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Central Piedmont to resume normal operations Feb. 4
Central Piedmont will resume normal operations on Wednesday, Feb. 4. All campuses will reopen for in-person classes and events.
Those on campus for in-person classes and events on Wednesday are encouraged to take care as some walkways may still be hazardous. Students, employees, and visitors should pay attention to signage and avoid closed-off areas.
Students and employees can check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Community members can also follow our social media channels for any future college updates:
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Central Piedmont operations update for Feb. 3
Central Piedmont will continue reduced operations on Tuesday, Feb. 3. All classes will be shifted to remote learning. In-person events will be canceled, and campuses and buildings will be closed.
During reduced operations, current and prospective students can join virtual lines for many services through the QLess kiosk, including assistance with applications, financial aid, advising, and more.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide guidance for Wednesday, Feb. 4 by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Daisy Corea sees her future in ophthalmology
Daisy Corea always knew she wanted a secure, stable career in healthcare. The Charlotte native found it in the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program at Central Piedmont Community College.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to do something in medicine,” she says. “I’m very passionate about helping people, but I never knew where to start until I got a receptionist job in ophthalmology. I fell in love with everything I saw the assistants doing.”
Ophthalmology focuses on diagnosing and treating degenerative eye conditions and disorders, including glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and more.
Daisy’s desire to get to work as soon as possible led her to the three-semester certification program at Central Piedmont. When she receives her diploma in July 2026, she’ll be eligible to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam. It is administered by the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO).
“I really love that everything I'm learning in this program is something that I'll be carrying into my career,” Daisy says.
She was pleasantly surprised to find that even within her first semester, she was working in a clinic with live patients and putting classroom lessons to use.
She also had a lot of questions about the administrative side of the program before she started. However, she found the whole experience was remarkably straightforward.
“I didn't have a single question that was left unanswered, and I felt really satisfied with the team that was helping me get started here,” she says.
While Daisy is undeniably driven and focused on her career, she’s also fond of taking advantage of the amenities offered at Central Piedmont’s Central Campus. That includes attending events at the Parr Center or just grabbing lunch and enjoying the scenery.
Daisy is a Merancas Scholar, providing significant support as she attends college and invests in herself.
“I went through a lot of financial hardships, so deciding to go to school was a big life-changer for me,” she says. “It was something that I wanted to do, but I wasn't sure where to start. I was too afraid of the commitment of having to pay off student loans and student debt. But Central Piedmont really did make it easy for me, and with the security of being able to jump right into the career of my dreams, it's so comforting.”
Daisy is currently interning at Horizon Eye Care. She next plans to begin working full-time at one of the various partner clinics she has rotated through as an intern during her program. Although she’s unsure where that will be, she’s excited to explore all the avenues ophthalmology has to offer and further expand the skills she first learned at Central Piedmont.
“I feel confident and comfortable with the fact that I’ve secured a career that will last me for life,” she says. “It’s something so interesting, and I'm so excited for the impact that I'm able to make in other people's lives.”
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Central Piedmont operations update for Feb. 2
Central Piedmont will move to reduced operations on Monday, Feb. 2. All classes will be shifted to remote learning. In-person events will be canceled, and campuses and buildings will be closed.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide guidance for Tuesday, Feb. 3 by 4 p.m. on Monday.
Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont celebrates impact of Lowe's Foundation Gable Grant on skilled trades
- Renovated facilities increase number of classes offered
- Mobile trailers allow for educational opportunities across Mecklenburg County
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Over 500 credentials awarded in relation to grant since 2024
CHARLOTTE, NC - Central Piedmont Community College showcased the transformative impact of the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new skilled trades facility on Jan. 15.
Thanks to the $1 million award that the college received in 2024, Central Piedmont renovated a previously vacant building to create the Levine Campus Learning Cottage, a facility housing construction, electrical, HVAC, and refrigeration labs. Beginning this semester, students will gain hands-on experience in these high-demand fields, preparing them for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
The grant also funded the upfit of a trailer as a mobile electrical lab, with another portable trailer soon to become a mobile construction lab. These mobile units will enable the college to deliver skilled trades education to every corner of Mecklenburg County, removing barriers to access and ensuring opportunity for all.
Additional improvements include the build-out of a construction yard, renovation of the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration lab at the Harper Campus, and investments in technology such as laptops and smartboards to enhance classroom instruction.
“This investment is more than a financial contribution — it’s a commitment to building futures, strengthening communities, and ensuring that skilled trades education is accessible to all,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “Thanks to the Lowe’s Foundation and its partners, we are creating pathways to opportunity and shaping the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”
Beyond facilities, the Gable Grant has strengthened community partnerships with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction (ROC), and other organizations committed to workforce development and student success.
Since 2024, Central Piedmont has awarded 525 certifications related to the grant, with more to come. Each certification represents a student ready to enter the workforce, support their family, and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.
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Central Piedmont operations update for Jan. 31 – Feb. 1
Central Piedmont will move to reduced operations on Saturday, Jan. 31. All classes will be shifted to remote learning. In-person events will be canceled, and campuses and buildings will be closed.
The college will move to a full closure on Sunday, Feb. 1. All campuses and buildings will be closed, and all events and classes on these days will be canceled.
The college will continue to monitor the weather throughout the weekend and provide guidance for Monday, Feb. 2 by 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1.
Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont operations update for Jan. 27-28
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Central Piedmont will move to reduced operations (Level 2) on Tuesday, Jan. 27. All classes will move to remote learning.
All campuses and buildings will be closed, and all in-person events will be canceled.
The college plans to resume normal operations on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as necessary. Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont Community College adjusts operations Jan. 24-26 due to weather
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Due to the potential threat of winter weather, Central Piedmont Community College is adjusting operations from Jan. 24-26.
On Saturday, Jan. 24, all classes will take place remotely, and all events on campus are cancelled.
On Sunday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 26, all classes and events are canceled. All campuses and buildings will be closed on these days.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as necessary. Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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How Joe Little makes a big difference
Joe Little is a ball of energy. The associate dean of technology at Central Piedmont Community College dances with students and fellow faculty at graduation. He has cowbells and pom-poms with which he cheers on accomplishments. He has a hearty laugh that fills up a room. He represents the spirit of the college, and his enthusiasm for it is infectious.
“My favorite part of being at Central Piedmont is graduation,” he says. “It’s seeing those people complete their journeys, even if they’re not IT majors. I will be shouting for you on graduation day. It’s my favorite day of the entire semester.”
Central Piedmont has been a part of Joe’s journey for more than a quarter-century. He grew up in Charlotte and enlisted in the United States Army upon finishing high school. He specialized in communications and information technology from 1999 to 2003. When he was injured after four years of service, he returned home to transition into civilian life.He enrolled at Central Piedmont, intrigued by the school’s affordable, hands-on training opportunities and short sessions. After receiving his Associate in Applied Science degree in network administration and support in 2006, he ultimately earned a bachelor’s from East Carolina University. For a time, Joe worked in the private sector as a network engineer and taught cybersecurity classes at Central Piedmont as an adjunct instructor. He began at the college as a full-time faculty member in 2011 and has been an important part of the institution ever since.
Although the physical makeup of Central Piedmont has changed significantly since Joe earned his associate degree, the college’s efforts in hands-on training and teaching practical skills have remained constant.“I can tell you as a student and as a faculty member, this place excels at workforce development,” he says. “It's all about connecting you to the skills.”
He points out that Central Piedmont provides the opportunity to learn and apply a craft. Furthermore, an ever-increasing number of certification exams let students prove to employers that they can excel at a job, even if they don’t have extensive experience. Employers recognize that fact. Workforce representatives are often found around campus, recruiting and speaking with students.
Plus, Joe adds, people are a valuable resource across the entire Central Piedmont orbit.
“There is just the expertise of the faculty themselves, which is the college's greatest asset,” he says. “You have all these wonderful individuals and their prior industry and academia expertise that they're bringing into the classroom and imparting upon the students.”
Joe falls into that category himself. He found that even as a student, he enjoyed helping his peers and has carried that passion for education — along with cutting-edge technology—into his career.“Whether you realize it or not, information technology is embedded into almost everything you do,” he says. “You've got smart homes now, smart refrigerators, you pick your brand of artificial intelligence. It's everywhere. So, we need to learn how to use that responsibly and promote a better quality of life, and I want to be a part of training people to do that. But moreover, it's about connecting the world at large and changing lives.”
Joe has made significant connections with the community at Central Piedmont. He embraces his role as a cheerleader and champion of the college.“To me, there’s never a bad day around here,” says. “Everything we do is about community service, changing lives, and getting people to where they want to be in their next chapter.”
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Central Piedmont honors student achievement, community impact at December Commencement
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1,700+ graduates earned credentials with an impressive collective GPA of 3.34
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Nearly 300 graduates benefited from almost $1 million in scholarships
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Graduates demonstrated grit and discovered new paths, proving education transforms lives
CHARLOTTE, NC – On Dec. 16, Central Piedmont Community College awarded degrees, diplomas, and credentials to 1,711 students, celebrating their accomplishments and the promise of their future.
With over 200 more graduates than the Dec. 2024 class, the Dec. 2025 class represents a 15% increase in graduates and reinforces Central Piedmont’s historic growth. The group had a collective 3.34 GPA, showcasing the strength of their academic journeys.
The college has invested in holistic support systems to help students complete their educational pathways – from financial assistance, individual academic advising, and access to a professional clothing closet. Additionally, the college’s Wellness Center offers wrap-around services, such as counseling and connections to local food banks.
Community and donor support played a large role in the success of the graduates, with nearly 300 students benefiting from almost $1 million in scholarship support from the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation.
Kristen Alvarado Sorto, who received her associate degree in cosmetology, served as the graduation speaker. She highlighted the resilience of her journey as she balanced a full-time job with the pursuit of her degree.
“Central Piedmont has been a life-changing opportunity, not just through education, but through growth, community, and purpose,” Alvarado Sorto said. “This moment is only the beginning of what each of us can achieve. As we move forward, remember this one powerful truth: We are the generation rewriting our stories — one degree, one dream, and one victory at a time.”
Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer praised the graduates for their perseverance and potential.
“These graduates are the future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will make a significant difference in the world,” Deitemeyer said. “They didn’t just earn credentials, but discovered their capacity to solve problems, lift up their families, and strengthen their future.”
The class of 2025 includes nearly 275 graduates entering career fields such as healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, and transportation, roles that are essential to keeping the community healthy, connected, and thriving.
“Through hands-on learning, they uncovered their potential and defined their purpose,” Deitemeyer said. “As they step forward — in hospitals, tech firms, construction sites, and more — they will shape stronger communities and create lasting impact across the region.”
Central Piedmont also highlighted several graduates whose journeys reflect courage, adaptability, and purpose:
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Mariame Boujlil – After years of caregiving and work, Boujlil graduates at age 61 with a Human Services degree, showing that dreams never expire — they wait for courage.
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Earl Patterson III – Once doubtful about college due to a learning disability, Patterson III found his path in Simulation and Game Development, proving perseverance pays off.
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Carla Strickland – After starting as a dually enrolled student with plans for accounting, Strickland discovered a passion for welding and thrived in a field where few women are represented.
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