News and Features

Dr. Deninne Pritchett, PhD., ACUE, has been selected for the Fulbright Specialist Program, a globally acclaimed international exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Pritchett, the faculty director for Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Program, becomes one of the select few to join the Fulbright Specialist Roster. The program has just a 20 percent acceptance rate, and Pritchett was selected due to her experience developing the honors program and her research efforts with honors scholars and doctoral learners.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange program, offering unparalleled opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.

With this appointment, she will participate in international collaboration, sharing her expertise with host institutions across the globe and fostering a new generation of leaders in education, cultural exchange, and global understanding.

Pritchett is currently reviewing open projects to determine which host country and organization she can best collaborate with and how her partnership with them can create additional opportunities for Central Piedmont students. At any time, host institutions can select her to work on an existing project or develop one based on her skill set.

Pritchett's achievement is a testament to her dedication to academic excellence, enthusiasm for scholarly engagement, and ability to inspire and empower others. As a Fulbright Specialist, she will have the opportunity to connect with visionary leaders from diverse backgrounds, industries, and cultures, driving meaningful change and innovation.

In addition to her work with the Truist Honors Program, Pritchett is also an associate professor in psychology. She has earned the Mary W. and Wilton Parr Faculty Teaching Award at Central Piedmont and serves on the North Carolina Community College System Undergraduate Research Advisory Board.

In addition to the new associate degree program in Artificial Intelligence Technology, Central Piedmont offers two new continuing education courses this spring to support those pursuing certificates in AI. 

AI Foundations: From Curiosity to Career introduces the fundamentals of AI and explores how to use AI to improve productivity, communication, content creation, and more. Participants will learn to apply AI techniques to develop and execute real-world projects, showcasing creative and efficient problem-solving abilities. They will also learn about ethical considerations while exploring emerging trends. 

The course targets beginners curious about AI and its practical applications, professionals looking to integrate AI into their workflows, and students who want to explore AI as a career or personal interest.  

Develop in Swift: Fundamentals enables learners to join the dynamic world of Apple’s powerful programming language to create applications for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. This course is based on Apple's curriculum and is tailored for beginners and those with basic programming knowledge. 

This course is intended for aspiring app developers with no prior experience, individuals with basic programming knowledge seeking to expand into iOS app development, and professionals aiming to enhance their technical skills for career advancement in the tech industry.  

Please email continuing education’s customer service or call 704-330-4223 for questions. 

Central Piedmont Community College is pleased to announce that Catherine Butler has joined the college as Vice President of Communications, Marketing and Public Relations. Butler is replacing Jeff Lowrance, who retired from Central Piedmont in 2024.

Butler will lead the development of integrated communications and marketing strategies that advance the college’s strategic plan as it continues to elevate student success, maximize student academic excellence and innovation, and cultivate community engagement and partnerships. She will oversee media relations, social media, employee and student communications, brand marketing and advertising, issues management, digital strategy and creative services.

“We take great pride in providing our students with clear pathways to achieve their educational, career, and life goals—while also creating meaningful opportunities to connect with and serve our community across all six of our campuses. As we continue to share our story and offerings with the region, Catherine’s expertise in crafting compelling narratives and fostering meaningful connections will help elevate Central Piedmont’s position as a leader in education and workforce development,” said Central Piedmont President Kandi Deitemeyer. “Her ability to engage diverse audiences and navigate complex communications challenges makes her an invaluable addition to our leadership team.” 

Bringing a distinguished career spanning corporate, government and consulting sectors, Butler most recently served as senior director of communications and engagement at Highline Warren, where she established and led the corporate communications function for the $2 billion organization in the automotive aftermarket industry. Her leadership in employee communications, media relations and community engagement will play a key role in amplifying Central Piedmont’s mission and expanding its reach.

Before her tenure at Highline Warren, Butler served as Principal Consultant at Slalom, advising Fortune 500 clients on communications strategies, business transformation and change management. She also held key leadership positions at the Tennessee Valley Authority and Duke Energy, where she managed crisis communications, financial communications, corporate strategy and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Butler graduated from Villanova University with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She also completed Harvard Business School’s management development program. She currently serves on Villanova’s Department of Communications alumni advisory board and volunteers with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation, demonstrating her strong commitment to education and community service.

“As a Charlotte native, I’ve seen firsthand how Central Piedmont lives out its mission of transforming lives through education and serves as a workforce development engine for the region,” Butler said. “I’m honored to join the team and look forward to amplifying the college’s impact as we engage with students, faculty and stakeholders – and meet the evolving needs of our community.” 

Central Piedmont’s Health Sciences received a grant to launch a new Radiography associate in applied science degree and a Limited X-Ray Machine Operator diploma program.

The funding is part of a North Carolina Community College System initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce pipeline. The funds, appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly, are helping to launch new programs and expand existing ones in high-demand nursing and health-related fields.  

"This essential start-up funding will help Central Piedmont play an important role in addressing the need for imaging services across the state and our local area,” said Dr. Lisa Moran, Dean of Health Sciences.

Start-up funds will be used to develop courses, hire a program director and full-time instructor, and purchase necessary equipment. Central Piedmont will work with local partners including Novant Health-Presbyterian Medical Center to satisfy the clinical requirements of the program, with the program’s first cohort launching in fall 2025. 

Current radiologic technologists will be eligible to pursue stackable credentials in CT, MRI, and Mammography. The Limited X-Ray diploma will also be an offering for Central Piedmont students that may be interested in a career in limited scope Radiologic Technology.

Central Piedmont’s Honors Program knows that technology is not just for tech majors, but is a transferable skill valued in a number of industries. Technology use is increasing and the need to understand its convenience, application, and efficiency must be a priority.

Research says that technology can support learning, collaboration, effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, digital citizenship, innovation, and proficiency.

Because of this, the honors program has expanded its current foundations to include technology literacy. Under this foundation, Truist Honors Scholars will expand their knowledge and use of technology for academic, professional, and practical purposes to create, curate, collaborate, and communicate in an effective, safe, and responsible manner.

Dr. Deninne Pritchett, the faculty director of the honors program, says that with the technology use increase, the honors program must respond to stay ahead of the ever-changing needs of scholars, the workforce, and higher education. A hallmark of Central Piedmont’s Honors Program is it is designed to evolve and adapt to Truist Honors Scholars’ interests and the goals of higher education, while also preparing scholars for the workforce.

Scholars will continue to have opportunities aligned with the existing foundations that emphasize hands-on learning, research, scholarship and innovation, local and global engagement, and leadership development. Adding technology literacy as a foundation is an obvious step forward preparing scholars for beyond what’s next.

The devastation from Hurricane Helene continues to be felt throughout the region, and several Central Piedmont Community College faculty members have lent their talents to help with the recovery. 

Both Matt Miller, chair of sustainability technologies, and Matthew Smith, associate dean of transportation, live in the Hickory area, not far from where Helene left its most extensive destruction. Once the storm passed, they jumped into action to help those in the area. 

Smith and others in his neighborhood immediately used chainsaws and other equipment to help clear trees that blocked driveways and streets. Once that was finished, and the magnitude of the storm’s damage was realized, Smith knew he had to do more to help. 

Smith traveled to Boone, where he had always gone hiking, and connected with Samaritan’s Purse to help with the relief efforts. 

“There's nothing like it,” Smith said. “You have people that are in absolute dire straits, and then an army of people that just showed up from all over the place to help. It was humbling and restored your faith in humanity, seeing people band together to help each other.” 

Smith and other volunteers came across a house with an elderly couple trapped inside due to a mudslide that enveloped their property. The mud had entered their garage and basement and pushed an outbuilding on their land down near a creek. 

Thanks to an excavator and a front loader, it took about four and a half hours to clear the mud away. Smith and others cleared trees and mucked out the basement, trying to bring good cheer to the homeowners by asking questions about the items they tried to salvage. 

“We would get them laughing about some things they didn’t even know they still had,” he said. “The gentleman in the house told us how they spent four days standing on their deck looking out at their yard, wondering how they would get out. We just encountered story after story like that from people we met.” 

Smith made four more trips to the Boone area and brought colleagues from the Transportation Department to help. 

Miller found similar inspiration to assist in the relief efforts, particularly after seeing the damage to his alma mater, Montreat College. He responded by utilizing something he teaches in his classes – creating mobile solar generators – and donating those to the relief efforts. 

So far, seven of those units have been built and donated, which allow families to charge portable devices and small medical equipment. However, Miller is not done there, as his travels to donate those units sparked a new idea for him. 

“Driving through Swannanoa into Black Mountain, there were families tent camping on the side of the road and the Swannanoa River with campfires and bottles of water,” Miller said. “There are walls of plastic water bottles all around these people, and it occurred to me that all the water they need is right there beside them. So, my class is working on a project to create a solar water pump that will pump that water through a filter and come out clean on the other side.” 

Miller praised the assistance he received from his colleagues as well, including Amber and Shawn Dobbins, Chris Facente, Stephen Gerhardt, Brittany Holleran, Jason Johnson, John Monagle, Cory Palmer, and D.I. von Briesen. 

Facente, the dean of skilled trades and transportation who oversees both Miller and Smith, praised them for their work in the community and the impact that they have made. 

“Both exemplify the values of collaboration, excellence, accountability for their communities, and courage,” Facente said. “They were not asked to take these tasks on, but they knew it was the right thing to do.”

Central Piedmont Community College is excited to announce that its Continuing Education Information Technology (IT) program is now more affordable than ever. This makes it easier for individuals to gain the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly growing field of computer and information technology. This initiative underscores Central Piedmont's commitment to providing accessible education that directly contributes to the economic vitality of the Charlotte area. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2022 and 2032, with approximately 377,500 job openings each year due to growth and the need to replace workers who leave these occupations permanently. The median annual wage for these roles was $104,420 in May 2023, significantly higher than for all occupations, which stood at $48,060. Central Piedmont's affordable IT courses are designed to help local residents access these high-paying opportunities, thereby boosting the local economy. 

Key Highlights of Central Piedmont's IT Training Program: 

• Affordable Pricing: Central Piedmont's commitment to education for all is reflected in its reduced pricing, ensuring that individuals from all economic backgrounds can gain valuable IT skills. 

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program offers a wide range of IT courses, covering everything from basic computer skills to advanced networking and cybersecurity, accommodating beginners and experienced professionals. 

• Expert Instructors: Classes are led by industry professionals who bring real-world experience to the classroom, preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed by today's employers. 

• Flexible Learning Options: The program offers a hybrid model of in-person classes, live online instruction, and self-paced training, making it convenient for students to fit learning into their busy lives. 

Central Piedmont makes IT education more affordable, empowering individuals with the skills needed to enter or advance in a lucrative and rapidly growing industry. It also provides local businesses with a pool of skilled professionals ready to drive innovation and productivity. This effort is crucial to fostering sustainable economic growth and ensuring that Charlotte remains competitive in the digital age. 

For more information on the Continuing Education Information Technology program, visit the Central Piedmont website or contact the Information Technology Continuing Education department at 704-330-4223.

U.S. Congresswoman Alma Adams joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 13 to open a new Campus Wellness Center on Central Piedmont Community College’s Central Campus.

The new Campus Wellness Center offers Central Piedmont students and employees a range of mental health services such as therapy dogs, yoga, counseling, and other resources designed to help individuals navigate the complexities of academic and personal life. The center’s staff will provide a confidential and empathetic space where students and employees can discuss their concerns, manage stress, and develop strategies for maintaining a strong and resilient mind.

Congresswoman Adams, who represents the NC 12th district and part of Mecklenburg County, helped the college secure a $575,000 congressionally directed award through the Health Resources and Services Administration to renovate and upfit space for the mental wellness center. Adams, Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, and others cut the ceremonial ribbon during a midday celebration and toured the new facility located at 1425 Elizabeth Ave., in Charlotte.

“Central Piedmont believes a strong community begins with fostering the well-being of every individual,” Deitemeyer said. “We recognize that a thriving community is built upon the foundation of both a strong mind and healthy body. We understand the challenges of academic life, combined with the demands of daily living, can impact individuals in profound ways. We envision the Campus Wellness Center as a central hub for our students and employees to access the resources needed to support their success academically, in the workplace, and in the community.”

Adams commended the college for prioritizing the mental well-being of its students, faculty, and staff.

“A person’s mental health is critically important to their ability to learn, work, and function successfully,” Adams said. “I am happy to see Central Piedmont pursue resources to care for its community.”

Central Piedmont will announce operating hours for the Campus Wellness Center soon.

Central Piedmont Community College received a $1 million Gable Grant from the Lowe’s Foundation to grow its skilled trades certifications, expand the college’s reach in Mecklenburg County, and undertake renovations on the Harper Campus.

Central Piedmont is one of just 11 community colleges in the nation to receive a grant this year, which will increase the number of educational opportunities for students seeking construction-related certifications.

Infrastructure support also includes renovating lab space and bringing mobile learning cottages to other campuses and into the community. The mobile learning cottages will remove transportation barriers and bring new training opportunities in construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing training throughout Charlotte.

The Lowe’s Foundation has made a $50 million commitment over the next five years to prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers through grants to community and technical colleges and community-based nonprofits. The new strategic focus addresses one of the most critical worker shortages currently facing the U.S. economy.

“Construction and the skilled trades have been part of Central Piedmont’s program offerings since the college opened its doors almost 61 years ago. Our students learn quickly that these are versatile, high-demand careers with endless opportunities for growth and advancement,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “We are so appreciative of this generous grant from the Lowe’s Foundation. Central Piedmont places a high priority on producing skilled trades professionals who can hit the ground running.  We thank the Lowe’s Foundation for partnering with us to help meet a critical need in the Charlotte region.”

Central Piedmont offers students the opportunity to learn and train for a number of construction and skilled trade careers, including:

• Air conditioning, heating and refrigeration 
• Construction and construction management
• Electrical systems
• Non-destructive examination
• Sustainability technologies
• Utilities and clean energy, and 
• Welding

Students in construction and the skilled trades at Central Piedmont can pursue a degree, diploma or certificate – and some of the shorter-term, accelerated-career-training programs are offered at no cost to the student.

Visit our website for more information about Central Piedmont’s skilled trades programs.

Central Piedmont recently hosted its first “Chat, Sip, and Chew” event to bring Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) to campus that specialize in culinary and food services to meet with faculty and staff. 

Twenty-four vendors shared their backgrounds and showcased how Central Piedmont could partner with their businesses. 

One of those vendors, Jorieka Downey, graduated from the college in 2014 and overcame many hurdles to grow her business, G.R.I.T.S. CLT, into one of the top food trucks and caterers in Charlotte. 

Growing up in a family full of chefs, the culinary program at Central Piedmont drew Downey in, and the single mom of three embraced the challenge.  

“I was working two jobs and going to school full-time,” she said. “I would go to work third shift at a group home, staying up most of the night, and trying to do homework when the residents were asleep. I would then catch a little nap, drive to Central Piedmont, and go to classes for eight hours. Then I’d go home to try to spend some time with my kids before starting it all over again. It was a battle during those couple of years to be a mom.” 

After she graduated, Downey set out on a five-year plan to own and operate her own food truck. She started her career working for Compass Group in a variety of roles, including lead entrée chef, and during her time there became connected with a woman who would eventually become a business partner. 

That partnership helped pave the way for Downey to start her own business, which began as a caterer. She built her popularity at events such as the 2019 NBA All Star Game in Charlotte and the CIAA Basketball Tournament. 

“Word just traveled,” Downey said. “Our social media presence started to grow. We went viral with a stuffed turkey leg, and I know for certain I was the first to bring that to Charlotte. We had over 30,000 views. We’d put mac and cheese, collard greens, or yams in it. We would deep fry it southern style. That really made us grow.” 

Soon, Downey was even catering for concerts with acts such as Busta Rhymes, 112, Marsha Ambrosius, and more as her popularity spread. 

However, like many others in the food industry, COVID played an impact on the growth of her business. But Downey used the rest of her savings, along with loans and grants during that period, to achieve her dream of purchasing her own food truck, and success soon followed. 

In 2022, Downey won the “Charlotte's Best Black-owned Food Truck” competition, sponsored by Duke’s Mayo and judged by the likes of Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Congresswoman Alma Adams, and others. 

Though the food truck was recently damaged in a fire, Downey has continued to persevere, and encourages Central Piedmont’s students to maintain that same attitude. 

“Stay in it,” she said. “If it’s your goal or passion, you have to give it your all. Put your best foot in and never give up.”