News and Features

• Caldwell Rose and Khalif Rhodes reappointed, Pat Rodgers and Brad Muller newly appointed  
• Trustees elect new leaders to oversee Board

Central Piedmont Community College shared multiple updates regarding its Board of Trustees during today’s Trustee meeting.

Reappointment and new appointments

The North Carolina Senate appointed Patricia (Pat) Rodgers and Bradford (Brad) Muller to the Board. Rodgers' term will run for three years through June 2028; Muller’s term will run for four years through June 2029.

Rodgers is a trailblazer in the construction industry and the previous chief executive officer of Rodgers Builders, a nationally known contractor based in Charlotte. As a proud attendee of Central Piedmont, Rodgers has poured herself into the college community, serving as a previous chair of the Central Piedmont Foundation Board and vocal advocate for the college’s mission to serve as a steward in the community, maximize student success, and create workforce development pathways in the county. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to expanding public-private partnerships, serving on non-profit and community boards, investing in workforce development and economic mobility initiatives, and setting the standard for the construction industry’s civic leadership.

Muller is a marketing and communications strategist with more than 35 years of experience in public and corporate affairs, international and government relations, manufacturing and business marketing, crisis management, and media training. He spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C., including stints with the U.S. State Department and Edelman Worldwide, the largest public relations and public affairs agency in the world. Currently, Muller leads corporate communications and government affairs for Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company, a fifth-generation, family-owned manufacturer based in Charlotte. Founded in 1901, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry is the leading U.S. producer of cast iron and plastic pipe and fittings for plumbing systems. Muller earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Kenyon College in Ohio.

Additionally, Caldwell Rose has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees by the North Carolina House of Representatives. His reappointment extends his service for four years, through June 2029. Khalif Rhodes has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees by the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners. His reappointment extends his service for four years, through June 2029.

“I am delighted Brad and Pat have been appointed to the Central Piedmont Board of Trustees and Caldwell and Khalif will continue their service with their reappointments,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “As Trustees, these leaders will leverage their extensive experience across a wide range of industries to shape the future of the college and champion our ambitious strategic plan as we continue expanding the exceptional opportunities we offer to students across the region.”

New Board of Trustee leadership 

The Board of Trustees of Central Piedmont Community College has elected a new chair and vice chair during the July 9 Board meeting.

Caldwell Rose, president of NAI Southern Real Estate, will now serve as the chair, succeeding Jim Dunn. Lucia Zapata Griffith, chief executive officer and founding principal of METRO Landmarks Construction and METRO Landmarks Architecture, will serve as vice chair.

Rose has served as Central Piedmont trustee since 2015. He most recently served as vice chair and, prior to that, he was the chair of the Board’s finance, facilities, and audit committee for several years. Rose joined NAI Southern Real Estate in 1988 and has spent more than 29 years in the commercial real estate industry, specializing in all areas, including land assemblages, office and medical office sales and leasing, as well as investment sales and representation. Recognized by the Charlotte Commercial Board of Realtors as a top producer, Rose is also actively involved with the Charlotte community and with multiple charitable organizations. He is a graduate of St. Andrews College with a degree in business administration. He holds real estate brokerage licenses in both North and South Carolina.

“A lifelong learner myself, I believe deeply in the power of education in our communities,” said Rose. “Central Piedmont is creating opportunities for thousands of people living right here in Mecklenburg County – serving as a workforce engine, supporting economic mobility, and bolstering our community with highly trained graduates ready to enter the workforce or expand their skills. I feel privileged to serve as chair and look forward to supporting and promoting the institution’s strategic initiatives and mission.”

Zapata Griffith has served on the Board since 2022 and most recently served as the chair of the Board’s finance, facilities, and audit committee. She founded and has led Metro Landmarks Construction and Metro Landmarks Architecture since 1996. Prior to then, she was a partner and principal architect with AR&D. Zapata Griffith is an active community leader, with significant involvement in the arts, Latina-based mentoring organizations, as well as economic mobility and workforce development efforts. She is a registered architect in North Carolina and Peru, as well as a licensed real estate broker and licensed general contractor in North Carolina.

The chair and vice chair have one-year terms, with the potential for re-election for a second year.  

• College receives $474,038 from the National Science Foundation to expand its Artificial Intelligence associate degree program and grow local tech talent. 
• College’s AI degree prepares students for in-demand roles in data analytics and machine learning, offering annual starting salaries ranging from $60,000 to $75,000. 
• 88% of local employers are actively hiring for AI-skilled positions. 

Central Piedmont Community College has been awarded a $474,038 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) degree program and accelerate the development of local technology talent. The three-year initiative, known as Generating Artificial Intelligence Talent (GAIT), will enhance curriculum, train faculty, deepen industry partnerships, and provide tailored student support to prepare graduates for Charlotte's fastest-growing job market.

Launched in fall 2024, Central Piedmont's associate in applied science degree in AI is one of the first of its kind in North Carolina with more than 100 students currently enrolled. It is designed to equip students with the practical, high-demand skills needed to launch careers in AI-related fields without requiring a four-year degree. The new grant, awarded through the NSF's Advanced Technological Education program, builds on the early momentum and strong employer interest already surrounding the program.

“This grant allows us to take our highly sought after AI program to the next level,” said Dr. Heather Hill, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Central Piedmont. “We are focused on aligning instruction with industry needs here in the county, supporting our faculty with the tools they need to lead and accelerate in this space, and ensuring our students are prepared to step into these emerging careers with confidence and competence.”

Responding to industry demand

Charlotte experienced a 21.3% increase in high-tech jobs between 2021 and 2022, more than double the national average. A spring 2024 survey of regional employers found that 88% are currently hiring AI-skilled workers, and 100 percent anticipate expanding those roles in the near future.

“Technology is transforming every industry,” said Hill. “Our goal is to ensure those jobs are filled by people who are trained here, live here, and are ready to lead here.”

Turning training into opportunity

The GAIT project will expand the program's capacity in four key areas: curriculum development, faculty readiness, employer engagement, and student advising. The college will also introduce industry-driven credentials that enable students to acquire skills and enter the workforce more quickly.

Graduates are prepared for roles such as artificial intelligence programmers, data analysts, machine learning technicians, and prompt engineers. These roles require a growing knowledge and use of artificial intelligence. Many of these positions offer annual starting salaries between $60,000 and $75,000, with the potential to grow above $130,000 within just a few years.

A community-wide return on investment

Serving more than 44,000 students annually and offering nearly 300 -degree, diploma, and certificate programs, Central Piedmont plays a critical role in Mecklenburg County’s economic landscape. The AI program strengthens that role by helping students secure high-wage, future-ready jobs and giving employers access to a skilled, homegrown workforce.

“This is not just a degree,” Hill said. “It is a workforce solution and an investment in our region's long-term competitiveness.” 

• Empowering Charlotte’s youth: Summer Theatre Academy offers teens hands-on training and personal growth through performance and backstage arts. 
• Building community through creativity: Program fosters confidence, collaboration, and connection among diverse students ages 15 and older. 
• Affordable access to the arts: For just $400, high school students gain four weeks of professional instruction, culminating in a full-stage musical production. 

Central Piedmont Community College is calling aspiring actors, dancers, singers, and behind-the-scenes creatives to the stage for its 2025 Summer Theatre Academy, a four-week immersive program designed to unlock talent and build confidence in students ages 15 and older.

Running June 30 through July 27, the academy culminates in a full-scale production of “SpongeBob the Musical” at the Halton Theater. Participation costs just $400 and is a high-quality performing arts opportunity for students across the region.

“This program offers more than just theater training,” said James Duke, drama instructor at Central Piedmont. “It builds confidence, fosters collaboration, and creates community. It’s about young people finding their voice and discovering what they’re capable of, whether on stage or off.”

Open to all levels of experience, the academy includes hands-on instruction in acting, choreography, puppetry, vocal technique, stage combat, lighting and sound design, and more. It serves as both a creative outlet and a bridge to personal development, particularly for students seeking community, mentorship, and new ways to express themselves.

Why it matters:

The Summer Theatre Academy reflects Central Piedmont’s broader mission to provide accessible, life-changing education. At a time when young people need connection, purpose, and safe spaces to grow, this program offers exactly that through the unifying power of the arts. 

Program benefits include: 

• Expert training in a supportive, inclusive environment 
• Development of transferable life skills: communication, collaboration, and creativity 
• Real-world production experience on a professional stage 
• Affordable access to enriching summer programming 

Enrollment is limited, and spots are filling fast. Register or learn more.

This summer, Charlotte’s next generation of storytellers will take center stage. Join us for a season of growth, creativity, and celebration. 

• Free, public event exploring the impact of AI across industries, hosted June 20 at Central Piedmont Community College 
• Keynote speakers from Amazon Web Services, Compass Group, Gartner and SEI 
• Hands-on workshops, expert panels and insights into AI careers and innovation in the Carolinas 

Central Piedmont Community College, in partnership with Mint Hill Marketing and the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce, will host the first Charlotte AI Summit on Friday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Parr Center on Central Campus. This free public event will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future across various industries, including cybersecurity, healthcare, finance, and workforce development.

The summit invites students, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and community members to attend a full-day event featuring expert panels, interactive workshops, and networking sessions. Attendees will gain insights from top voices in technology and business on the opportunities and challenges AI presents.

"AI isn't here to replace us. It's here to evolve with us. It's a mirror of human imagination, a bridge across barriers, and a catalyst for possibility," said Ann Gonzales, president and CEO of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce. "This summit invites us to reimagine what's possible when we grow alongside technology, not against it."

"AI isn't just about the future. It's about what's possible today," said Joseph Little, associate dean of technology at Central Piedmont. "We're proud to host this event as part of our commitment to providing real-world education and workforce innovation."

AI Learning at Central Piedmont Community College 

Central Piedmont offers an associate degree in applied science in artificial intelligence technology and certificates in AI and machine learning. These programs blend hands-on learning with technical training to prepare students for careers in data science, automation, and intelligent systems. 

Event Highlights 

• Tiffany Benitez, head of data governance at Compass Group USA, will share insights on AI-driven risk management and analytics. 
• Celestine Pressley, executive partner at Gartner, will speak on the future of enterprise technology and innovation. 
• Antonio Mañueco, managing principal consultant at SEI, will break down the real-world implementation of AI tools. 
• Sreenath Gotur, senior generative AI specialist at Amazon Web Services, will provide a look at cutting-edge developments in generative AI. 
• Linda Yang, executive director of information strategy at Family Health Initiatives, will explore the intersection of AI and public health. 

Other sessions include industry roundtables, exhibitor showcases, and a closing social hour for networking. An AI-powered event app will help attendees connect and navigate throughout the day. 

Registration is free and open to the public. An optional networking lunch is available for $21. Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged. 

• New paid apprenticeship: CEENTA and Central Piedmont launch program to address critical eye care staffing shortage. 
• Earn while you learn: Six-month program offers classroom learning plus paid, hands-on clinical training. 
• No student debt: Tuition, fees, and books are covered for participants. 

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. (CEENTA) and Central Piedmont Community College are deepening their longstanding partnership with the launch of a new apprenticeship program. This innovative six-month, earn-while-you-learn program is designed to prepare students for careers as certified Ophthalmic Assistants — a critical but often understaffed role in the eye care industry. 

In collaboration with Central Piedmont’s Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (OMP) program, the new apprenticeship offers a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs, and immersive clinical experience at CEENTA locations across the region. Participants will receive paid clinical training while gaining practical experience in specialties such as general ophthalmology, retina, cornea, glaucoma, pediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology, and oculoplastics. 

A three-phase pathway to certification and employment 

The program includes three phases: 

• Starting Aug. 18, students will begin their journey at the college’s Central Campus, learning medical terminology, ophthalmic science, and clinical techniques in a 15,000 sq. ft. simulation center under the instruction of nationally accredited faculty.  
• As the program progresses, participants will split their time between OMP coursework and real-world experience in CEENTA clinics.  
• The final phase features full clinical immersion and side-by-side training with CEENTA’s physicians and technicians. 

Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) exam and will receive a guaranteed job offer at CEENTA upon successful completion. In return, participants commit to a two-year employment agreement as full-time ophthalmic assistants. 

“This partnership represents a powerful step forward in addressing the growing demand for skilled eye care professionals,” said Kathleen Rodgers, Central Piedmont’s department chair of Ophthalmic Medical Personnel. “By combining CEENTA’s clinical excellence with Central Piedmont’s educational leadership, we’re creating a sustainable pipeline of eye care workers who are ready to make an immediate impact in patient care. It’s a win for students, a win for our community, and a win for the future of healthcare.” 

A community-centered solution to a workforce shortage

Since 2013, CEENTA has been a proud clinical partner of the college’s Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program, hiring graduates from the program’s earliest cohorts. The new apprenticeship directly addresses the region’s growing need for qualified eye care professionals. For the first time, CEENTA will sponsor tuition, fees, and books for selected apprentices, eliminating financial barriers for those eager to enter the field. 

CEENTA has also partnered with Central Piedmont since 2017 on the Angie Madigan Ophthalmic Medical Assisting (OMA) Scholarship, which is available to students enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in the ophthalmic medical personnel program. 

“We’re pleased to work with Central Piedmont as we transition our long-standing Ophthalmic Assistant training program into a new collaborative model,” said Judy Moore, CEENTA’s Chief Operating Officer. “This partnership allows CEENTA to provide hands-on clinical experience while Central Piedmont leads classroom instruction, combining education and real-world training to invest in the future of healthcare and the communities they serve. Together, we’re opening a path for individuals to develop practical skills and launch meaningful careers in eye care — supporting CEENTA’s doctors in delivering the highest quality care to patients across the region.” 

How to apply

Ideal candidates include recent high school or college graduates, career changers, or anyone interested in a fast, affordable entry into healthcare. Applications are open now, with a deadline of June 23. 

• Central Piedmont celebrated 1,736 graduates at two May 15 ceremonies, highlighting how education transforms lives and communities.
• Nearly half of the graduates entered high-demand industries, from health care to tech and skilled trades.
• Graduates like Shenise Young, Chloe Mbongo, and others shared powerful stories of resilience and hope.

On May 15, Central Piedmont Community College awarded degrees, diplomas, and credentials to 1,736 students whose personal and academic journeys are shaping the region’s future. The ceremonies, held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Bojangles Coliseum, celebrated a graduating class rich in determination, diversity, and purpose.

Student speaker Shenise Young opened the morning ceremony with a moving message of perseverance. Once a college dropout with a 0.827 GPA, Shenise returned to Central Piedmont as a wife and mother of two and completed her associate degree in arts.

“Central Piedmont didn’t just give us a degree. They loved us, believed in us, and gave us a chance some of us didn’t think we deserved,” said Young. “We’ve been given a solid foundation—and now we are built differently.”

Across both ceremonies:

• 198 graduates completed programs in nursing and allied health
• 106 in information technology
• 119 in hospitality, entrepreneurship, and service industries
• 78 in trades and automotive careers
• 36 in engineering

In addition, the college awarded $723,300 in scholarships to 263 students. Over half of the graduates will transfer to four-year institutions, including UNC Charlotte, Appalachian State, and N.C. State.

“This is how a region builds its future,” said Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer. “We educate the people who care for our families, power our businesses, and shape our communities—and they do it while working, parenting, and overcoming tremendous obstacles.”

Student Spotlights

• Shenise Young – Shared her story of redemption and renewed purpose as student speaker.
• Tyshon Freeman – From high school dropout to logistics leader, earning a degree in Supply Chain Management.
• Kiona White – Survivor of domestic violence and homelessness, now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work.
• Maryann Ingram – A 65-year-old Charlotte native and caregiver earning her high school diploma through the Career and College Readiness program.
• Chloe Mbongo – Delivered a heartfelt speech on starting again after setbacks, now a President’s List student.
• Laura Oviedo-Loyola – A young mother of two graduating from the automotive program with plans to open her own shop.
• Rakia Regan – Overcame homelessness and domestic violence while earning a Medical Office Administration degree; now employed full-time at a hospital.
• Fawad Ataee – Afghan refugee who raised his GPA from 0.7 to 3.8 while supporting his family; heading to UNC Charlotte to study project management.

These graduates embody Central Piedmont’s mission: providing accessible, life-changing education that fuels economic mobility and community strength.

“We don’t just offer classes, we open doors,” said Deitemeyer. “Every diploma represents new energy and talent flowing into our region.”

• Rising CMS seniors can take 14 credit hours of automotive classes 
• Funding provided by Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation, Faison Enterprises, and The Merancas Foundation, in partnership with the Charlotte ToolBank 
• Program offers weekly financial supplement, free toolkit, and more 

This summer, Central Piedmont Community College will launch “Accelerate to Success,” a new program that gives 25 rising seniors from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools the chance to take advanced automotive classes and earn a 14-credit College & Career Promise Certification, fast-tracking them toward a career in the automotive industry. 

The program is made possible with funding from Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation, Faison Enterprises, and The Merancas Foundation. The classes will take place at the Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology, located at Central Piedmont’s Levine Campus in Matthews.  

In addition to covering the cost of the courses, the funding will provide students with a daily lunch, a weekly financial supplement, and transportation coverage. Central Piedmont is partnering with the Charlotte ToolBank to equip each graduate of this program with a professional automotive toolkit, empowering them to confidently transition from classroom to career with the tools they need to succeed. 

“We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors for making this program possible,” said Christopher Facente, Central Piedmont’s dean of skilled trades and transportation. “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that gives high school students a real head start in the automotive industry through college-level coursework and hands-on experience. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation in education and our belief in the potential of every student." 

The program runs Mondays-Thursdays from June 16-July 31, and classes offered include Intro to Transportation, PC Skills for Transportation, Basic Electrical Systems, and Climate Control Systems. 

About Central Piedmont 

Central Piedmont Community College is highly accessible and convenient to people of all ages who seek a real-world, affordable, hands-on education that will transform their lives and strengthen the economic, social, and cultural environment of Mecklenburg County. Central Piedmont is also a smart investment. At a fraction of the cost, students learn by doing, receiving a combination of technical and soft skills training from quality faculty who prepare them to enter the workforce and make a difference in their family, business, community, and world. Founded in 1963, Central Piedmont Community College has eight locations throughout Mecklenburg County, offering nearly 300-degree, diploma, and certification programs; customized corporate training; market-focused continuing education; and special interest classes. For more information, visit cpcc.edu, or connect with the college on social media at cpcc.edu/social. 

About Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation 

Established in 2023 by Margaret and Smoky Bissell, the Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation's mission is to invest in innovative ideas and bold leadership to drive positive outcomes in Health, Human Services, and Education across the greater Charlotte region.  

BBLF is self-directed and has elected to deeply invest in organizations that will contribute to Charlotte's success. 

About Faison Enterprises 

Faison Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1988 by Henry J. Faison.  His vision was to create a firm that focused primarily on real estate investing, but above all to be a good corporate citizen. The firm’s mission is to honor the legacy of Mr. Faison by partnering with nonprofits on transformative initiatives. This program at Central Piedmont fulfills one of the firm’s objectives in promoting career and workforce readiness. For more information, please see www.faison.com 

About The Merancas Foundation 

The Merancas Foundation supports local nonprofits that provide opportunities to improve the lives of individuals and families experiencing economic hardship. 

About Charlotte ToolBank 

We are a nonprofit tool lending program that provides charitable organizations with year-round access to our inventory of tools for use in their volunteer projects, facility and grounds maintenance as well as special events. We provide tools to enhance the charitable sector’s capacity to serve, facilitating hands-on volunteerism in the greater Charlotte area. 

The Charlotte ToolBank maintains an 8,000 sq ft warehouse in South End and an inventory comprised of more than 358 different types of tools and special event equipment in volumes large enough to equip thousands of volunteers at a time. Access to ToolBank tools eliminates the need for agencies to incur the expense of purchasing, repairing and storing tools, reducing the costs associated with service projects and allowing these agencies to focus more of their resources on their mission. 

About Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) strives to create an innovative, inclusive, student-centered environment that supports the development of independent learners. CMS leads the community in educational excellence, inspiring intellectual curiosity, creativity and achievement so that all students reach their full potential (C-M Board of Education, 2018). 

CMS is the 16th-largest school district in the nation, providing academic instruction, rigor and support each school day for more than 141,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The district operates 186 schools throughout Mecklenburg County from its central offices in Charlotte, N.C. CMS believes setting high standards for all students creates greater opportunity for their future success – in our communities, the region and across the globe. As a result, CMS students are prepared to be leaders in a technologically savvy and competitive world. 

• Central Piedmont sets a new enrollment record with 33,000 students for Spring 2025 
• Programs aligned with local workforce needs are helping students transition directly into careers 
• Employers praise the college’s graduates for being prepared, professional, and job-ready 

Central Piedmont Community College has officially enrolled 33,000 students for the spring 2025 term, setting a new institutional record and marking the tenth consecutive semester of enrollment growth. This milestone, up from 31,741 in fall 2024, reflects the growing demand for accessible, career-focused education that meets the needs of students and the regional economy.

“This is a proud moment for our entire community,” said Amy Bruining, vice president of student affairs. “Enrolling 33,000 students is more than a number – it represents trust, relevance, and a shared belief that education should lead somewhere. Our students come here with a purpose, and we are committed to helping them reach it.”

Central Piedmont offers more than 300 degree, diploma, and certificate programs aligned with high-demand fields such as nursing, skilled trades including construction and sustainable technology, information technology, and artificial intelligence. Each program is designed with input from local industry partners to ensure graduates are job-ready and prepared for real-world careers.

To help students stay on track, the college recently introduced multi-term registration. This allows students to register for an entire academic year at one time, reducing stress and helping them plan ahead. Students can currently enroll in summer 2025, fall 2025 and spring 2026 courses. Central Piedmont also offers various support services including academic advising, career coaching, and hands-on learning environments tailored to students' goals.

Affordability remains a key priority. The college provides nearly $4 million in scholarships each year, along with tuition payment plans that require no interest, fees, or credit checks. These tools remove financial barriers and open doors to education for a diverse and growing student body. During the 2024-2025 academic year, more than 2,000 students received scholarships, and over 6,000 students took advantage of payment plan options.

Naidelyn Cruz, a dental assisting student graduating this summer, credits Central Piedmont with preparing her to enter the profession.

“My experience at Central Piedmont has been the most rewarding education I’ve ever had,” Cruz said. “The instructors went above and beyond to ensure we learned the material and could apply it in real-world settings. The hands-on lab felt like a real dental office, and my externship helped me build my confidence. I was recently offered a position at the dental practice where I trained.”

That practice is Dentistry of the Carolinas, a long-time employer partner of the college.

“For nearly a decade, Dentistry of the Carolinas has partnered with Central Piedmont, and it continues to be one of our most valuable relationships,” said Tyler Hammock, director of human resources for Dentistry of the Carolinas. “The program produces well-trained graduates ready to thrive in a real dental office. We have been fortunate to hire many of these students who come to us prepared, professional, and eager to make a difference. The combination of strong instruction and hands-on experience makes them a valuable asset to our team.”

From high school students earning tuition-free college credit to adults reentering the workforce or making a career change, Central Piedmont serves learners at every stage of life. Graduates strengthen the local workforce, contribute to economic mobility, and help the Charlotte region grow.

With enrollment continuing to rise and strong interest in upcoming terms, Central Piedmont remains focused on expanding access and delivering high-value education that transforms lives and drives the region forward.

For more information about enrollment, scholarships, or academic programs, visit cpcc.edu. 

• Duke Energy employees support Central Piedmont students in need of clothes for interviews and jobs
• Donations provide clothes for up to 200 students per month
• Central Piedmont is looking to expand this service to multiple campuses

Duke Energy employees made a major contribution to Central Piedmont Community College’s Professional Clothing Closet, donating thousands of items to support students as they prepare for the workforce.

The donation includes a wide array of professional attire, such as suits, dress shirts, shoes, dresses, blouses, belts, jewelry, and other accessories. This significant influx of clothing greatly expands the closet’s offerings and further empowers students as they enter job interviews and new careers.

“Supporting students with professional attire is about more than just clothes – it’s about confidence and opportunity,” said Amy Strecker, president of Duke Energy Foundation. “Every outfit donated is an investment in a student’s future, and we’re proud to partner with Central Piedmont to help empower the next generation of leaders to pursue their career goals.”

The Professional Clothing Closet, located on Central Campus in the Worrell Building, Room 1152, operates from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Tuesday. The initiative allows current students to select up to four complete outfits free of charge, helping them build a professional wardrobe and boost their confidence as they transition into the working world.

“The impact of helping students with clothes, especially those starting out in their careers, cannot be overstated,” said a student who recently benefited from the closet. “Professional, appropriate clothing is essential to making a good impression. Interview appropriate, quality clothing is expensive, so a student getting a suit, jacket, top, skirt, dress, and shoes for free may be the difference between getting an opportunity or losing one, which is a major barrier to cross after obtaining the degree.”

The clothing closet, which began in 2021, now serves up to 200 students per month. The college looks to expand its offerings to other campuses in the future.

• Builds a stronger emergency response workforce through expanded education, delivering benefits for Mecklenburg County residents
• Provides cutting-edge facilities for realistic, hands-on emergency response training
• Creates one of the most significant workforce development projects in the college’s history

Central Piedmont Community College, in collaboration with Mecklenburg County and local first responder agencies, is launching The Community Lifeline—a transformative initiative designed to address the growing need for highly trained emergency response professionals in the region. The initiative, one of the most significant workforce development projects in the college’s history, will expand academic programs and create a state-of-the-art training facility at the Levine Campus in Matthews, N.C.

The initiative is critical as the region experiences rapid population growth and increasing demand for emergency medical services (EMS), fire protection, and law enforcement. The Community Lifeline effort will prepare the next generation of first responders while enhancing the skills of those already serving, ensuring Mecklenburg County remains ready to respond in times of crisis.

“As a community college, we serve as the workforce development engine for the county—and we are thrilled to be able to facilitate cross-agency public safety training,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College. “Our region relies on our first responders and emergency personnel every day, and with our expanded programs and new best-in-class facilities, we can provide safe spaces for these brave individuals to train, learn and grow. We appreciate the partnership with agencies across the county – many of whom have been supporting the design and providing input to ensure the facility will serve their current and future training needs.”

State-of-the-art training facility for first responders

The training facility will be an advanced, real-world learning environment where students and professionals from multiple agencies, including EMS, fire and law enforcement, will train together. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the facility will feature simulation spaces replicating real-life emergency scenarios, including:

• A single-family residence
• A townhouse
• A convenience store
• A burn building
• A vehicle burn area
• An entrapment space
• A drive-thru building 
• A hospital/hotel simulation space 

The college is also investing in a specialized driving course with two distinct tracks, which will allow emergency vehicle operators to refine their skills under realistic conditions.

The facility will include a state-of-the-art soundproof indoor practice firing range, enabling law enforcement to train locally and obtain required certifications in a controlled, credentialed-access environment.

“Central Piedmont continues to be the largest feeder of paramedics to MEDIC, with a strong pipeline of well-prepared graduates entering the field,” the Mecklenburg EMS Agency said in a statement. “Since Dec. 2022, 21 paramedic students have graduated from the college, and from just the 2023 and 2024 EMT cohorts alone, we have hired over 50 Central Piedmont graduates. Being part of the planning for the Community Lifeline ensures that future EMTs and paramedics will train in a facility that mirrors the demands of the field and prepares them to serve Mecklenburg County with excellence.” 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings also praised the facility’s focus on realistic and advanced training. 

“As a police chief who joined the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department more than 30 years ago, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to ensure our officers are ready for the challenges they face,” Jennings said. “The Community Lifeline initiative will provide our officers with advanced training in realistic, high-pressure situations, making them better prepared than any previous generation. By strengthening their skills and response capabilities, this facility will have a direct, positive impact on the overall public safety of the community we serve.” 

Expanding academic programs in emergency response

In addition to hands-on training, the Community Lifeline will expand Central Piedmont’s academic programs in public safety and emergency response. New curriculum offerings will include:

• Mental health and wellness training for public safety personnel
• Proactive conflict resolution techniques
• High-tech medical and crisis simulations
• Cross-agency fire, EMS, and law enforcement programming
• Virtual reality (VR) and drone-based training

These enhancements will help address workforce shortages while ensuring first responders have access to continuous, high-quality education.

Leaders from across the region’s public safety agencies are expressing strong support for the initiative. 

“Charlotte Fire is proud to support our neighboring departments through mutual aid during emergency calls,” the department said in a statement. “Charlotte Fire and Central Piedmont have a long-standing relationship when it comes to training firefighters, and being included in the planning of the facility ensures it will reflect the real-world challenges we all face. This space will allow agencies across the county to train together — preparing side by side for the real-life events we respond to in the field.”

“I am excited about the forthcoming collaboration between the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the other townships’ law enforcement agencies, and Central Piedmont Community College regarding the training facility,” said Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden. “This partnership will facilitate the unification of first responders within our county, enabling joint training sessions at the newly constructed state-of-the-art training facility. With this facility, we will enhance our preparedness for future challenges and ensure the continued safety and well-being of our community.”

Penny Dunn, interim chief of police for the Town of Matthews, highlighted the long-term value of the facility for regional preparedness. 

“The concept of a facility dedicated to advanced instruction across all disciplines of emergency response is a testament to the long-term commitment to public safety in this region,” Dunn said. “Central Piedmont's choice of the Levine campus in Matthews for this facility is an honor for the community. The collaboration among Fire, EMS and Police entities of Mecklenburg County, our municipalities, and our education partner, Central Piedmont, ensures a future for excellence in first responder training.”

Engaging the community through safety programs

Beyond professional training, The Community Lifeline will serve as a resource for the broader community. Central Piedmont is exploring public programs such as:

• CPR certification courses
• Child car seat safety checks
• Teen driver safety programs

The initiative also aims to strengthen pathways for high school students interested in emergency response careers through cadet programs and Junior ROTC collaborations.

Investing in the future of public safety

With a current budget of $118 million, the training facility is funded through Mecklenburg County appropriations and private support, including a 23-acre land donation from the Hendrick Automotive Group. The facility will be located on this 23-acre tract, positioned across a road from the existing campus. The driving course will be constructed on 14-acres of college-owned land adjacent to the existing buildings.

The facility will be built in phases and is expected to be fully operational in 2028.

As with any major construction project the college undertakes, Central Piedmont has taken a comprehensive approach to environmental assessment of the land. Aligned with the county’s commitment to a sustainable tree canopy, the college will preserve nearly 20% of the trees on the 23-acre area and more than 50% on the 14-acre area. Central Piedmont is evaluating tree-planting options once the project is complete.

As emergency response challenges evolve, the comprehensive Community Lifeline initiative will help safeguard Mecklenburg County’s residents by strengthening the region’s public safety workforce through agency collaboration, advanced technology training, and community engagement.

For more information, visit the Community Lifeline Initiative.