News and Features

• Jessica Boyce’s leadership during a period of growth, strategic investment and strong financial stewardship earned her a nomination

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College’s Jessica Boyce, executive vice president of finance and operations, was selected as a finalist for the Charlotte Business Journal’s 2026 CFO of the Year in the Education category. 

As Mecklenburg County continues to grow, Boyce has positioned Central Piedmont to expand training capacity and meet the region’s workforce needs while overseeing a financial strategy supporting more than $200 million in active capital projects across the college's six campuses.

In the most recent fiscal year, Boyce successfully helped the college manage state and federal funding uncertainty while supporting continued enrollment growth, securing resources that maintained operations and supported ongoing investments in students, employees and programs.

At Central Piedmont, Boyce manages finance, operations, facilities, risk management, construction, safety and security, information technology and Foundation financial oversight. She also serves as a direct report to the president and works with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership to create and implement long-term financial and operational strategies that strengthen the institution.

That work has enhanced the college’s financial stability while enabling continued investment in programs, people and infrastructure that support workforce development and economic opportunity across the Charlotte region.

Boyce joined Central Piedmont in 2015 and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is also a Certified Public Accountant. Her professional background includes 17 years of experience, beginning in public accounting before moving into higher education.

For 14 recent high school graduates, this summer wasn’t about taking a break — it was about jumpstarting a career.

Through a new Careers Electric Summer Academy at Central Piedmont Community College, students traded summer vacation for hands-on training, college coursework and a direct pathway into one of North Carolina’s most in-demand professions. The initiative was funded by the Siemens Foundation and administered by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) to expand access to skilled trades education and strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline.

The students, selected through a partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, began the program on June 16 after completing an application process. Throughout the summer, they enrolled in two college-level courses — Basic Construction Skills (WOL 110) and Residential Wiring (ELC 113) — gaining hands-on experience while earning college credit.

Central Piedmont was one of just 12 community colleges statewide across North Carolina selected to host a Summer Electrical Academy as part of the Careers Electric initiative. The academies connected students with college coursework, industry exposure and registered pre-apprenticeship opportunities designed to prepare them for careers in the electrical field. 

To help remove barriers to participation, the program covered tuition for both courses and provided financial support for transportation, books, fees and required equipment such as personal protective gear and work boots. Students also received a $2,000 stipend for successfully completing the program.

For student Teague Wilson, the experience did more than teach technical skills — it changed the trajectory of his future. Initially planning to attend a four-year university and pursue a career in medicine, Wilson discovered a new passion through the academy and is now working toward becoming a licensed electrician.

“The way the program teaches you to think as a tradesman, as an electrician, it really opened my eyes to the possibilities of other career fields,” Wilson said. “I was always a person who worked with cars and worked with my hands, but I never thought of that as a career. This program has really given me the opportunity to pursue that.”

Wilson’s story reflects the broader impact of Careers Electric. As demand for electricians continues to rise and experienced professionals approach retirement, North Carolina faces an urgent need for skilled workers. Programs like this help bridge that gap by introducing students to career and apprenticeship opportunities that offer strong wages, long-term stability and room for growth.

By joining forces with the Siemens Foundation and NCBCE, Central Piedmont expanded opportunities for students while helping employers develop the next generation of skilled workers. 

For these 14 students, the program provided more than summer learning. It delivered college credit, hands-on experience, professional connections and a vision for what comes next. It also proved the power of education and industry partnerships – which can create clear pathways for students. 

And for North Carolina, it helped energize the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

To learn more about building talent pipelines through registered apprenticeships, or for students seeking work experience prior to graduation, please contact Workplace Learning.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College is a $1 billion economic engine for Mecklenburg County, according to a newly released study, with the college generating significant returns for students, taxpayers and the regional economy.

The report, based on fiscal year 2023-24 data, highlights Central Piedmont’s role as a major economic engine driving workforce development, supporting local businesses and creating pathways to upward opportunities for thousands of students.

“Central Piedmont is transforming lives while strengthening our region’s economy,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “This study quantifies what we see every day — our students, graduates and partnerships fuel Mecklenburg County’s growth and long-term prosperity.”

Key findings from the study

The $1 billion total annual economic impact is driven by three key sources: 

• $770.6 million in added income from alumni, reflecting higher earnings and increased productivity of graduates in the local workforce
• $164 million from college operations spending, including payroll and local purchasing
• $101.2 million from student spending, as students contribute to housing, transportation and everyday expenses

Together, these impacts show how Central Piedmont converts education into economic growth through its students, its workforce and its graduates.

A powerful return on investment

The study also demonstrates that Central Piedmont delivers strong returns for individuals and taxpayers:

• Students gain $5.20 in higher lifetime earnings for every $1 invested, meaning for every dollar invested in their education, students see a 500% return
• Associate degree graduates earn an average of $11,200 more annually than individuals with only a high school diploma, resulting in up to $448,000 in additional lifetime earnings 
• The additional earnings generated by a Central Piedmont education produce a 17.7% annual return on students' investment of time and money, which is higher than the stock market’s 30-year return of 10.9%
• Taxpayers receive $1.20 for every $1 invested, creating more tax revenue than the local and state government contribute to operate the college

In short, an investment in Central Piedmont pays off for both individuals and the broader community.

“The greatest impact of Central Piedmont can be found in the thousands of graduates who are building careers and helping local businesses grow,” Deitemeyer said. “By developing skilled talent for in-demand industries, we are creating opportunities for individuals while helping Mecklenburg County remain competitive for years to come.”

Strengthening the workforce and local economy

Central Piedmont’s greatest long-term impact comes from its alumni, who fill critical roles across the region’s workforce and help businesses grow through increased productivity and earnings.

From healthcare to skilled trades to professional services, these graduates are helping meet employer demand and keep the region competitive.

Central Piedmont’s workforce impact is strengthened through partnerships with leading employers that help align education with industry needs.

“Meeting the growing healthcare needs of our communities starts with building a strong, skilled workforce,” said Michelle Vidal, vice president of talent attraction, programs and pipelines for Charlotte-based Atrium Health. “Atrium Health’s relationship with Central Piedmont helps us attract and develop teammates with the technical skills, professionalism and adaptability needed to succeed in today’s healthcare environment. By creating pathways to rewarding healthcare careers, we're strengthening our workforce, supporting local economic growth and helping ensure our communities have access to the care they need for years to come.”

Similar impacts can be seen in industries that power the region's infrastructure, supply chains and manufacturing operations.

“Strong partnerships between education and industry help build the workforce our region needs to thrive,” said Todd Miller, vice president, human resources and organizational capability at Coca-Cola Consolidated. “Programs like those at Central Piedmont provide students with valuable hands-on experience while strengthening the talent pipeline for skilled and technical careers, including roles in equipment services, manufacturing and diesel mechanics at companies like ours. Together, we’re investing in future talent and helping students embrace the servant leadership culture that strengthens our company and communities.”

About the study

The economic impact study was developed using a nationally recognized methodology, incorporating Central Piedmont’s academic and financial data alongside labor market data and modeling from Lightcast.

The full report is now available and provides a comprehensive look at how Central Piedmont drives economic growth, supports students and delivers lasting value to the region.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College students who earn health-related Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees now have a clearer path to advancing their education and careers through a new statewide transfer agreement with Appalachian State University. 

The agreement creates a seamless pathway into App State’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program, helping students build on their existing healthcare training while working toward a bachelor’s degree.

The program, in partnership with the North Carolina Community College System, was created with flexibility in mind. Students can complete the degree online or in person, attend part-time or full-time, and finish in as little as two years. Participants can choose concentrations in healthcare management or public health while developing leadership, communication and critical-thinking skills valued by employers across the healthcare industry.

Just as important as the academic pathway is the support available to students throughout the transfer process. The program offers rolling admission in the spring, summer and fall, requires a qualifying health-related AAS degree, and has no waiting list or enrollment cap. These features make it easier for students to continue their education on a timeline that fits their personal and professional responsibilities. 

Central Piedmont offers one of the region's most comprehensive healthcare education portfolios, with 22 curriculum healthcare programs and 33 Continuing Education healthcare offerings that create multiple entry points and opportunities for lifelong career advancement.

Demand for healthcare workers continues to increase, creating both a critical need and strong career opportunities across North Carolina. In the Charlotte region alone, there are approximately five open healthcare positions for every one job seeker.

"At Central Piedmont, we believe education should create opportunities that extend well beyond graduation," said Lisa Moran, dean of health sciences at Central Piedmont. "For many of our students, earning an associate degree is the first step in a lifelong healthcare career. This partnership with Appalachian State creates a seamless pathway for our graduates to build on the strong clinical and technical foundation they receive at Central Piedmont while expanding their career opportunities in healthcare leadership, management and public health. By working together, we're helping students continue their education, advance professionally and strengthen the healthcare workforce our communities depend on."

In addition to the new health sciences pathway, Central Piedmont students can take advantage of the Aspire Appalachian transfer program, which provides guaranteed admission to App State for eligible students who complete their associate degree and meet transfer requirements. 

Aspire Appalachian offers a range of support services designed to help students successfully transfer, including dedicated advising from both institutions, admissions guidance, financial aid assistance, special transfer events and webinars, and priority consideration for scholarships. Students also receive ongoing communications and resources to help them stay on track from enrollment at Central Piedmont through transfer to App State.

Together, these pathways demonstrate Central Piedmont's commitment to helping students continue their education, achieve their career goals and meet North Carolina's growing workforce needs.

• More than $317,000 already raised for scholarship support since 2019
• Announcement guarantees impact for students pursuing aviation-related careers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) announced today the creation of an endowed scholarship called the “Charlotte Douglas International Airport Scholarship Fund” at Central Piedmont Community College to support students pursuing aviation-related careers. This endowment will guarantee that CLT’s charitable impact at Central Piedmont continues indefinitely.

“We are thrilled to be able to support the next generation of aviation professionals through this permanent scholarship fund,” said CLT Airport CEO Haley Gentry. “By creating an endowed scholarship at Central Piedmont, we’re not only investing in students today, but ensuring that CLT’s commitment to education, workforce development and our community continues for generations to come.”

Since 2019, the Aviation Department has raised over $317,000 for Central Piedmont Opportunity Scholarships through its popular CLT Runway 5K — more than doubling the original goal. The Oct. 18, 2025, race was another record-breaking event. It sold out in less than three hours, attracted over 1,600 participants and raised $90,930.

Endowed scholarships are established to provide ongoing support in perpetuity, with funds invested to generate annual scholarship awards for students today and in the future.

So far, 30 students from Mecklenburg County have been provided CLT Airport Opportunity Scholarships.

“We are incredibly thankful for Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s sustained investment in Central Piedmont students and their futures,” said Lisa Schlachter, chief philanthropy officer at Central Piedmont. “By covering tuition, program-required fees, and books, this scholarship expands access to aviation career pathways for students with financial need—opening doors to stable, meaningful employment while creating long-term opportunity for our region.”

As it funds the endowed scholarship, CLT will continue to donate $20,000 annually to support Opportunity Scholarships. Already, $70,930.33 from last year’s proceeds has been earmarked to start the endowed scholarship fund.

This year’s CLT Runway 5K is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Registration opens Aug. 1.

• Nearly 1,000 U.S. military veteran students and dependents supported through multi-campus Military Families and Veteran Services centers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College earned the 2026–2027 Military Friendly® School designation, recognizing the college’s strong commitment to serving veterans, transitioning service members and military-connected students.

Since 2013, the college has proudly supported military-connected students through its Military Families and Veterans Services centers, which operate as a comprehensive one-stop support model across multiple campuses. 

Services include: 

• Academic advising
• Counseling
• Career coaching
• Goal setting and mentoring
• Assistance with education benefits
• Scholarship support
• Connections to community resources

These dedicated veteran spaces and support staff help ensure accessible, consistent support throughout a student’s academic journey. 

“This recognition reflects Central Piedmont’s commitment to meeting military-connected students where they are and helping them succeed,” said Dr. Amy Bruining, vice president of student affairs. “Through dedicated support services and clear academic and career pathways, we ensure veterans and their families can achieve their goals and build meaningful futures.”

Central Piedmont also offers priority registration for eligible veteran students and serves as an approved institution for Veteran Affairs education benefits. In 2024-25, the college enrolled nearly 1,000 U.S. military veteran students and dependents.

The college’s approach is designed to support not only veterans and service members, but also military spouses and families as they navigate the transition from military service to civilian education and careers.

“Choosing a Military Friendly® school like Central Piedmont makes an enormous difference for veterans,” said Lawanda Ellison, a Central Piedmont student in the Information Technology program who serves in the U.S. Army Reserve. “You’re not treated like a number. From day one, the Military Families and Veterans Services team helped me understand how to maximize my VA benefits, plan my classes and move forward with confidence. They go above and beyond to make sure you’re supported — not just academically, but personally — and that kind of guidance makes the transition from military service to college life so much easier.”

About the Military Friendly® School designation

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Schools designation are evaluated using a combination of public data sources and responses to a proprietary survey. More than 3,200 organizations participated in the 2026–2027 Military Friendly® review process. 

Final ratings were determined by combining survey results, public data and an assessment of each institution’s ability to meet or exceed benchmarks related to student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.

“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served,” said Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships at Military Friendly®. “These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses — they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Central Piedmont Community College awarded an honorary degree to acclaimed chef and restaurateur Sam Hart during the college’s Spring Commencement on May 14 at Bojangles Coliseum, celebrating Hart’s leadership in the culinary arts and deep commitment to community impact.

Hart, executive chef and owner of counter‑, is a Charlotte native whose career reflects a nontraditional but purpose‑driven path to national recognition. After working in advertising, Hart made a pivotal decision to pursue a passion for cooking, returning home to enroll at Central Piedmont. In 2017 and 2018, Hart earned two culinary arts certificates from the college, choosing an accessible, community‑focused education as the foundation for a future in fine dining. 

While a student, Hart gained hands‑on experience in several of Charlotte’s most respected kitchens before advancing their training in Chicago. There, Hart worked at world‑renowned restaurants, including the three‑Michelin‑starred Alinea, and later explored Japanese cuisine as a sashimi chef — experiences that would shape a distinctive culinary voice.

In 2019, Hart returned to Charlotte with a clear vision: to create a dining experience that both challenged convention and lifted others along the way. That vision became counter‑, an intimate, full‑sensory restaurant designed as an incubator for emerging chefs. Under Hart’s leadership, counter‑ has earned international acclaim, including recognition as a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Southeast, as well as a MICHELIN Star and MICHELIN Green Star, honoring excellence and sustainability.

Beyond accolades, Hart is known for supporting local suppliers and reinvesting in the Charlotte community.

• Grant aims to grow Electrical Systems Technology enrollment by 20%
• Central Piedmont is one of 10 community colleges statewide that received the grant

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College has been awarded a $250,000 Careers Electric™ grant, positioning the college to strengthen the state’s electrical and electrification workforce.

Central Piedmont is honored to be one of only 10 community colleges in the state to receive the grant, highlighting the college’s strong track record in electrical training.

Supported by the Siemens Foundation and the North Carolina Community College System Foundation, the grant will enable Central Piedmont to expand enrollment capacity in its Electrical Systems Technology program by at least 20% by October 2028. 

The investment fuels immediate capacity at the Levine Campus – upgrading lab infrastructure, adding critical equipment, including appliances, a water heater and other supplies, and hiring additional faculty – all to drive student recruitment and deliver hands-on training aligned with industry needs.

The grant represents a strategic investment at a pivotal moment. As the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region accelerates, demand for skilled electrical talent is surging across both traditional and emerging industries – and Central Piedmont is continuing to scale to meet the need.

“Central Piedmont’s skilled trades programs power the people who power our economy,” said Dr. Heather Hill, Central Piedmont’s provost and chief academic officer. “Being selected for the Careers Electric™ Training Network allows us to expand access to electrical training that leads directly to stable, well‑paying careers, while helping employers fill urgent talent gaps.”

Central Piedmont is doubling down on career and technical education to ensure a strong pipeline of professionals in skilled trades including welding, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, lineworker training, construction management and electrical systems.

More than 1,300 students enrolled in the college’s HVAC, Electrical Systems Technology, and Construction Management programs from fall 2025 through spring 2026, with enrollment continuing to grow. The Careers Electric™ grant strengthens that momentum by targeting one of the region’s most critical workforce needs: electrical and electrification expertise across traditional and emerging industries.

The initiative aims to prepare 25,000 North Carolinians over the next decade for essential roles in the state’s workforce.

• 1,843 graduates honored at commencement – up 6.2% from May 2025
• Graduates earned a 3.41 average GPA, reflecting academic excellence and persistence
• Nearly 500 graduates enter high‑demand fields, fueling Charlotte’s workforce growth

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College celebrated the academic achievement and perseverance of 1,843 graduates during its commencement on May 14, recognizing students who earned degrees and diplomas and are now prepared to shape their careers – and the region’s future.

The spring 2026 class represents a 6.2% year-over-year increase, with 107 more graduates completing credentials — a continued sign of Central Piedmont’s momentum and commitment to student success. Collectively, graduates earned an impressive 3.41 average GPA, reflecting their dedication and determination to balance academics with work, family and life’s challenges.

“Your collective desire to excel in your studies is nothing short of remarkable,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont, during her commencement address. “Wherever you go, you carry with you the perseverance and success you’ve demonstrated here – and we are confident you will thrive as you take the next step, becoming the future leaders, innovators and professionals who will make a significant difference in the world.”

Nearly 500 graduates are entering high-demand career fields in healthcare, information technology, public safety, skilled trades and transportation — all essential to the Charlotte region’s economic vitality and long-term growth.

“Many of us didn’t take a standard route to get here, and that’s exactly what makes this moment meaningful,” said Grace Melvin, a graduate in Broadcasting and Production Technology who served as the commencement speaker for the college’s morning ceremony. “At Central Piedmont, I found direction, purpose and the courage to try again. We didn’t just earn degrees — we proved that success doesn’t require a perfect timeline, only the persistence to keep going.”

The class also included nearly 325 graduates from Central Piedmont’s dual enrollment and middle and early college programs, underscoring the college’s role in accelerating opportunity for high school students through these early-access pathways.

“We are here because we chose growth over comfort,” said Khushi Bhatia, a middle college graduate who completed her associate degree while finishing high school and spoke during the afternoon ceremony. “Central Piedmont gave us the space to believe in ourselves and the confidence to define our own direction forward.”

Duke Energy recently donated professional attire to Central Piedmont Community College’s Professional Clothing Closet, continuing a partnership that helps students prepare for academic, professional and workforce success. This marks the third clothing drive that the Duke Energy Foundation has spearheaded for employees in support of the college’s initiative, which has served students since 2021.

The Professional Clothing Closet provides free professional clothing to Central Piedmont students, helping remove a financial barrier many face when preparing for interviews, internships, classroom presentations, and career-connected events. Over the past year alone, nearly 350 students have registered to shop, while countless others have dropped in, underscoring the growing need for and impact of the resource.

For Lohana Fuenmayor, a student in Early Childhood Education who graduates this May, the clothing closet has been transformative. “The clothing closet has been a very enriching experience for me during my time at Central Piedmont,” she said. Now working as a preschool operations manager, Lohana shared that the clothing provided helped her feel “more confident and prepared for professional and academic settings.”

She added that knowing Duke Energy supports the closet is especially meaningful. “It shows that the broader community is invested in student success and willing to contribute in meaningful ways,” she said.

Student Na Nian echoed that sentiment, noting how the closet provides both practical support and confidence. “It helps students feel more confident when they go to interviews or professional events,” Na said. “Not every student can afford to buy formal clothes, so this program gives everyone a fair chance.”

Na also emphasized the personal impact of Duke Energy’s donation. “Their kindness makes me feel supported by the community,” she said, adding that she hopes to one day give back herself.

Through partnerships like Duke Energy’s, Central Piedmont’s Professional Clothing Closet continues to empower students and ensure access to opportunity and confidence as they pursue their goals.