional talent. 

Building a more agile, future-ready institution 

Through continuous improvement, strategic stewardship and a commitment to accountability, Central Piedmont will build a more agile and future-ready institution by identifying operational efficiencies, embracing emerging technologies and expanding the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence to enhance teaching, learning and college operations. 

These efforts will help maximize resources, accelerate innovation and ensure the college remains responsive to the evolving needs of students, employees and the community. 

The strategic plan represents a shared commitment to unlocking opportunity for students, strengthening the talent pipeline for employers and powering prosperity across the region. By building on its strengths and embracing bold new possibilities, Central Piedmont is positioning itself not only to meet the future, but to help shape it. 

To learn more about how Central Piedmont will lead boldly over the next three years, watch the strategic plan video.