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Janet LaBar appointed to Central Piedmont Board of Trustees
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College today announced the appointment of Janet LaBar to its Board of Trustees. The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners appointed LaBar to complete the term vacated by Jim Dunn. LaBar will serve two years, through June 2028.
LaBar is a longtime supporter of Central Piedmont and previously served on the Board of Trustees from 2021-24. During her tenure, she provided strategic guidance as the college navigated the post pandemic environment and strengthened its role as the region’s primary workforce development engine. She has consistently advocated for deeper connections between the college and the business community to ensure Charlotte-Mecklenburg employers have access to the skilled talent they need.
In addition to her board service, LaBar volunteered as a mentor in Central Piedmont’s Ruth G. Shaw Women’s Leadership Program from 2020-21, offering coaching and career guidance to students selected for the program.
LaBar serves as the executive director of the Women’s Impact Fund, a Charlotte-based nonprofit with more than 500 members. Under its collaborative giving model, the Fund has awarded more than $8.5 million in grants to more than 110 local nonprofit organizations.
“Janet LaBar brings decades of leadership experience, a deep understanding of our region’s workforce needs, and a clear passion for Central Piedmont’s mission,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “Her institutional knowledge and commitment to student success will strengthen our board as we continue advancing our strategic priorities.”
LaBar’s blend of regional business experience, philanthropic leadership, and community perspective will support Central Piedmont as it expands student resources, enhances workforce pathways, and deepens public-private partnerships across the Charlotte region.
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Central Piedmont doubles architectural technology program capacity
- New studio at Cato Campus allows program to serve 200 students
- Expansion delivers high-tech, flexible learning to more students across the region
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College expanded its growing architectural technology program to a second location at its Cato Campus, doubling capacity and increasing access for students across the Charlotte region. The expansion, made possible from the support of an anonymous donor, reflects growing student demand, the region’s construction and development boom, and the college’s deepening investment in hands-on, design-focused education.
“This expansion is about meeting students where they are and giving them the space and tools to imagine, collaborate, and build,” said Dr. Heather Hill, Central Piedmont’s provost. “We’re proud to provide a studio that mirrors real-world practice and makes architectural education more accessible in our community.”
With this second studio, the program can serve up to 200 students. The expansion complements ongoing partnerships in the area, including a 2+2 transfer agreement with UNC Charlotte’s David R. Ravin School of Architecture. This agreement launched in 2022 and gives qualified students a direct pathway to complete a four-year pre-professional architecture degree – students spend two years with Central Piedmont and then two years at the four-year institution.
The new Cato studio, converted from a former law library, features:
- an open layout with mobile furniture
- abundant natural light
- high-tech fabrication tools, including 3D printers, plotters, and laser cutters
These tools complement the program’s emphasis on industry-standard production workflows, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) and computer‑aided drafting (CAD).
Students in the program also learn industry‑relevant software such as SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, and Revit, ensuring they graduate with real-world technical proficiency.
Beyond the classroom, both locations offer students opportunities to engage with professionals and other students from both UNC Charlotte and Central Piedmont's architecture programs in work sessions and critiques. These experiences help develop soft skills like communication, collaboration, preparation, and critical thinking. Students can network and establish a strong relationship with the existing architectural community in Charlotte.
Students also benefit from opportunities to join the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), where they can build leadership skills, engage in service projects, and strengthen their design portfolios. The program is also affiliated with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) and the Coalition of Community College Architecture Programs (CCCAP), giving students access to conferences, design competitions, and professional networking across the field.
“With the new studio opening at the Cato Campus, it’s made attending and commuting to classes much easier,” said Sofia Villaneuva, a first-year student who lives in Iredell County. “My education is much more accessible and convenient than it was before.”
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Central Piedmont to resume normal operations Feb. 4
Central Piedmont will resume normal operations on Wednesday, Feb. 4. All campuses will reopen for in-person classes and events.
Those on campus for in-person classes and events on Wednesday are encouraged to take care as some walkways may still be hazardous. Students, employees, and visitors should pay attention to signage and avoid closed-off areas.
Students and employees can check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Community members can also follow our social media channels for any future college updates:
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Central Piedmont operations update for Feb. 3
Central Piedmont will continue reduced operations on Tuesday, Feb. 3. All classes will be shifted to remote learning. In-person events will be canceled, and campuses and buildings will be closed.
During reduced operations, current and prospective students can join virtual lines for many services through the QLess kiosk, including assistance with applications, financial aid, advising, and more.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide guidance for Wednesday, Feb. 4 by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont operations update for Feb. 2
Central Piedmont will move to reduced operations on Monday, Feb. 2. All classes will be shifted to remote learning. In-person events will be canceled, and campuses and buildings will be closed.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide guidance for Tuesday, Feb. 3 by 4 p.m. on Monday.
Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont celebrates impact of Lowe's Foundation Gable Grant on skilled trades
- Renovated facilities increase number of classes offered
- Mobile trailers allow for educational opportunities across Mecklenburg County
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Over 500 credentials awarded in relation to grant since 2024
CHARLOTTE, NC - Central Piedmont Community College showcased the transformative impact of the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new skilled trades facility on Jan. 15.
Thanks to the $1 million award that the college received in 2024, Central Piedmont renovated a previously vacant building to create the Levine Campus Learning Cottage, a facility housing construction, electrical, HVAC, and refrigeration labs. Beginning this semester, students will gain hands-on experience in these high-demand fields, preparing them for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
The grant also funded the upfit of a trailer as a mobile electrical lab, with another portable trailer soon to become a mobile construction lab. These mobile units will enable the college to deliver skilled trades education to every corner of Mecklenburg County, removing barriers to access and ensuring opportunity for all.
Additional improvements include the build-out of a construction yard, renovation of the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration lab at the Harper Campus, and investments in technology such as laptops and smartboards to enhance classroom instruction.
“This investment is more than a financial contribution — it’s a commitment to building futures, strengthening communities, and ensuring that skilled trades education is accessible to all,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “Thanks to the Lowe’s Foundation and its partners, we are creating pathways to opportunity and shaping the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”
Beyond facilities, the Gable Grant has strengthened community partnerships with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction (ROC), and other organizations committed to workforce development and student success.
Since 2024, Central Piedmont has awarded 525 certifications related to the grant, with more to come. Each certification represents a student ready to enter the workforce, support their family, and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.
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Central Piedmont operations update for Jan. 31 – Feb. 1
Central Piedmont will move to reduced operations on Saturday, Jan. 31. All classes will be shifted to remote learning. In-person events will be canceled, and campuses and buildings will be closed.
The college will move to a full closure on Sunday, Feb. 1. All campuses and buildings will be closed, and all events and classes on these days will be canceled.
The college will continue to monitor the weather throughout the weekend and provide guidance for Monday, Feb. 2 by 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1.
Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont operations update for Jan. 27-28
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Central Piedmont will move to reduced operations (Level 2) on Tuesday, Jan. 27. All classes will move to remote learning.
All campuses and buildings will be closed, and all in-person events will be canceled.
The college plans to resume normal operations on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as necessary. Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont Community College adjusts operations Jan. 24-26 due to weather
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Due to the potential threat of winter weather, Central Piedmont Community College is adjusting operations from Jan. 24-26.
On Saturday, Jan. 24, all classes will take place remotely, and all events on campus are cancelled.
On Sunday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 26, all classes and events are canceled. All campuses and buildings will be closed on these days.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as necessary. Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont honors student achievement, community impact at December Commencement
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1,700+ graduates earned credentials with an impressive collective GPA of 3.34
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Nearly 300 graduates benefited from almost $1 million in scholarships
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Graduates demonstrated grit and discovered new paths, proving education transforms lives
CHARLOTTE, NC – On Dec. 16, Central Piedmont Community College awarded degrees, diplomas, and credentials to 1,711 students, celebrating their accomplishments and the promise of their future.
With over 200 more graduates than the Dec. 2024 class, the Dec. 2025 class represents a 15% increase in graduates and reinforces Central Piedmont’s historic growth. The group had a collective 3.34 GPA, showcasing the strength of their academic journeys.
The college has invested in holistic support systems to help students complete their educational pathways – from financial assistance, individual academic advising, and access to a professional clothing closet. Additionally, the college’s Wellness Center offers wrap-around services, such as counseling and connections to local food banks.
Community and donor support played a large role in the success of the graduates, with nearly 300 students benefiting from almost $1 million in scholarship support from the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation.
Kristen Alvarado Sorto, who received her associate degree in cosmetology, served as the graduation speaker. She highlighted the resilience of her journey as she balanced a full-time job with the pursuit of her degree.
“Central Piedmont has been a life-changing opportunity, not just through education, but through growth, community, and purpose,” Alvarado Sorto said. “This moment is only the beginning of what each of us can achieve. As we move forward, remember this one powerful truth: We are the generation rewriting our stories — one degree, one dream, and one victory at a time.”
Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer praised the graduates for their perseverance and potential.
“These graduates are the future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will make a significant difference in the world,” Deitemeyer said. “They didn’t just earn credentials, but discovered their capacity to solve problems, lift up their families, and strengthen their future.”
The class of 2025 includes nearly 275 graduates entering career fields such as healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, and transportation, roles that are essential to keeping the community healthy, connected, and thriving.
“Through hands-on learning, they uncovered their potential and defined their purpose,” Deitemeyer said. “As they step forward — in hospitals, tech firms, construction sites, and more — they will shape stronger communities and create lasting impact across the region.”
Central Piedmont also highlighted several graduates whose journeys reflect courage, adaptability, and purpose:
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Mariame Boujlil – After years of caregiving and work, Boujlil graduates at age 61 with a Human Services degree, showing that dreams never expire — they wait for courage.
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Earl Patterson III – Once doubtful about college due to a learning disability, Patterson III found his path in Simulation and Game Development, proving perseverance pays off.
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Carla Strickland – After starting as a dually enrolled student with plans for accounting, Strickland discovered a passion for welding and thrived in a field where few women are represented.
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