News and Features

• Caldwell Rose and Khalif Rhodes reappointed, Pat Rodgers and Brad Muller newly appointed  
• Trustees elect new leaders to oversee Board

Central Piedmont Community College shared multiple updates regarding its Board of Trustees during today’s Trustee meeting.

Reappointment and new appointments

The North Carolina Senate appointed Patricia (Pat) Rodgers and Bradford (Brad) Muller to the Board. Rodgers' term will run for three years through June 2028; Muller’s term will run for four years through June 2029.

Rodgers is a trailblazer in the construction industry and the previous chief executive officer of Rodgers Builders, a nationally known contractor based in Charlotte. As a proud attendee of Central Piedmont, Rodgers has poured herself into the college community, serving as a previous chair of the Central Piedmont Foundation Board and vocal advocate for the college’s mission to serve as a steward in the community, maximize student success, and create workforce development pathways in the county. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to expanding public-private partnerships, serving on non-profit and community boards, investing in workforce development and economic mobility initiatives, and setting the standard for the construction industry’s civic leadership.

Muller is a marketing and communications strategist with more than 35 years of experience in public and corporate affairs, international and government relations, manufacturing and business marketing, crisis management, and media training. He spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C., including stints with the U.S. State Department and Edelman Worldwide, the largest public relations and public affairs agency in the world. Currently, Muller leads corporate communications and government affairs for Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company, a fifth-generation, family-owned manufacturer based in Charlotte. Founded in 1901, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry is the leading U.S. producer of cast iron and plastic pipe and fittings for plumbing systems. Muller earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Kenyon College in Ohio.

Additionally, Caldwell Rose has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees by the North Carolina House of Representatives. His reappointment extends his service for four years, through June 2029. Khalif Rhodes has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees by the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners. His reappointment extends his service for four years, through June 2029.

“I am delighted Brad and Pat have been appointed to the Central Piedmont Board of Trustees and Caldwell and Khalif will continue their service with their reappointments,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “As Trustees, these leaders will leverage their extensive experience across a wide range of industries to shape the future of the college and champion our ambitious strategic plan as we continue expanding the exceptional opportunities we offer to students across the region.”

New Board of Trustee leadership 

The Board of Trustees of Central Piedmont Community College has elected a new chair and vice chair during the July 9 Board meeting.

Caldwell Rose, president of NAI Southern Real Estate, will now serve as the chair, succeeding Jim Dunn. Lucia Zapata Griffith, chief executive officer and founding principal of METRO Landmarks Construction and METRO Landmarks Architecture, will serve as vice chair.

Rose has served as Central Piedmont trustee since 2015. He most recently served as vice chair and, prior to that, he was the chair of the Board’s finance, facilities, and audit committee for several years. Rose joined NAI Southern Real Estate in 1988 and has spent more than 29 years in the commercial real estate industry, specializing in all areas, including land assemblages, office and medical office sales and leasing, as well as investment sales and representation. Recognized by the Charlotte Commercial Board of Realtors as a top producer, Rose is also actively involved with the Charlotte community and with multiple charitable organizations. He is a graduate of St. Andrews College with a degree in business administration. He holds real estate brokerage licenses in both North and South Carolina.

“A lifelong learner myself, I believe deeply in the power of education in our communities,” said Rose. “Central Piedmont is creating opportunities for thousands of people living right here in Mecklenburg County – serving as a workforce engine, supporting economic mobility, and bolstering our community with highly trained graduates ready to enter the workforce or expand their skills. I feel privileged to serve as chair and look forward to supporting and promoting the institution’s strategic initiatives and mission.”

Zapata Griffith has served on the Board since 2022 and most recently served as the chair of the Board’s finance, facilities, and audit committee. She founded and has led Metro Landmarks Construction and Metro Landmarks Architecture since 1996. Prior to then, she was a partner and principal architect with AR&D. Zapata Griffith is an active community leader, with significant involvement in the arts, Latina-based mentoring organizations, as well as economic mobility and workforce development efforts. She is a registered architect in North Carolina and Peru, as well as a licensed real estate broker and licensed general contractor in North Carolina.

The chair and vice chair have one-year terms, with the potential for re-election for a second year.  

• Central Piedmont celebrated 1,736 graduates at two May 15 ceremonies, highlighting how education transforms lives and communities.
• Nearly half of the graduates entered high-demand industries, from health care to tech and skilled trades.
• Graduates like Shenise Young, Chloe Mbongo, and others shared powerful stories of resilience and hope.

On May 15, Central Piedmont Community College awarded degrees, diplomas, and credentials to 1,736 students whose personal and academic journeys are shaping the region’s future. The ceremonies, held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Bojangles Coliseum, celebrated a graduating class rich in determination, diversity, and purpose.

Student speaker Shenise Young opened the morning ceremony with a moving message of perseverance. Once a college dropout with a 0.827 GPA, Shenise returned to Central Piedmont as a wife and mother of two and completed her associate degree in arts.

“Central Piedmont didn’t just give us a degree. They loved us, believed in us, and gave us a chance some of us didn’t think we deserved,” said Young. “We’ve been given a solid foundation—and now we are built differently.”

Across both ceremonies:

• 198 graduates completed programs in nursing and allied health
• 106 in information technology
• 119 in hospitality, entrepreneurship, and service industries
• 78 in trades and automotive careers
• 36 in engineering

In addition, the college awarded $723,300 in scholarships to 263 students. Over half of the graduates will transfer to four-year institutions, including UNC Charlotte, Appalachian State, and N.C. State.

“This is how a region builds its future,” said Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer. “We educate the people who care for our families, power our businesses, and shape our communities—and they do it while working, parenting, and overcoming tremendous obstacles.”

Student Spotlights

• Shenise Young – Shared her story of redemption and renewed purpose as student speaker.
• Tyshon Freeman – From high school dropout to logistics leader, earning a degree in Supply Chain Management.
• Kiona White – Survivor of domestic violence and homelessness, now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work.
• Maryann Ingram – A 65-year-old Charlotte native and caregiver earning her high school diploma through the Career and College Readiness program.
• Chloe Mbongo – Delivered a heartfelt speech on starting again after setbacks, now a President’s List student.
• Laura Oviedo-Loyola – A young mother of two graduating from the automotive program with plans to open her own shop.
• Rakia Regan – Overcame homelessness and domestic violence while earning a Medical Office Administration degree; now employed full-time at a hospital.
• Fawad Ataee – Afghan refugee who raised his GPA from 0.7 to 3.8 while supporting his family; heading to UNC Charlotte to study project management.

These graduates embody Central Piedmont’s mission: providing accessible, life-changing education that fuels economic mobility and community strength.

“We don’t just offer classes, we open doors,” said Deitemeyer. “Every diploma represents new energy and talent flowing into our region.”

• Rising CMS seniors can take 14 credit hours of automotive classes 
• Funding provided by Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation, Faison Enterprises, and The Merancas Foundation, in partnership with the Charlotte ToolBank 
• Program offers weekly financial supplement, free toolkit, and more 

This summer, Central Piedmont Community College will launch “Accelerate to Success,” a new program that gives 25 rising seniors from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools the chance to take advanced automotive classes and earn a 14-credit College & Career Promise Certification, fast-tracking them toward a career in the automotive industry. 

The program is made possible with funding from Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation, Faison Enterprises, and The Merancas Foundation. The classes will take place at the Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology, located at Central Piedmont’s Levine Campus in Matthews.  

In addition to covering the cost of the courses, the funding will provide students with a daily lunch, a weekly financial supplement, and transportation coverage. Central Piedmont is partnering with the Charlotte ToolBank to equip each graduate of this program with a professional automotive toolkit, empowering them to confidently transition from classroom to career with the tools they need to succeed. 

“We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors for making this program possible,” said Christopher Facente, Central Piedmont’s dean of skilled trades and transportation. “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that gives high school students a real head start in the automotive industry through college-level coursework and hands-on experience. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation in education and our belief in the potential of every student." 

The program runs Mondays-Thursdays from June 16-July 31, and classes offered include Intro to Transportation, PC Skills for Transportation, Basic Electrical Systems, and Climate Control Systems. 

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 Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation 

Established in 2023 by Margaret and Smoky Bissell, the Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation's mission is to invest in innovative ideas and bold leadership to drive positive outcomes in Health, Human Services, and Education across the greater Charlotte region.  

BBLF is self-directed and has elected to deeply invest in organizations that will contribute to Charlotte's success. 

About Faison Enterprises 

Faison Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1988 by Henry J. Faison.  His vision was to create a firm that focused primarily on real estate investing, but above all to be a good corporate citizen. The firm’s mission is to honor the legacy of Mr. Faison by partnering with nonprofits on transformative initiatives. This program at Central Piedmont fulfills one of the firm’s objectives in promoting career and workforce readiness. For more information, please see www.faison.com 

About The Merancas Foundation 

The Merancas Foundation supports local nonprofits that provide opportunities to improve the lives of individuals and families experiencing economic hardship. 

About Charlotte ToolBank 

We are a nonprofit tool lending program that provides charitable organizations with year-round access to our inventory of tools for use in their volunteer projects, facility and grounds maintenance as well as special events. We provide tools to enhance the charitable sector’s capacity to serve, facilitating hands-on volunteerism in the greater Charlotte area. 

The Charlotte ToolBank maintains an 8,000 sq ft warehouse in South End and an inventory comprised of more than 358 different types of tools and special event equipment in volumes large enough to equip thousands of volunteers at a time. Access to ToolBank tools eliminates the need for agencies to incur the expense of purchasing, repairing and storing tools, reducing the costs associated with service projects and allowing these agencies to focus more of their resources on their mission. 

About Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) strives to create an innovative, inclusive, student-centered environment that supports the development of independent learners. CMS leads the community in educational excellence, inspiring intellectual curiosity, creativity and achievement so that all students reach their full potential (C-M Board of Education, 2018). 

CMS is the 16th-largest school district in the nation, providing academic instruction, rigor and support each school day for more than 141,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The district operates 186 schools throughout Mecklenburg County from its central offices in Charlotte, N.C. CMS believes setting high standards for all students creates greater opportunity for their future success – in our communities, the region and across the globe. As a result, CMS students are prepared to be leaders in a technologically savvy and competitive world. 

• Duke Energy employees support Central Piedmont students in need of clothes for interviews and jobs
• Donations provide clothes for up to 200 students per month
• Central Piedmont is looking to expand this service to multiple campuses

Duke Energy employees made a major contribution to Central Piedmont Community College’s Professional Clothing Closet, donating thousands of items to support students as they prepare for the workforce.

The donation includes a wide array of professional attire, such as suits, dress shirts, shoes, dresses, blouses, belts, jewelry, and other accessories. This significant influx of clothing greatly expands the closet’s offerings and further empowers students as they enter job interviews and new careers.

“Supporting students with professional attire is about more than just clothes – it’s about confidence and opportunity,” said Amy Strecker, president of Duke Energy Foundation. “Every outfit donated is an investment in a student’s future, and we’re proud to partner with Central Piedmont to help empower the next generation of leaders to pursue their career goals.”

The Professional Clothing Closet, located on Central Campus in the Worrell Building, Room 1152, operates from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Tuesday. The initiative allows current students to select up to four complete outfits free of charge, helping them build a professional wardrobe and boost their confidence as they transition into the working world.

“The impact of helping students with clothes, especially those starting out in their careers, cannot be overstated,” said a student who recently benefited from the closet. “Professional, appropriate clothing is essential to making a good impression. Interview appropriate, quality clothing is expensive, so a student getting a suit, jacket, top, skirt, dress, and shoes for free may be the difference between getting an opportunity or losing one, which is a major barrier to cross after obtaining the degree.”

The clothing closet, which began in 2021, now serves up to 200 students per month. The college looks to expand its offerings to other campuses in the future.

Charlotte, N.C. - The connection between music, community, and well-being takes center stage at Music and Mind: Harnessing the Power of Community for Health, which will be held at the Parr Center Theater at 10:30 a.m. on March 29. 

This engaging panel discussion, inspired by the work of world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming, will bring together leading experts to explore the transformative impact of the arts on brain health. 

This event is guided by the NeuroArts Blueprint, a pioneering initiative merging science and the arts to improve cognitive and emotional well-being. Attendees will gain insight into how music and creativity can support mental health, boost cognitive function, and foster community connection—all backed by cutting-edge research. 

Featured panelists include: 

• Renée Fleming – Soprano, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health 

• Dr. Jonathan Burdette – Section Chief of Neuroradiology, Vice Chair of Research, Professor of Radiology, and Cofounder of the Laboratory for Complex Brain Networks, Wake Forest University School of Medicine/Advocate Health

• Ruth Katz – Vice President; Executive Director, Health, Medicine & Society Program; and Director, Aspen Ideas Health, The Aspen Institute; Co-director, NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative

• Susan Magsamen – Executive Director, International Arts + Mind Lab Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Co-Director, NeuroArts Blueprint

• Dr. Jen Sullivan – Enterprise Leader National Service Lines, Advocate Health; Charlotte Symphony Board of Directors

Why attend?

Whether you're a healthcare professional, artist, educator, or someone curious about the power of music, this discussion will provide practical insights into how the arts can enhance well-being. Learn how music therapy treats stress, cognitive decline, and neurological disorders—and how communities can integrate these findings into everyday life. 

Join us to discover how the arts can be a powerful tool for health and connection. 

For more information or to register, visit Central Piedmont Tix. 

Central Piedmont students and employees can attend for free with their college ID. 

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’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, beginning in fall 2025. The Limited X-Ray diploma, beginning in 2026, 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.”