News and Features

  • 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

    • 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.

  • 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: 

  • 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:  

  • 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: 

  • 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.”

  • Central Piedmont honors student achievement, community impact at December Commencement

    • 1,700+ graduates earned credentials with an impressive collective GPA of 3.34 

    • Nearly 300 graduates benefited from almost $1 million in scholarships  

    • 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: 

     

    • 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. 

    • 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. 

    • 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.

  • Kristen Alvarado Sorto: A Study in Perseverance

    From a young age, Kristen Alvarado Sorto has been passionate about hair, makeup, and nails. She sought out “Get Ready with Me” YouTube videos growing up and practiced the craft on herself and her sisters. At Central Piedmont Community College, she found a place where she could turn passion into a career with the cosmetology program.  

    Kristen, who hails from Charlotte but whose family is from El Salvador, ultimately became a shining example of what is possible when you follow a dream. Her time at Central Piedmont culminated with her serving as the college’s fall 2025 commencement speaker.    

    “Being the commencement speaker was truly an honor,” she says. “I come from an immigrant family. They came to the United States to give me a better education, a better life, something that they couldn't have. I had the opportunity to share my story and really inspire others that it is possible. That you can do it if you set your mind to it.” 
     
    In her speech, Kristen encouraged her fellow graduates to keep pushing.  
     
    “This moment is only the beginning of what each of us can achieve,” she said to her fellow students and the gathered crowd at Charlotte’s Bojangles Coliseum. “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.”  

    Kristen toured many colleges before selecting Central Piedmont. None of them made her feel so welcome, and she knew she had found where she belonged.   
     
    Still, Kristen faced challenges early on as a full-time student while also working a full-time job.  
     
    “I remember the first week I started, I was really starting to question, ‘Is this really for me?’” she says. “I was just doubting myself. I was comparing myself to other people, and I was like, ‘Wow, their work is exceptional.’”  

    She found herself getting further behind as she tried to balance work with school and eventually had a failing GPA. But she is fond of saying the comeback is greater than the setback.  
     

    With her mind set on improvement, Kristen leaned on her instructors and advisors, who encouraged her, supported her, and boosted her confidence. She also relied on her deep faith in many challenging times. She emphasizes that fear — and fear of failure — are not important. Rather, it is important to come back and try again.   
     
    She utilized many resources at the college and encourages students to get involved in activities and clubs, to truly become part of the community.  
     
    Kristen’s next step will take place at UNC Charlotte, where she will study business administration to complement the services and techniques she learned at Central Piedmont. She plans to open her own salon one day, and she knows she needs to understand the business side of the operation to be successful.  

    Throughout her life, her cultural identity has played a significant role in shaping her, and she takes an immense amount of pride in her heritage.  

    “It's a very beautiful culture, and I always cherish that,” Kristen says. “While I was born in the United States, El Salvador means a lot to me, and I get to share my culture. I get to share my experience.”  
     
    She also credits her family for supporting and guiding her to her singular position in her class.  
     
    “As a first-generation college Latina graduate, it means everything to me,” she says. “Because while this diploma may have my name on it, it also carries their legacy, their sacrifice, their hard work. I know they're very proud of me, but also, I always have them in my heart.” 

  • Central Piedmont, Western Governors renew transfer agreement

    • Partnership provides affordable pathway for students to earn a bachelor’s degree online
    • More than 350 Central Piedmont graduates have continued their education at WGU
    • Top fields of study for transferring students include IT, business, and healthcare

    CHARLOTTE, NC – Central Piedmont Community College and Western Governors University have extended their partnership agreement, guaranteeing a path for Central Piedmont students to pursue bachelor’s degrees at one of the nation’s leading online universities.

    The transfer pathway is open to students who have graduated with an associate degree from Central Piedmont, and students and employees are eligible to apply for the WGU Community College Partner Scholarship, which is valued at up to $3,500. 

    Since the partnership began in 2020, over 350 Central Piedmont students have continued their education at WGU, increasing from 21 students during the first year of the partnership to more than 100 each of the past two academic years. 

    Top fields of study pursued by students include:  

    • Information technology and software engineering
    • Business, accounting, and finance
    • Public health and nursing 

    “This extension builds on Central Piedmont’s long-standing focus of helping students move forward with confidence toward their academic and career goals,” said Dr. Heather Hill, provost of Central Piedmont. “Together with Western Governors University, we’re driving innovation in higher education – creating programs that match real workforce needs, making it easier for students to keep the credits they’ve earned, and helping them finish their degrees faster.”

    “The Greater Charlotte region has seen tremendous growth in employment in the past few years, and Central Piedmont plays a critical role in preparing the local workforce for success,” said Ben Coulter, Ed.D., chancellor for WGU in North Carolina. “This renewed transfer agreement will help graduates continue their educational pursuits online while juggling work and family obligations.”

    Central Piedmont remains committed to transfer success, offering 18 guaranteed admission programs with colleges and universities across the Carolinas, along with agreements with four online or out-of-state institutions to give students flexible, affordable pathways to a bachelor’s degree. 

    WGU offers more than 120 fully accredited online bachelor’s, master’s and professional certificate programs spanning business, technology, healthcare, and K-12 education. Its flexible, competency-based model allows students to work at their own pace with support from program mentors, and tuition for bachelor’s degrees is priced at approximately $4,000 per six-month term. Students may complete as many courses as they choose within a term, creating a path to faster degree completion and workforce entry. WGU has more than 10,000 graduates across North Carolina.  

    Editor’s Note: To support our branding initiatives, please refer to the college as:

    • First reference: Central Piedmont Community College
    • Second reference: Central Piedmont
    • The college no longer uses the “CPCC” acronym. 

    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 WGU 

    Western Governors University, the nation’s leading nonprofit, online university, is transforming higher education to be more student-centric, affordable, accessible to all, and relevant to the workforce. Established in 1997 by 19 visionary U.S. governors, WGU creates life-changing pathways to opportunity for those underserved by traditional institutions — working adults, historically underrepresented communities and a diverse, growing number of learners looking for a flexible, online model that better suits their life circumstances. WGU’s competency-based education model allows students to demonstrate mastery as they progress through programs at their own pace. Learn more at wgu.edu. Follow WGU on LinkedIn. 

  • Four new art exhibitions open across Central Piedmont campuses

    Central Piedmont is showcasing a fresh wave of creativity this fall, with four unique exhibitions now open to the campus community. From thought-provoking history to Charlotte-inspired sketches, there’s something for everyone to explore.

    TERRI YACOVELLI EXHIBITION  | LEVINE CAMPUS  

    A series of encaustic paintings that reimagine landscapes as fluid, internal spaces shaped by memory, perception, and emotion. Expect abstraction, layered textures, and bold color that invite contemplation. 

    “THE UNSCENE SOUTH” BY CHARLES EADY  | CENTRAL CAMPUS, DOVE GALLERY

    A powerful exploration of Black life in the Antebellum South. Challenges traditional narratives and offers fresh perspectives on history.  

    “A LOVE LETTER FROM CHARLOTTE” BY MIKE DAIKUBARA  | CENTRAL CAMPUS, NORTH CLASSROOM 

    Features 60 on-location sketches capturing Charlotte’s landmarks, hidden corners, and evolving cityscape. Daikubara, an artist and educator, has been sketching daily since 2000.  

    NEW 3D ART EXHIBITION OPEN  | LEVINE CAMPUS 

    A collaborative 3D art exhibition, featuring work from Jackie Radford and Patricia Raible, exploring the book form as artistic expression. Investigates how structure influences content and vice versa, blending words, visuals, and materials.  

    These exhibitions highlight both local talent and broader cultural narratives, giving students, faculty, and the community a chance to engage with art that sparks reflection, dialogue, and inspiration. 

    Be sure to stop by the galleries this semester and experience the creativity happening right here on campus. 

  • Newsweek names Central Piedmont to America’s Top Online Colleges 2026 list

    CHARLOTTE, NC – Central Piedmont Community College ranked 91st in the America’s Top Online Colleges 2026 list, according to Newsweek and Statista, Inc. Central Piedmont’s ranking is fourth-best among 13 North Carolina institutions that made the list. 

    Central Piedmont offers a wide range of programs that can be completed partially or fully online, providing flexibility for students balancing education with work and life commitments. Options include associate degrees in arts, science, and applied science, covering pathways such as business, computer science, criminal justice, biology, and teacher preparation. 

    Students can also pursue programs in information technology, public safety administration, and simulation and game development, along with numerous certificates and diplomas in fields like business administration, construction management, and cybersecurity. 

    During the 2024-25 academic year, nearly 15,000 curriculum students took at least one online class each semester. 

    The America’s Top Online Colleges 2026 rankings were developed by Newsweek and Statista, Inc., based on a comprehensive survey of more than 10,000 online learners, along with additional research. Participants evaluated their colleges and universities across six key categories: organization, student support, affordability, reputation, success outcomes, and practical relevance. They also rated their overall satisfaction and likelihood of recommending their institution. These insights, combined with publicly available performance metrics, informed each school’s final score and national ranking.