A Central Piedmont life: Nancy Green has spent nearly four decades at the college

For 38 years, Nancy Green has been a part of the fabric at Central Piedmont Community College.

Today she is the Director of Campus Printing & Signs, but nearly four decades ago, she was simply trying to find her way. 

“I was a high school dropout and mother who wanted to return to school and earn my diploma,” said Nancy, a Charlotte native. “I had a case worker, Ms. Hanes, who believed in me, encouraged me to go back to school and recommended Central Piedmont. That advice changed my life. Central Piedmont gave me a second chance, not just at education, but at believing in myself. 

“I came here looking for a diploma and I found a future.”

She ended up dedicating her life and career to college, helping students achieve their dreams and goals every day. 

At first, Nancy was employed as a student worker in the print shop while earning her high school diploma and taking graphic arts classes. She eventually learned of an available part-time press operator position, which led to a lifetime of campus printing work. She started full-time as a reprographic clerk handling the reproduction of documents in 1989 and held that role until 2006, when she transitioned into a supervisor position. Since 2015, she has been in a director role. She also returned to school to receive her graphic arts degree in 2008.

“Every project has a purpose, and every deadline matters,” she said. “It is hands-on work where I can see my results, and I feel valued for what I contribute to our staff and students.”

Nancy manages operations, supports her team and works with departments across campus. She and the staff meet deadlines, solve problems and turn out finished material ranging from brochures to signs. Over the years, Nancy has witnessed significant changes in the printing operation.

“The biggest change has been in technology, moving from manual, traditional printing to fast, digital production,” she said. “The pace is quicker and the expectations are higher.”

She has also seen Central Piedmont itself change, noting the expansion and growth of Central Campus since her earliest days at the college. In fact, she has worked in three different buildings and under three different college presidents. 

But she is also quick to explain that the college’s commitment to serving the community has remained the same. In her years, she’s watched Central Piedmont continually embrace new technology and become even more student-focused. In fact, she believes the college sees more young, traditional students than ever.

Nancy also began a generational legacy at Central Piedmont, with her three children and three of her grandchildren all having been students at the college at one time in their lives. 

“I advocate Central Piedmont to anybody who is starting out, especially when you don’t know where you want to go,” she said.

In August, Nancy is planning to retire from Central Piedmont after nearly four decades of service. She doesn’t know what she’ll do just yet, but as a deeply spiritual person, she is planning to simply look out her back door and say, “Lord, thank you.”

She’ll miss meeting new people and learning new technology, but she knows Campus Printing & Signs is in good hands. She’ll also be forever grateful for what the college has meant in her life and is excited to see what the future holds.

“As someone who came here for a second chance, it’s been powerful to watch Central Piedmont create those opportunities for generations of students to come,” she said.

For nearly 40 years, Nancy has been part of an untold number of special moments at the college and made a difference in countless students’ lives.