Central Piedmont’s 2026 class steps forward as region’s next leaders, innovators

• 1,843 graduates honored at commencement – up 6.2% from May 2025
• Graduates earned a 3.41 average GPA, reflecting academic excellence and persistence
• Nearly 500 graduates enter high‑demand fields, fueling Charlotte’s workforce growth

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College celebrated the academic achievement and perseverance of 1,843 graduates during its commencement on May 14, recognizing students who earned degrees and diplomas and are now prepared to shape their careers – and the region’s future.

The spring 2026 class represents a 6.2% year-over-year increase, with 107 more graduates completing credentials — a continued sign of Central Piedmont’s momentum and commitment to student success. Collectively, graduates earned an impressive 3.41 average GPA, reflecting their dedication and determination to balance academics with work, family and life’s challenges.

“Your collective desire to excel in your studies is nothing short of remarkable,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont, during her commencement address. “Wherever you go, you carry with you the perseverance and success you’ve demonstrated here – and we are confident you will thrive as you take the next step, becoming the future leaders, innovators and professionals who will make a significant difference in the world.”

Nearly 500 graduates are entering high-demand career fields in healthcare, information technology, public safety, skilled trades and transportation — all essential to the Charlotte region’s economic vitality and long-term growth.

“Many of us didn’t take a standard route to get here, and that’s exactly what makes this moment meaningful,” said Grace Melvin, a graduate in Broadcasting and Production Technology who served as the commencement speaker for the college’s morning ceremony. “At Central Piedmont, I found direction, purpose and the courage to try again. We didn’t just earn degrees — we proved that success doesn’t require a perfect timeline, only the persistence to keep going.”

The class also included nearly 325 graduates from Central Piedmont’s dual enrollment and middle and early college programs, underscoring the college’s role in accelerating opportunity for high school students through these early-access pathways.

“We are here because we chose growth over comfort,” said Khushi Bhatia, a middle college graduate who completed her associate degree while finishing high school and spoke during the afternoon ceremony. “Central Piedmont gave us the space to believe in ourselves and the confidence to define our own direction forward.”