News and Features

Although she grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida, Grace Melvin is a big New York Yankees fan. She inherited her baseball fandom from her father, who originally hails from southwest Connecticut. In a way, that shared love led her to study Broadcasting and Production Technology at Central Piedmont.

“I started making videos for him for his birthday every year; they were short films,” Grace said of the projects, which featured many Yankees references. “Every year I kept realizing, maybe I do like filmmaking, and maybe I could do this as a career.”

Her dad also studied journalism in college, furthering Grace’s interest in communications and related industries. Her parents’ jobs brought her to the Charlotte area around 10 years ago, and Grace is on a steady path toward making a living in the communications world. As part of her journey, she served as one of the commencement speakers during the college’s spring 2026 ceremonies. 

“Central Piedmont does something incredibly special,” she said during the morning commencement. “It takes students who feel uncertain, overlooked or behind, and it gives them the space to lead and prove that they are capable of so much more than a GPA or a past mistake. I am standing here today as proof of that.”

Grace was unsure of herself and her grades after high school, and struggled at a previous institution, but found her voice and direction at Central Piedmont.

She was a marshal for the December 2025 commencement event and was inspired by speaker Kristen Alvarado Sorto’s speech. As a result, Grace wanted to represent her graduating class, area of study and the student groups she’s been part of.

Grace has been part of a lot at Central Piedmont, but it was the grounds of Central Campus itself that made the first impression.

“Central Piedmont had the major that I was looking for, and I took a tour of it, and I was just so surprised at how beautiful the campus was,” she said.

Knowing she wanted to transfer to a four-year school, Grace enrolled at Central Piedmont to earn a solid foundation while taking advantage of the college’s affordable costs. She learned from faculty and staff who took a personal interest in her development, goals and ambitions. Plus, she was involved in numerous clubs and organizations.

Among her roles was serving as the vice president of communications for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society where she recapped meetings, sent out reminder communications, helped with induction ceremonies and made flyers. Wanting to give back to the community, she was also part of Rotaract Club at Central Piedmont and participated in wide-ranging community-service events. 

One of Grace’s proudest achievements at the college was founding the Central Campus Film Society. In fact, she had the opportunity to graduate the previous semester but chose not to because she wanted to get the film society up and running. It was the first time she had ever built something from the ground up.

“It’s been amazing being able to see so many people come together and see friendships form because of a shared love for film,” she said.

Grace will transfer to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she plans to double major in film and communications. She would like to get a master’s degree in communications at some point as well.

She’s not yet sure what path she would like to take; it could be working for an outlet like ESPN, or working behind the camera as a cinematographer on a film set.

“I just know that I want to be successful,” she said.

Central Piedmont helped plant those seeds of success for Grace, who was also a Merancas Scholar.

Her advice to others is simple: Utilize everything the college has to offer.

“Take advantage of the resources that are available to you on campus and get involved in student groups, student life,” she said. “It'll really change your college experience.”

It was an experience that all started with a simple birthday gift.

• Nearly 1,000 U.S. military veteran students and dependents supported through multi-campus Military Families and Veteran Services centers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College earned the 2026–2027 Military Friendly® School designation, recognizing the college’s strong commitment to serving veterans, transitioning service members and military-connected students.

Since 2013, the college has proudly supported military-connected students through its Military Families and Veterans Services centers, which operate as a comprehensive one-stop support model across multiple campuses. 

Services include: 

• Academic advising
• Counseling
• Career coaching
• Goal setting and mentoring
• Assistance with education benefits
• Scholarship support
• Connections to community resources

These dedicated veteran spaces and support staff help ensure accessible, consistent support throughout a student’s academic journey. 

“This recognition reflects Central Piedmont’s commitment to meeting military-connected students where they are and helping them succeed,” said Dr. Amy Bruining, vice president of student affairs. “Through dedicated support services and clear academic and career pathways, we ensure veterans and their families can achieve their goals and build meaningful futures.”

Central Piedmont also offers priority registration for eligible veteran students and serves as an approved institution for Veteran Affairs education benefits. In 2024-25, the college enrolled nearly 1,000 U.S. military veteran students and dependents.

The college’s approach is designed to support not only veterans and service members, but also military spouses and families as they navigate the transition from military service to civilian education and careers.

“Choosing a Military Friendly® school like Central Piedmont makes an enormous difference for veterans,” said Lawanda Ellison, a Central Piedmont student in the Information Technology program who serves in the U.S. Army Reserve. “You’re not treated like a number. From day one, the Military Families and Veterans Services team helped me understand how to maximize my VA benefits, plan my classes and move forward with confidence. They go above and beyond to make sure you’re supported — not just academically, but personally — and that kind of guidance makes the transition from military service to college life so much easier.”

About the Military Friendly® School designation

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Schools designation are evaluated using a combination of public data sources and responses to a proprietary survey. More than 3,200 organizations participated in the 2026–2027 Military Friendly® review process. 

Final ratings were determined by combining survey results, public data and an assessment of each institution’s ability to meet or exceed benchmarks related to student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.

“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served,” said Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships at Military Friendly®. “These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses — they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Central Piedmont Community College awarded an honorary degree to acclaimed chef and restaurateur Sam Hart during the college’s Spring Commencement on May 14 at Bojangles Coliseum, celebrating Hart’s leadership in the culinary arts and deep commitment to community impact.

Hart, executive chef and owner of counter‑, is a Charlotte native whose career reflects a nontraditional but purpose‑driven path to national recognition. After working in advertising, Hart made a pivotal decision to pursue a passion for cooking, returning home to enroll at Central Piedmont. In 2017 and 2018, Hart earned two culinary arts certificates from the college, choosing an accessible, community‑focused education as the foundation for a future in fine dining. 

While a student, Hart gained hands‑on experience in several of Charlotte’s most respected kitchens before advancing their training in Chicago. There, Hart worked at world‑renowned restaurants, including the three‑Michelin‑starred Alinea, and later explored Japanese cuisine as a sashimi chef — experiences that would shape a distinctive culinary voice.

In 2019, Hart returned to Charlotte with a clear vision: to create a dining experience that both challenged convention and lifted others along the way. That vision became counter‑, an intimate, full‑sensory restaurant designed as an incubator for emerging chefs. Under Hart’s leadership, counter‑ has earned international acclaim, including recognition as a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Southeast, as well as a MICHELIN Star and MICHELIN Green Star, honoring excellence and sustainability.

Beyond accolades, Hart is known for supporting local suppliers and reinvesting in the Charlotte community.

• Grant aims to grow Electrical Systems Technology enrollment by 20%
• Central Piedmont is one of 10 community colleges statewide that received the grant

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College has been awarded a $250,000 Careers Electric™ grant, positioning the college to strengthen the state’s electrical and electrification workforce.

Central Piedmont is honored to be one of only 10 community colleges in the state to receive the grant, highlighting the college’s strong track record in electrical training.

Supported by the Siemens Foundation and the North Carolina Community College System Foundation, the grant will enable Central Piedmont to expand enrollment capacity in its Electrical Systems Technology program by at least 20% by October 2028. 

The investment fuels immediate capacity at the Levine Campus – upgrading lab infrastructure, adding critical equipment, including appliances, a water heater and other supplies, and hiring additional faculty – all to drive student recruitment and deliver hands-on training aligned with industry needs.

The grant represents a strategic investment at a pivotal moment. As the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region accelerates, demand for skilled electrical talent is surging across both traditional and emerging industries – and Central Piedmont is continuing to scale to meet the need.

“Central Piedmont’s skilled trades programs power the people who power our economy,” said Dr. Heather Hill, Central Piedmont’s provost and chief academic officer. “Being selected for the Careers Electric™ Training Network allows us to expand access to electrical training that leads directly to stable, well‑paying careers, while helping employers fill urgent talent gaps.”

Central Piedmont is doubling down on career and technical education to ensure a strong pipeline of professionals in skilled trades including welding, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, lineworker training, construction management and electrical systems.

More than 1,300 students enrolled in the college’s HVAC, Electrical Systems Technology, and Construction Management programs from fall 2025 through spring 2026, with enrollment continuing to grow. The Careers Electric™ grant strengthens that momentum by targeting one of the region’s most critical workforce needs: electrical and electrification expertise across traditional and emerging industries.

The initiative aims to prepare 25,000 North Carolinians over the next decade for essential roles in the state’s workforce.

• 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.”

When Debbie Riley began the Nondestructive Examination Technology program at Central Piedmont Community College, she became the fourth generation in her family to pursue a career in the field.

“It's really cool to be able to continue this family legacy and not just in the way of, my family did it, so I need to do it, too,” Debbie said. “I’m really interested in this stuff.”

Nondestructive examination — sometimes referred to as nondestructive testing — is a technique of using high-tech methods to check the structural integrity of materials, parts or systems without taking them apart. It’s a way to ensure infrastructure and builds are intact without destroying metals or welds.

Debbie’s great-grandfather on her mother’s side, Thomas Kirk, worked in NDE in the navy, achieving Level III status — the highest certification available. He influenced his daughter, Deborah, (Debbie’s grandmother) to enter the field as well. She had a Level II certification and discovered interest in quality assurance work, eventually founding and running a quality assurance consulting company in the nuclear power industry. 

Deborah’s daughter, Frances Faulkenberg (Debbie’s mother), helped her run the operation for many years, starting in the early 2000s. Today Frances works at a company that provides pipe systems for the nuclear and aerospace industries, among others. She is a quality engineering technician and working to become a certified quality engineer.

"Having a grandmother and a mom that have been in this industry, they've instilled that quality mindset into me,” Debbie said. “I'm a very detail-oriented, meticulous person. I think this is kind of perfect for those types of personality traits.”  

Debbie is originally from Orlando, Florida, and has long been interested in science and mechanics. She was dually enrolled in high school and earned 20 college credits before graduating with a 3.9 GPA. 

However, when she started college, she was unsure of what she wanted to do. Without a specific direction or goal, she dropped out. She first moved from Florida to Highlands, North Carolina, and lived with her grandmother. But missing city life, she moved to Charlotte nearly three years ago.

Debbie has been working in a restaurant for the last handful of years as an administrative assistant, manager, server and bartender. Still, in the back of her mind, she always wanted to go back to school and pursue something with more financial and scheduling stability.

After talking with her mom and grandmother, and doing copious amounts of research, Debbie decided to follow the NDE path. 

“I was doing a lot of research on NDE in general and just seeing where I could learn that,” Debbie said. “My mom pointed out that Central Piedmont has a great, renowned program. And it was right down the road from my house.

“It’s affordable, too, which is also really good for someone like me that's independent, works full-time and needs money to pay my bills as well as school.”

Debbie, the oldest of six children, a weightlifter and a voracious reader, is currently in her first semester attending Central Piedmont part-time. She plans to begin in a full-time capacity over the summer and will graduate with her associate degree in May 2028. 

Debbie explains that for each method of examination, she and her classmates spend two days a week in class, with the first focused on lecture and theory and the second spent in the lab.

“We’re able to input the theory and be hands-on, which I think is super important because the field is so detail-oriented,” Debbie said.

She plans to get her first certification in the fall, allowing her to begin work as a trainee in Liquid Penetrant and Visual Testing. She hopes to graduate with at least one Level II certification and, like her great-grandfather, wants to get to Level III as often as possible. 

Debbie’s dream is to work in a lab in the nuclear industry, explaining it is the next generation of energy as natural resources diminish.

However, NDE opens a world of possibilities.

“It’s a lucrative, growing field,” Debbie said. “You will always have a job, and it's not just in nuclear, like what I want to do. It's in aerospace, it's in infrastructure. You can work anywhere.”

Her family has proven that fact, and now Debbie is setting out to carry on her family’s legacy while making a name for herself.

Duke Energy recently donated professional attire to Central Piedmont Community College’s Professional Clothing Closet, continuing a partnership that helps students prepare for academic, professional and workforce success. This marks the third clothing drive that the Duke Energy Foundation has spearheaded for employees in support of the college’s initiative, which has served students since 2021.

The Professional Clothing Closet provides free professional clothing to Central Piedmont students, helping remove a financial barrier many face when preparing for interviews, internships, classroom presentations, and career-connected events. Over the past year alone, nearly 350 students have registered to shop, while countless others have dropped in, underscoring the growing need for and impact of the resource.

For Lohana Fuenmayor, a student in Early Childhood Education who graduates this May, the clothing closet has been transformative. “The clothing closet has been a very enriching experience for me during my time at Central Piedmont,” she said. Now working as a preschool operations manager, Lohana shared that the clothing provided helped her feel “more confident and prepared for professional and academic settings.”

She added that knowing Duke Energy supports the closet is especially meaningful. “It shows that the broader community is invested in student success and willing to contribute in meaningful ways,” she said.

Student Na Nian echoed that sentiment, noting how the closet provides both practical support and confidence. “It helps students feel more confident when they go to interviews or professional events,” Na said. “Not every student can afford to buy formal clothes, so this program gives everyone a fair chance.”

Na also emphasized the personal impact of Duke Energy’s donation. “Their kindness makes me feel supported by the community,” she said, adding that she hopes to one day give back herself.

Through partnerships like Duke Energy’s, Central Piedmont’s Professional Clothing Closet continues to empower students and ensure access to opportunity and confidence as they pursue their goals.

A few years ago, Jay Driver downloaded the Duolingo app to learn French. Soon after, he remembers telling a colleague that if Central Piedmont Community College ever offered a student trip to France, he would love to go. 

As fate would have it, when the next semester started, he immediately saw the opportunity to visit Bordeaux as part of the Center for Global Engagement’s study abroad program during spring break in March 2026.

Jay took the trip. It was the first time he had been abroad.

“I learned a lot about myself,” Jay said. “I learned that I am willing to put myself in a position where I am uncomfortable, where things are uncertain, and I can find a way to maneuver through it and enjoy that uncertainty. 

“But I also learned a lot about French history. I learned about their commerce and their experiences during wars. It was a very educational trip. And I made a lot of new friends.”

Jay was born in Atlanta and also spent time in New York City before relocating to Charlotte 10 years ago. He graduated from high school in 2016 and entered the workforce. Although he appreciated earning money, he found himself unfulfilled, feeling work was just a “time-filler.”

He ultimately decided he wanted more stability, and a friend suggested Central Piedmont kick off his higher education career. He began in summer 2024 and is currently wrapping up his last semester studying toward an Associate in Arts degree in communication.

“Initially, I thought Central Piedmont was huge,” Jay said. “I'd never been on a college campus. But as far as the culture, it was very welcoming. Everybody was eager to help me find my way here, so that was my first impression.”

In many ways, Jay chose to study communications to grow as a person.

"I've not always been the greatest communicator,” he said. “I have been a very timid speaker, very shy, but I do have a personal interest in people, and so I learned that communication is a great way to learn more about myself and others.” 

Upon graduation, he will transfer to UNC Charlotte to study communications and psychology, with the eventual goal of getting a master’s degree in psychology and a Ph.D. in communications. He then hopes to move into communications research. 

He credits Central Piedmont with molding him.

“My best experience has been all of my instructors,” Jay said. “My instructors have been pivotal in my education. They have taken a great interest in me, but they have also helped me take a greater interest in myself.”

Among the interests they took was in Jay’s leadership qualities. Wanting to spread his wings and get more involved on campus, he gave student government a try. Today he serves as the college’s public information officer. 

Jay also took away lessons from his France trip related to his communications studies. In particular, he notes the importance of understanding the nuances of culture. What is common knowledge in one may not be in another. However, there is also much to be shared.

“I learned a lot about building relationships with people who live within a different culture and finding not only fun differences, but a lot of key similarities between us as well,” Jay said.

The students who participated in the study abroad activities were required to take a corresponding eight-week course, Intro to Communication. As part of the program, Dr. Owen Sutkowski of Central Piedmont partnered with Professor Thierry Villiard, a language teacher at the University of Bordeaux. This partnership gave the Central Piedmont communications students and engineering students overseas an opportunity to bridge not only their cultures, but also to share aspects of their academic studies.

Jay and his classmates partnered with the French students to apply communication theories. From scheduling online meetings to discuss projects (despite a six-hour time difference) to learning time management and delegation of tasks, the students created a strong sense of teamwork, a shared work ethic and a sense of understanding.

The students created a presentation on their experiences working together prior to meeting in France in March. They discussed topics such as the importance of respect during feedback, how identity influences participation and response time. This allowed Jay to be more present and aware of his communication style. He also was able to better understand the lessons from the eight-week course while sharpening his career-readiness skills.

To help get him to France, Jay earned a study abroad scholarship offered through the Center for Global Engagement. To do so required a specific GPA, letters of recommendation and multiple essays. He notes it would have been impossible to make the trip without the financial assistance it provided. The Center for Global Engagement also offered pre-departure meetings, preparation, support and guidance throughout the experience, ensuring Jay had a productive and educational trip.

Jay’s support system is far-reaching, but starts with his mother, who raised four children, and whom he explains made many sacrifices to see her children succeed. Now, he is happy to repay the favor.

Jay also says Central Piedmont has helped countless other students along the path to success by offering so many opportunities and unwavering support in a diverse setting. For Jay, one of these opportunities was the chance to study in a foreign country.

"If you have the dream, if you have the desire to study abroad, Central Piedmont and the Center for Global Engagement will support you in every way that they can,” he said. “All you have to do is take the first step and apply.”

Now, Jay hopes his story is an inspiration for others to succeed in their dreams as well.

Sometimes fate puts you in the right place at the right time. For Allison Greenwalt, simply providing a tour of Central Piedmont Community College’s Harper Campus led her to a career as an electrical lineworker.

Allison had been studying welding for a year and working toward an associate degree at Central Piedmont when she was asked to show a group of charter school students the different programs the college has to offer.

“That's when I learned about the lineworker program,” Allison said. “Sitting there listening to what all these different classes are about, something sparked whenever [the lineworking instructors] and students were talking about it.”

Seeing their passion and excitement led Allison to believe it was something she could love as well. She soon began the 16-week program. 

“Four months is nothing compared to a lifetime of opportunity,” Allison said.

Born in Chicago, Allison moved to the Charlotte area with her family when she was about five years old. She grew up in Matthews, N.C., a Charlotte suburb.

After starting college and making the switch from welding, Allison graduated from Central Piedmont’s line worker program in December 2024. During her time at the school, she spent Monday–Thursday at Harper Campus covering the basics of linework in the classroom and learning how to climb. 

"They just want to make sure you really have climbing down, because climbing is one of your basic fundamentals that you have to know when you do line work,” Allison said.

She then spent Fridays at Merancas Campus training to get her CDL.

A catalyst for the program was a $500,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, which helped Central Piedmont launch and equip the training program at its Harper Campus. The partnership ensures students train using industry-standard equipment and reflects a shared commitment to developing a skilled, local workforce for the Carolinas.

Through its vast network of relationships, a variety of companies spoke with students on campus, and Allison soon secured a job with Williams Electric — a Duke Energy contractor.

She currently works as a groundman as part of a six-person crew.

"My main job is making sure my lineman (Travis) is safe, that everything he does is safe, and that he has all the materials he needs,” Allison said. “All of us on the ground are watching the worker in the bucket because in this line of work, safety is everything.”

While she and her team work on specific sites day-to-day, during a storm she may need to be ready to work at all times, even if she isn’t technically on call.

As she progresses, Allison will be able to test to move up the ranks as her team feels she is ready.

"What makes or breaks the day truly is your crew,” she said. “My crew has been so accepting of me, not only as a woman, but as someone who’s also younger than them.”

She sees their passion and enthusiasm for the job, and it makes her feel the same way. Additionally, her lineman, Travis, takes special care to teach her every day.

“I can come into work and just have such a great mentality because I know I'm not the only one who wants to be there,” Allison said. 

She’d love to see more women get involved in the profession, and she speaks highly of all Central Piedmont has to offer. 

“The facilities and the dedication the instructors have to help you to pass is just amazing,” she said. “I never thought a community college could have this level of opportunities and resources.”

A striking 15-foot stainless steel sculpture now greets students, employees, and visitors outside Central Piedmont’s Parr Arts Building, facing E. 4th Street — an eye-catching addition made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor and the vision of local artist Tom Risser.

Created by Risser, a Charlotte-area engineer and sculptor, the abstract, untitled work began decades ago as a small, two-dimensional sketch. Over time, it evolved into a large-scale, three-dimensional form fabricated from stainless steel, featuring sweeping curves and layered elements that catch and reflect light throughout the day — and especially at night as headlights and campus lighting bring the surface to life.

Risser, who has been welding sculptures for more than two decades, originally installed the piece in the front yard of his home. As he prepared to sell the property, he hoped to find a public home where the sculpture could be safely preserved and widely enjoyed. That opportunity came when Central Piedmont expressed interest, ultimately relocating the piece to its new setting on the college’s Central Campus.

Seeing the sculpture installed outside the Parr Arts Building has been especially meaningful for Risser. “Sometimes these sculptures are part of your soul,” he said, noting the joy he felt watching students pause to photograph or admire the work as they passed by after its installation.

Designed without a prescribed meaning or title, the sculpture invites individual interpretation —whether as a figurative form, a floral shape, or even a musical instrument. Now firmly rooted on campus, the piece fulfills Risser’s ultimate goal: sharing art in a public space where it can inspire curiosity, conversation, and connection every day.