News and Features

Duke Energy employees made a significant donation to the Central Piedmont Community College Professional Clothing Closet. The generous contribution, comprising thousands of items, including suits, dress shirts, shoes, dresses, blouses, belts, jewelry, and other accessories, substantially enhances student resources.

The Professional Clothing Closet, operating weekly on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is an initiative by Central Piedmont to assist students in preparing for interviews and their forthcoming professional careers. Located on the Central Campus, in the Worrell Building, Room 1152, the closet allows current students to select up to four outfits to build their professional wardrobe free of charge.

How to Participate

Students interested in using the Professional Clothing Closet can sign up for a shopping date. This initiative is part of Central Piedmont's commitment to supporting students academically and in their career readiness.

Donation Details

Central Piedmont welcomes ongoing donations to the Professional Clothing Closet. Community members can contribute by dropping off items every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Accepted items include business suits, skirts, ties, professional shoes, blouses, belts, jewelry, blazers, slacks, and dress shirts. Donors are kindly requested to ensure all items are clean and in good condition.

For More Information

For additional details about the Professional Clothing Closet or to inquire about donations, please contact Mia Mallory or Dena Shonts.

Central Piedmont Community College is grateful for the support of Duke Energy employees and the broader community in making this valuable resource a success for students.

Queens University of Charlotte announced that Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College, has been selected as the 2023 Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year. Now in its 38th year, the award and event celebrate female leaders who have made significant contributions to the Charlotte region through outstanding leadership and achievement.

Dr. Deitemeyer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Central Piedmont’s president. Her extensive and diverse background in community college administration spans over three decades across North Carolina, Kentucky, and Florida. She and her family moved to Charlotte in 2017, when she began leading the college as its fourth president.

“Kandi is a dynamic leader, educator, businesswoman, and now the senior chief executive of Charlotte’s thriving higher education landscape,” said Queens University President Dan Lugo. “Her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to student success have transformed Central Piedmont into a driving force of economic growth for Charlotte while empowering countless students and their families to achieve greater economic mobility. It is a great privilege and honor to recognize her with this year's Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year award.”

Dr. Deitemeyer, a community college graduate herself, values the transformative impact Central Piedmont has had on countless individuals and the community. She is passionate about the student experience and is unwavering in her commitment to ensuring student success.

“When I consider the women selected before me for this award, and when I reflect on the distinguished members of the selection committee, I am both honored and humbled,” said Dr. Deitemeyer. “To be chosen as the 2023 Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year is such a wonderful distinction. I am so pleased and appreciative to join such an auspicious group of women.”

Dr. Deitemeyer serves on several local, statewide, and national committees. Locally, she serves on the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council, Leading on Opportunity Council, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance’s Executive Committee, Charlotte Center City Partners Board of Directors, Novant Health Greater Charlotte Board of Trustees (Vice Chair), Charlotte Country Day School Board, and the Charlotte Regional Collaborative for a Global Workforce.

She is an active member of the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents. As a commitment to future community college leadership, she serves as an advisory board member for the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at North Carolina State University. Nationally, she is a member of the Roc Solid Foundation Board and has served as an executive board member of the American Association of Community Colleges. 

The distinction of being named Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year has been given to prominent figures in the Charlotte community including Diane Morais, president of Consumer and Commercial Banking at Ally Financial Inc; Tanya S. Blackmon, former executive vice president and chief diversity, inclusion and equity officer for Novant Health; Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County Manager; Peggy Brookhouse, former president of Luquire George Andrews (LGA); and Carol Lovin, executive vice president and system chief of staff for Atrium Health.

The Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year award will be presented to Dr. Deitemeyer at a Queens luncheon March 7, 2024. To find out more about the luncheon and previous winners go to: https://www.queens.edu/attend/charlotte-businesswoman-of-the-year/ 

Forbes and Statista recently announced that Central Piedmont Community College had been chosen for the second consecutive year as one of “America’s Best-In-State Employers.” Central Piedmont is ranked as one of the top 100 employers in North Carolina for 2023. The college also was included in the Forbes 2022 ranking.

According to Forbes, America’s Best-In-State Employers 2023 were identified based on an independent survey of employees working for companies and other organizations from all industry sectors employing more than 500 individuals. Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey 70,000 workers at companies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Participants were asked if they would recommend their employer to others and to evaluate their employer based on working conditions, diversity, compensation packages, potential for development, company image, and more. Participants also assessed employers other than their own. All surveys were anonymous to encourage candor.

Central Piedmont is an attractive option for individuals seeking employment within an institution that strives to serve its community. The college aims to facilitate student learning, success, and completion by providing exceptional education and globally competitive training in an engaging, supportive environment. Central Piedmont prides itself on being Mecklenburg County’s primary workforce development partner.

Approximately 43,600 students call Central Piedmont home. With eight locations and nearly 300 for-credit programs, it is one of the largest colleges in the Carolinas. It serves people of all ages who seek a real-world, affordable, hands-on education that will transform their lives.

To learn about  Central Piedmont’s career opportunities, visit the college’s employment webpage.

Central Piedmont Community College’s Board of Trustees recently had one member reappointed and three members appointed for the first time. Each will serve a four-year term through June 2027.

Gabe Esparza, a seasoned executive leading global business development, marketing and strategy work, was reappointed to the Central Piedmont board by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. Esparza recently served as an associate administrator within the Office of International Trade of the U.S. Small Business Administration. He has served as a Central Piedmont Trustee since 2021.

Weston Andress has been appointed by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board. Andress is the regional president for PNC Bank in Western Carolina. He previously served on the Central Piedmont Foundation Board.

Bertram Scott was appointed by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper. Scott serves as a director of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a global medical technology company. He retired as senior vice president of Population Health of Novant Health in 2019.

Alison Summerville of Ally Financial Inc., was appointed by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. Summerville is a longtime officer and leader with Ally. She currently works as Ally’s business administration executive and head of corporate citizenship.

“I am delighted with the reappointment of Gabe Esparza and the appointment of Weston Andress, Bertram Scott and Alison Summerville to Central Piedmont’s Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “Each of these individuals brings years of leadership experience, superb business acumen, and multi-faceted wisdom that comes from serving on other boards and providing sound counsel. The college recently updated its strategic plan and soon will unveil a new long-range academic and facilities master plan. Our Trustees will be important as we work to implement these plans. We also will look to them as the college’s champion and to help share our story of service and transforming lives in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community.”

Central Piedmont Community College proudly announced the installation of a new monumental sculpture, "Synergy," created by renowned artists Hanna Jubran and Jodi Hollnagel-Jubran of J&H Studio Inc. Hanna and Jodi, co-owners of J&H Studio Inc., have created many sculptures nationally and internationally.

The contemporary sculpture, spanning 16'6" in height, 12" in width, and 9' in depth and made from stainless steel and bronze, integrates a series of motivational words inspired by Central Piedmont's mission, vision, and values. Complementary benches were installed near the sculpture, featuring academic disciplines within the arts and humanities.

This initiative was made possible by the generosity of anonymous donors passionate about integrating the arts and humanities into students' perspectives. They believe that these branches offer students a chance to understand the past, better analyze the present, and achieve a more informed outlook on the future.

The global selection process for the sculpture began in the fall of 2021 and saw over a dozen submissions from across the US and Canada. After a rigorous process, the college's Public Art Committee, leadership, and donors narrowed the selection. 

The installation of "Synergy" was also facilitated by several in-kind donors and friends of Central Piedmont, including Concrete Supply, Showalter Construction, Black Diamond Crane & Rigging, Metrolina Steel Erectors, Henry Batten, Glenn Sherrill, and Carl Showalter.

Central Piedmont Community College invites community members, students, and visitors to witness the beauty and message of "Synergy," located on the quad of the college's Central Campus.

The Board of Trustees of Central Piedmont Community College has elected a new chair and vice chair. Jim Dunn, executive vice president and chief people and culture officer with Advocate Health, will serve as chair. Caldwell Rose, president of NAI Southern Real Estate, is the new vice chair.

Dunn was appointed to the Central Piedmont board in 2020, serving as the vice chair since 2022. In 2018, Dunn joined Atrium Health, now part of Advocate Health, the nation’s third-largest non-profit health system, bringing more than 30 years of experience leading talent and culture strategy. He began his career as a research scientist. He transitioned into national and global human resources leadership positions at BP Amoco, the Carter Presidential Center, Cleveland Clinic, American Cancer Society, and Parkland Health. Jim is a nationally registered professional mediator specializing in workplace conflict resolution strategies and a fellow and faculty member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He currently serves on the U.S. Congressional Award Foundation’s national board of directors and is a regular contributing author for CNBC, Newsweek, and Forbes magazines.

“Education is the key element to living a happy, healthy life supported by a fulfilling career,” said Dunn, who holds doctorate degrees in health administration, organizational development and management, and advanced studies in teaching. “At Central Piedmont, we’re opening life’s doors for our students – a catalyst for opportunity and an exceptional provider of learning experiences that can transform their lives and their economic mobility while simultaneously strengthening our community with a trained and talented workforce. It’s an honor to serve as chair.”

Rose has served as Central Piedmont trustee since 2015. He 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 also is 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.

“On behalf of the college, I thank Jim and Caldwell for their willingness to serve and lead our Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “This is an exciting and momentous time at Central Piedmont. We are moving forward with enrollment and program growth and will be working to enhance our community partnerships and business development. Our highly engaged board, with Jim and Caldwell at the helm, will help ensure the college grows strategically and efficiently as we seek to make an even bigger impact in this community and the lives of our students.”

Dunn succeeds Linda Lockman-Brooks as the Central Piedmont Board chair.

Central Piedmont Community College will debut the new Parr Arts & Humanities Series in September. Tickets for the inaugural season’s events are on sale now.

The Parr Arts & Humanities Series will bring renowned authors, artists and performers to Central Piedmont for the benefit and enrichment of the college, its students and the community. The inaugural season of the series will start on Sept. 19, with a presentation and discussion on, “A Tradition of Discretion, Loyalty and Hospitality at the White House,” by journalist and historian Kate Andersen Brower.

Brower is the author of New York Times bestsellers, “The Residence,” and “First Women,” as well as “Team of Five,” “First In Line,” and the children’s book, “Exploring the White House.” “The Residence” is being made into a television series produced by Shonda Rhimes, for Netflix. Brower’s most recent book, “Elizabeth Taylor,” is the first authorized biography of the Hollywood icon.

Brower is a CNN contributor, and she covered the Obama administration for Bloomberg News. She also is a former CBS News staffer and Fox News producer. She has written for the New York Times, Vanity Fair, and the Washington Post. 

Subsequent season-one events and performances include:

• Dimensions Dance Theater of Miami, a bold, innovative, contemporary ballet company, on Oct. 17,
• Social artist, speaker, author and connection catalyst Kat Vellos on Feb. 8, and
• Jazz prodigy Matthew Whitaker Quintet on April 11.

Pre-sale tickets and book bundles for Brower’s Sept. 19 event are available for a discounted rate. Seniors, students and Central Piedmont employees also are eligible for discounted tickets.

In June 2022, Central Piedmont concluded its “Powering a Stronger Future” fundraising campaign. The highly successful endeavor raised more than $66.3 million, including a $10-million gift to strengthen arts and humanities programming at the college. The Parr Arts & Humanities Series is one result of that transformational gift.

“The Parr Arts & Humanities series will provide our students and community members the chance to hear, see and listen to influential authors, musicians and other noted performers as well as the opportunity to interact with them. We see these events as unique educational programming for the community and a way to support and augment the wonderful things already going on in our classrooms,” said Stacy Moore, Central Piedmont dean of arts and humanities.

“The Parr Arts & Humanities Series marks a first movement in a new direction for the college’s arts offerings. This inaugural season promises to set the stage for many more to come,” Moore added.