News and Features

• College receives $474,038 from the National Science Foundation to expand its Artificial Intelligence associate degree program and grow local tech talent. 
• College’s AI degree prepares students for in-demand roles in data analytics and machine learning, offering annual starting salaries ranging from $60,000 to $75,000. 
• 88% of local employers are actively hiring for AI-skilled positions. 

Central Piedmont Community College has been awarded a $474,038 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) degree program and accelerate the development of local technology talent. The three-year initiative, known as Generating Artificial Intelligence Talent (GAIT), will enhance curriculum, train faculty, deepen industry partnerships, and provide tailored student support to prepare graduates for Charlotte's fastest-growing job market.

Launched in fall 2024, Central Piedmont's associate in applied science degree in AI is one of the first of its kind in North Carolina with more than 100 students currently enrolled. It is designed to equip students with the practical, high-demand skills needed to launch careers in AI-related fields without requiring a four-year degree. The new grant, awarded through the NSF's Advanced Technological Education program, builds on the early momentum and strong employer interest already surrounding the program.

“This grant allows us to take our highly sought after AI program to the next level,” said Dr. Heather Hill, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Central Piedmont. “We are focused on aligning instruction with industry needs here in the county, supporting our faculty with the tools they need to lead and accelerate in this space, and ensuring our students are prepared to step into these emerging careers with confidence and competence.”

Responding to industry demand

Charlotte experienced a 21.3% increase in high-tech jobs between 2021 and 2022, more than double the national average. A spring 2024 survey of regional employers found that 88% are currently hiring AI-skilled workers, and 100 percent anticipate expanding those roles in the near future.

“Technology is transforming every industry,” said Hill. “Our goal is to ensure those jobs are filled by people who are trained here, live here, and are ready to lead here.”

Turning training into opportunity

The GAIT project will expand the program's capacity in four key areas: curriculum development, faculty readiness, employer engagement, and student advising. The college will also introduce industry-driven credentials that enable students to acquire skills and enter the workforce more quickly.

Graduates are prepared for roles such as artificial intelligence programmers, data analysts, machine learning technicians, and prompt engineers. These roles require a growing knowledge and use of artificial intelligence. Many of these positions offer annual starting salaries between $60,000 and $75,000, with the potential to grow above $130,000 within just a few years.

A community-wide return on investment

Serving more than 44,000 students annually and offering nearly 300 -degree, diploma, and certificate programs, Central Piedmont plays a critical role in Mecklenburg County’s economic landscape. The AI program strengthens that role by helping students secure high-wage, future-ready jobs and giving employers access to a skilled, homegrown workforce.

“This is not just a degree,” Hill said. “It is a workforce solution and an investment in our region's long-term competitiveness.” 

Tickets are now available for The SpongeBob Musical, presented by the Parr Arts and Humanities Series.

Get ready to dive into the underwater world of Bikini Bottom, where SpongeBob SquarePants and his quirky crew face a looming disaster: the eruption of nearby volcano Mount Humungous. With only 48 hours to save the town, SpongeBob sets out to prove he's more than just a “simple sponge".

Performances will take place at the Dale F. Halton Theater on Central Campus:

• Thursday, July 24 at 11 a.m.
• Friday, July 25 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Saturday, July 26 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, July 27 at 3 p.m.

Central Piedmont students and employees may attend for free by presenting a valid college ID at the door.

Please note: The Halton Theater box office is now cashless. All ticket purchases must be made with a credit or debit card.

• Empowering Charlotte’s youth: Summer Theatre Academy offers teens hands-on training and personal growth through performance and backstage arts. 
• Building community through creativity: Program fosters confidence, collaboration, and connection among diverse students ages 15 and older. 
• Affordable access to the arts: For just $400, high school students gain four weeks of professional instruction, culminating in a full-stage musical production. 

Central Piedmont Community College is calling aspiring actors, dancers, singers, and behind-the-scenes creatives to the stage for its 2025 Summer Theatre Academy, a four-week immersive program designed to unlock talent and build confidence in students ages 15 and older.

Running June 30 through July 27, the academy culminates in a full-scale production of “SpongeBob the Musical” at the Halton Theater. Participation costs just $400 and is a high-quality performing arts opportunity for students across the region.

“This program offers more than just theater training,” said James Duke, drama instructor at Central Piedmont. “It builds confidence, fosters collaboration, and creates community. It’s about young people finding their voice and discovering what they’re capable of, whether on stage or off.”

Open to all levels of experience, the academy includes hands-on instruction in acting, choreography, puppetry, vocal technique, stage combat, lighting and sound design, and more. It serves as both a creative outlet and a bridge to personal development, particularly for students seeking community, mentorship, and new ways to express themselves.

Why it matters:

The Summer Theatre Academy reflects Central Piedmont’s broader mission to provide accessible, life-changing education. At a time when young people need connection, purpose, and safe spaces to grow, this program offers exactly that through the unifying power of the arts. 

Program benefits include: 

• Expert training in a supportive, inclusive environment 
• Development of transferable life skills: communication, collaboration, and creativity 
• Real-world production experience on a professional stage 
• Affordable access to enriching summer programming 

Enrollment is limited, and spots are filling fast. Register or learn more.

This summer, Charlotte’s next generation of storytellers will take center stage. Join us for a season of growth, creativity, and celebration. 

• Free, public event exploring the impact of AI across industries, hosted June 20 at Central Piedmont Community College 
• Keynote speakers from Amazon Web Services, Compass Group, Gartner and SEI 
• Hands-on workshops, expert panels and insights into AI careers and innovation in the Carolinas 

Central Piedmont Community College, in partnership with Mint Hill Marketing and the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce, will host the first Charlotte AI Summit on Friday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Parr Center on Central Campus. This free public event will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future across various industries, including cybersecurity, healthcare, finance, and workforce development.

The summit invites students, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and community members to attend a full-day event featuring expert panels, interactive workshops, and networking sessions. Attendees will gain insights from top voices in technology and business on the opportunities and challenges AI presents.

"AI isn't here to replace us. It's here to evolve with us. It's a mirror of human imagination, a bridge across barriers, and a catalyst for possibility," said Ann Gonzales, president and CEO of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce. "This summit invites us to reimagine what's possible when we grow alongside technology, not against it."

"AI isn't just about the future. It's about what's possible today," said Joseph Little, associate dean of technology at Central Piedmont. "We're proud to host this event as part of our commitment to providing real-world education and workforce innovation."

AI Learning at Central Piedmont Community College 

Central Piedmont offers an associate degree in applied science in artificial intelligence technology and certificates in AI and machine learning. These programs blend hands-on learning with technical training to prepare students for careers in data science, automation, and intelligent systems. 

Event Highlights 

• Tiffany Benitez, head of data governance at Compass Group USA, will share insights on AI-driven risk management and analytics. 
• Celestine Pressley, executive partner at Gartner, will speak on the future of enterprise technology and innovation. 
• Antonio Mañueco, managing principal consultant at SEI, will break down the real-world implementation of AI tools. 
• Sreenath Gotur, senior generative AI specialist at Amazon Web Services, will provide a look at cutting-edge developments in generative AI. 
• Linda Yang, executive director of information strategy at Family Health Initiatives, will explore the intersection of AI and public health. 

Other sessions include industry roundtables, exhibitor showcases, and a closing social hour for networking. An AI-powered event app will help attendees connect and navigate throughout the day. 

Registration is free and open to the public. An optional networking lunch is available for $21. Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged. 

• New paid apprenticeship: CEENTA and Central Piedmont launch program to address critical eye care staffing shortage. 
• Earn while you learn: Six-month program offers classroom learning plus paid, hands-on clinical training. 
• No student debt: Tuition, fees, and books are covered for participants. 

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. (CEENTA) and Central Piedmont Community College are deepening their longstanding partnership with the launch of a new apprenticeship program. This innovative six-month, earn-while-you-learn program is designed to prepare students for careers as certified Ophthalmic Assistants — a critical but often understaffed role in the eye care industry. 

In collaboration with Central Piedmont’s Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (OMP) program, the new apprenticeship offers a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs, and immersive clinical experience at CEENTA locations across the region. Participants will receive paid clinical training while gaining practical experience in specialties such as general ophthalmology, retina, cornea, glaucoma, pediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology, and oculoplastics. 

A three-phase pathway to certification and employment 

The program includes three phases: 

• Starting Aug. 18, students will begin their journey at the college’s Central Campus, learning medical terminology, ophthalmic science, and clinical techniques in a 15,000 sq. ft. simulation center under the instruction of nationally accredited faculty.  
• As the program progresses, participants will split their time between OMP coursework and real-world experience in CEENTA clinics.  
• The final phase features full clinical immersion and side-by-side training with CEENTA’s physicians and technicians. 

Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) exam and will receive a guaranteed job offer at CEENTA upon successful completion. In return, participants commit to a two-year employment agreement as full-time ophthalmic assistants. 

“This partnership represents a powerful step forward in addressing the growing demand for skilled eye care professionals,” said Kathleen Rodgers, Central Piedmont’s department chair of Ophthalmic Medical Personnel. “By combining CEENTA’s clinical excellence with Central Piedmont’s educational leadership, we’re creating a sustainable pipeline of eye care workers who are ready to make an immediate impact in patient care. It’s a win for students, a win for our community, and a win for the future of healthcare.” 

A community-centered solution to a workforce shortage

Since 2013, CEENTA has been a proud clinical partner of the college’s Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program, hiring graduates from the program’s earliest cohorts. The new apprenticeship directly addresses the region’s growing need for qualified eye care professionals. For the first time, CEENTA will sponsor tuition, fees, and books for selected apprentices, eliminating financial barriers for those eager to enter the field. 

CEENTA has also partnered with Central Piedmont since 2017 on the Angie Madigan Ophthalmic Medical Assisting (OMA) Scholarship, which is available to students enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in the ophthalmic medical personnel program. 

“We’re pleased to work with Central Piedmont as we transition our long-standing Ophthalmic Assistant training program into a new collaborative model,” said Judy Moore, CEENTA’s Chief Operating Officer. “This partnership allows CEENTA to provide hands-on clinical experience while Central Piedmont leads classroom instruction, combining education and real-world training to invest in the future of healthcare and the communities they serve. Together, we’re opening a path for individuals to develop practical skills and launch meaningful careers in eye care — supporting CEENTA’s doctors in delivering the highest quality care to patients across the region.” 

How to apply

Ideal candidates include recent high school or college graduates, career changers, or anyone interested in a fast, affordable entry into healthcare. Applications are open now, with a deadline of June 23. 

• 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 American 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.”

• Central Piedmont sets a new enrollment record with 33,000 students for Spring 2025 
• Programs aligned with local workforce needs are helping students transition directly into careers 
• Employers praise the college’s graduates for being prepared, professional, and job-ready 

Central Piedmont Community College has officially enrolled 33,000 students for the spring 2025 term, setting a new institutional record and marking the tenth consecutive semester of enrollment growth. This milestone, up from 31,741 in fall 2024, reflects the growing demand for accessible, career-focused education that meets the needs of students and the regional economy.

“This is a proud moment for our entire community,” said Amy Bruining, vice president of student affairs. “Enrolling 33,000 students is more than a number – it represents trust, relevance, and a shared belief that education should lead somewhere. Our students come here with a purpose, and we are committed to helping them reach it.”

Central Piedmont offers more than 300 degree, diploma, and certificate programs aligned with high-demand fields such as nursing, skilled trades including construction and sustainable technology, information technology, and artificial intelligence. Each program is designed with input from local industry partners to ensure graduates are job-ready and prepared for real-world careers.

To help students stay on track, the college recently introduced multi-term registration. This allows students to register for an entire academic year at one time, reducing stress and helping them plan ahead. Students can currently enroll in summer 2025, fall 2025 and spring 2026 courses. Central Piedmont also offers various support services including academic advising, career coaching, and hands-on learning environments tailored to students' goals.

Affordability remains a key priority. The college provides over $4 million in scholarships each year, along with tuition payment plans that require no interest, fees, or credit checks. These tools remove financial barriers and open doors to education for a diverse and growing student body. During the 2024-2025 academic year, more than 2,000 students received scholarships, and over 6,000 students took advantage of payment plan options.

Naidelyn Cruz, a dental assisting student graduating this summer, credits Central Piedmont with preparing her to enter the profession.

“My experience at Central Piedmont has been the most rewarding education I’ve ever had,” Cruz said. “The instructors went above and beyond to ensure we learned the material and could apply it in real-world settings. The hands-on lab felt like a real dental office, and my externship helped me build my confidence. I was recently offered a position at the dental practice where I trained.”

That practice is Dentistry of the Carolinas, a long-time employer partner of the college.

“For nearly a decade, Dentistry of the Carolinas has partnered with Central Piedmont, and it continues to be one of our most valuable relationships,” said Tyler Hammock, director of human resources for Dentistry of the Carolinas. “The program produces well-trained graduates ready to thrive in a real dental office. We have been fortunate to hire many of these students who come to us prepared, professional, and eager to make a difference. The combination of strong instruction and hands-on experience makes them a valuable asset to our team.”

From high school students earning tuition-free college credit to adults reentering the workforce or making a career change, Central Piedmont serves learners at every stage of life. Graduates strengthen the local workforce, contribute to economic mobility, and help the Charlotte region grow.

With enrollment continuing to rise and strong interest in upcoming terms, Central Piedmont remains focused on expanding access and delivering high-value education that transforms lives and drives the region forward.

For more information about enrollment, scholarships, or academic programs, visit cpcc.edu. 

• Builds a stronger emergency response workforce through expanded education, delivering benefits for Mecklenburg County residents
• Provides cutting-edge facilities for realistic, hands-on emergency response training
• Creates one of the most significant workforce development projects in the college’s history

Central Piedmont Community College, in collaboration with Mecklenburg County and local first responder agencies, is launching The Community Lifeline—a transformative initiative designed to address the growing need for highly trained emergency response professionals in the region. The initiative, one of the most significant workforce development projects in the college’s history, will expand academic programs and create a state-of-the-art training facility at the Levine Campus in Matthews, N.C.

The initiative is critical as the region experiences rapid population growth and increasing demand for emergency medical services (EMS), fire protection, and law enforcement. The Community Lifeline effort will prepare the next generation of first responders while enhancing the skills of those already serving, ensuring Mecklenburg County remains ready to respond in times of crisis.

“As a community college, we serve as the workforce development engine for the county—and we are thrilled to be able to facilitate cross-agency public safety training,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College. “Our region relies on our first responders and emergency personnel every day, and with our expanded programs and new best-in-class facilities, we can provide safe spaces for these brave individuals to train, learn and grow. We appreciate the partnership with agencies across the county – many of whom have been supporting the design and providing input to ensure the facility will serve their current and future training needs.”

State-of-the-art training facility for first responders

The training facility will be an advanced, real-world learning environment where students and professionals from multiple agencies, including EMS, fire and law enforcement, will train together. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the facility will feature simulation spaces replicating real-life emergency scenarios, including:

• A single-family residence
• A townhouse
• A convenience store
• A burn building
• A vehicle burn area
• An entrapment space
• A drive-thru building 
• A hospital/hotel simulation space 

The college is also investing in a specialized driving course with two distinct tracks, which will allow emergency vehicle operators to refine their skills under realistic conditions.

The facility will include a state-of-the-art soundproof indoor practice firing range, enabling law enforcement to train locally and obtain required certifications in a controlled, credentialed-access environment.

“Central Piedmont continues to be the largest feeder of paramedics to MEDIC, with a strong pipeline of well-prepared graduates entering the field,” the Mecklenburg EMS Agency said in a statement. “Since Dec. 2022, 21 paramedic students have graduated from the college, and from just the 2023 and 2024 EMT cohorts alone, we have hired over 50 Central Piedmont graduates. Being part of the planning for the Community Lifeline ensures that future EMTs and paramedics will train in a facility that mirrors the demands of the field and prepares them to serve Mecklenburg County with excellence.” 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings also praised the facility’s focus on realistic and advanced training. 

“As a police chief who joined the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department more than 30 years ago, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to ensure our officers are ready for the challenges they face,” Jennings said. “The Community Lifeline initiative will provide our officers with advanced training in realistic, high-pressure situations, making them better prepared than any previous generation. By strengthening their skills and response capabilities, this facility will have a direct, positive impact on the overall public safety of the community we serve.” 

Expanding academic programs in emergency response

In addition to hands-on training, the Community Lifeline will expand Central Piedmont’s academic programs in public safety and emergency response. New curriculum offerings will include:

• Mental health and wellness training for public safety personnel
• Proactive conflict resolution techniques
• High-tech medical and crisis simulations
• Cross-agency fire, EMS, and law enforcement programming
• Virtual reality (VR) and drone-based training

These enhancements will help address workforce shortages while ensuring first responders have access to continuous, high-quality education.

Leaders from across the region’s public safety agencies are expressing strong support for the initiative. 

“Charlotte Fire is proud to support our neighboring departments through mutual aid during emergency calls,” the department said in a statement. “Charlotte Fire and Central Piedmont have a long-standing relationship when it comes to training firefighters, and being included in the planning of the facility ensures it will reflect the real-world challenges we all face. This space will allow agencies across the county to train together — preparing side by side for the real-life events we respond to in the field.”

“I am excited about the forthcoming collaboration between the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the other townships’ law enforcement agencies, and Central Piedmont Community College regarding the training facility,” said Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden. “This partnership will facilitate the unification of first responders within our county, enabling joint training sessions at the newly constructed state-of-the-art training facility. With this facility, we will enhance our preparedness for future challenges and ensure the continued safety and well-being of our community.”

Penny Dunn, interim chief of police for the Town of Matthews, highlighted the long-term value of the facility for regional preparedness. 

“The concept of a facility dedicated to advanced instruction across all disciplines of emergency response is a testament to the long-term commitment to public safety in this region,” Dunn said. “Central Piedmont's choice of the Levine campus in Matthews for this facility is an honor for the community. The collaboration among Fire, EMS and Police entities of Mecklenburg County, our municipalities, and our education partner, Central Piedmont, ensures a future for excellence in first responder training.”

Engaging the community through safety programs

Beyond professional training, The Community Lifeline will serve as a resource for the broader community. Central Piedmont is exploring public programs such as:

• CPR certification courses
• Child car seat safety checks
• Teen driver safety programs

The initiative also aims to strengthen pathways for high school students interested in emergency response careers through cadet programs and Junior ROTC collaborations.

Investing in the future of public safety

With a current budget of $118 million, the training facility is funded through Mecklenburg County appropriations and private support, including a 23-acre land donation from the Hendrick Automotive Group. The facility will be located on this 23-acre tract, positioned across a road from the existing campus. The driving course will be constructed on 14-acres of college-owned land adjacent to the existing buildings.

The facility will be built in phases and is expected to be fully operational in 2028.

As with any major construction project the college undertakes, Central Piedmont has taken a comprehensive approach to environmental assessment of the land. Aligned with the county’s commitment to a sustainable tree canopy, the college will preserve nearly 20% of the trees on the 23-acre area and more than 50% on the 14-acre area. Central Piedmont is evaluating tree-planting options once the project is complete.

As emergency response challenges evolve, the comprehensive Community Lifeline initiative will help safeguard Mecklenburg County’s residents by strengthening the region’s public safety workforce through agency collaboration, advanced technology training, and community engagement.

For more information, visit the Community Lifeline Initiative.

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. 

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.” 

On Dec. 12, 2024, Central Piedmont Community College proudly celebrated the achievements of over 1,487 graduates in a ceremony that highlighted their academic success and their inspiring personal journeys. This December graduating class, with an average GPA of 3.33, demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance across a diverse array of programs, setting a strong foundation for future contributions to the community. 

"Graduation day is the most joyful day of the year," said Central Piedmont President Kandi Deitemeyer. "It is a day of celebration—of hard work, determination, and the incredible promise that each of our graduates represents." 

Among the many stories of resilience and triumph, four graduates stood out: 

Tiffany Glover: At 45 years old, Tiffany earned her Diploma in Adult High School. After being laid off from a trucking job, Tiffany sought a better future and found her place at Central Piedmont. With support from staff like Deandra Williams, she excelled in her studies, discovering joy in learning for the first time. Tiffany plans to return to pursue a degree in information technology and cybersecurity. 

"Central Piedmont paved the way for me," Tiffany shared. "They supported my curiosity and will continue to support my future career development in an ever-changing world." 

Stacy Goode: Even with the birth of her fifth child in September, Stacy earned her Associate Degree in Nursing while balancing the demands of clinicals, soccer practices, and parenting. Her hard work paid off, as she'll soon begin her career at Novant Health. "Life is about facing challenges and sometimes getting thrown off the path you thought you needed to be on," Stacy said. "But you pick yourself up and keep going." 

Laken Granger: Overcoming personal loss and grief, Laken earned her associate in arts degree and will begin her baccalaureate studies at UNC Charlotte in January. After her father's passing and her mother's battle with cancer, Laken found purpose in education during one of the darkest periods of her life. "My education kept me afloat and gave me purpose," she reflected. 

The ceremony also featured a heartfelt speech by Tryphene Mabiku, a Biological Studies graduate who shared her journey from growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Central Piedmont. Overcoming self-doubt, language barriers, and imposter syndrome challenges, Tryphene discovered the power of community and resilience. Quoting Cicero, she reminded her fellow graduates, "If you have no confidence in yourself, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started." 

Central Piedmont's graduates represent a wide range of accomplishments: 

• Degrees Earned: 379 Associate of Applied Science, 79 Associate of Science, and 704 Associate in Arts degrees. 

• Workforce Contributions: 361 graduates entering industries such as healthcare, engineering, business, IT, and education. 

• Community Impact: 194 Career and College Readiness students with high school credentials. 

As these graduates embark on their next chapters, whether in the workforce or at four-year institutions such as UNC Charlotte, Appalachian State University, and UNC-Chapel Hill, they carry the knowledge, skills, and resilience gained at Central Piedmont. 

"You are the future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will make a significant difference in the world," President Deitemeyer told the graduates. "Share your journey. Show others that hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of family, friends, and mentors lead to success."