News and Features

John “Dylan” Whitley, a turfgrass management student at Central Piedmont Community College, has been named a 2021 New Century Workforce Scholar. The Salisbury, N.C., native will receive a $1,250 scholarship in recognition of this accomplishment. More than 2,000 students were nominated for the scholarship from more than 1,200 college campuses across the country. Only one New Century Workforce Scholar is selected from each state; and Whitley was chosen as the North Carolina recipient.

New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Whitley matched the award’s criteria well. As a Central Piedmont student, he is involved in the college’s Student Life activities as a member of the Turfgrass Club and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, while excelling inside the classroom with a 3.8 grade point average.

“Dylan is an exemplary student, and he is motivated to reach his academic goals by his desire to provide a good life for his family, and as a new dad,” said Jen Conway, a Phi Theta Kappa All-USA nominator and Student Life coordinator at Central Piedmont.

“Phi Theta Kappa recognizes leadership as one of our hallmarks, so Dylan’s application stood out as he discussed his approach to leadership and the care that should be given to employees. Leadership can come from anywhere, no matter your title, and Dylan reflected on that sentiment as he detailed the importance of being a leader, not just a boss. We were excited to nominate him, and thrilled he represents Central Piedmont and our chapter, as the winner from North Carolina,” Conway added.

The New Century Workforce scholarship, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon the completion of a degree or certificate. Whitley is currently finishing up his associate degree in turfgrass management at Central Piedmont, and plans to secure employment in the industry after graduating in December 2021.

“We congratulate Dylan for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca Cola Foundation to recognize his outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”

Whitley, and his fellow New Century Workforce Scholars, will be recognized in the fall.

Central Piedmont is preparing for its Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmation in 2024. Our accreditation is vitally important since it impacts the college’s ability to award degrees, diplomas, and certificates to students. It even affects students' ability to receive financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education.

We need help from our employees and students in developing a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which is a requirement of the college’s SACSCOC reaffirmation process. The QEP topic will focus on an issue Central Piedmont can improve upon that deals with student learning outcomes and student success.

Current students and employees can help in the coming months by:

• virtually attending “Campus Conversations” events in March or April
• completing an online survey, arriving in your Central Piedmont inbox in late August
• submitting a research proposal this fall that focuses on a specific student barrier or challenge

View our “Introduction to the SACSCOC QEP Process” video for more details on the accreditation process.

The N.C. State Board of Community Colleges has awarded Central Piedmont Community College its 2021 Distinguished Partners in Excellence Award for its successful, ongoing partnership with Bank of America and Year Up.

The State Board’s Distinguished Partners in Excellence Award honors an exemplary employer, business or industry group that has demonstrated decisive involvement and a firm commitment to the professional development of its employees and/or to the development of North Carolina's workforce through its partnership efforts with one or more of the 58 community colleges.

Central Piedmont’s partnership with Year Up and Bank of America represents the award’s criteria well. The Year Up Charlotte program – which receives support from the Duke Endowment and the John M. Belk Endowment as well as Bank of America – strives to prepare low-income students throughout the Charlotte region for economically mobile careers. Nationwide, more than 90 percent of Year Up students identify as a person of color.

“We are proud of the partnership between Central Piedmont Community College, Year Up and Bank of America to continue to strengthen the economic mobility opportunities within the Charlotte market. Collectively our partnership provided the students the tools, but it is important to note these motivated and smart young adults leveraged the resources and proudly exceed all of our expectations,” said Charles Bowman, Bank of America’s Charlotte Market President. “We look forward to deepening the partnership and continuing to make a positive impact for the young adults and adults of this community and region.”

Launched in 2019, Year Up Charlotte offers first-semester students the opportunity to take credit-bearing technical courses taught by Central Piedmont faculty along with professional skills classes taught by staff of the national non-profit Year Up. Students earn a stipend and have access to the college’s many services, including its library and tutoring resources.

“Through their commitment and support, Central Piedmont and Bank of America have given Year Up Charlotte students the opportunity to learn in-demand skills and make an impact in corporate America,” said Elise Ford, site director for Year Up Charlotte. “We are thrilled to continue partnering with Central Piedmont and Bank of America as we work to empower more young people to redefine what talent looks like and where it comes from.”

In their second semester, Year Up Charlotte students enter a full-time, credit-earning internship at Bank of America or another corporate partner. There is no cost for students to participate in the program. Bank of America’s advocacy and strong leadership role, coupled with Year Up’s outcomes, have led other Charlotte-area companies to extend workplace-learning opportunities for the involved student population.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in spring 2020, Central Piedmont and Year Up provided laptops and personal Wi-Fi hotspots so students could continue their instruction online. Bank of America provided the interns with the same technology their employees use so they could work remotely.

“Central Piedmont is honored to receive the Distinguished Partners in Excellence Award with Bank of America and Year Up,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “When the

Year Up Charlotte program was launched at Central Piedmont in 2019, it was the largest opening class of students in Year Up’s history. From that point forward, with Bank of America’s generous support and intense engagement, Year Up Charlotte has been a superb, high-quality program that is transforming the lives of students. Central Piedmont’s goal is to help ensure the Year Up Charlotte program continues to be a model for other schools and cities to replicate.”

Of the partnership’s first cohort, 70 percent of graduates are now working at Bank of America full-time; 10 percent are enrolled in school full-time.

Year Up is a national nonprofit organization that serves more the 5,000 young people annually.

Learn more about Year Up.

Learn more about Central Piedmont.

Do you know a Central Piedmont Community College graduate who is making a tremendous difference in the community? Nominations are currently being sought for the 2021 Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Advancement Award and the 2021 Young Alumni Award of Excellence. These awards recognize Central Piedmont graduates who have significantly benefited from their experiences at Central Piedmont and whose efforts have helped the community.

Nominations are being sought for individuals who have:

• demonstrated community involvement/professional involvement, social responsibility and impact
• acquired scholastic and learning skills that have led to continued personal and educational growth
• improved his or her economic status and social capital as a result of attending Central Piedmont
• invested in the lives of others and is seen as a role model
• graduated within the last 10 years (Young Alumni Award of Excellence only)

Individuals interested in applying should note:

• attendance at graduation is preferred
• political candidates may not be selected or honored in a year in which they are actively pursuing election or re-election

The college will present the award to this year’s winners virtually or at Central Piedmont’s commencement ceremony, depending on the status of the global pandemic. In addition, a one-year scholarship will be granted to a Central Piedmont student in an area of study reflective of the winner’s background.

Nomination forms are available on the Central Piedmont website.

Completed nomination forms should be submitted online; or mailed to Christa Newkirk, Office of Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 35009, Charlotte, NC, 28235. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 12, 2021, at 6 p.m. For more information, email Christa Newkirk or call 704.330.6808.

The N.C. State Board of Community Colleges has awarded Central Piedmont Community College its 2021 Distinguished Partners in Excellence award for its successful partnership with Year Up and Bank of America.

The State Board’s Distinguished Partners in Excellence award honors an exemplary employer, business, or industry group that has demonstrated decisive involvement and a firm commitment to the professional development of its employees and/or to the development of North Carolina's workforce through its partnership efforts with one or more of the 58 community colleges.

Central Piedmont’s partnership with Year Up and Bank of America represents the award’s criteria well. The Year Up program – which also receives support from the Duke Endowment and the John M. Belk Endowment – strives to prepare low-income, minority students throughout the Charlotte region for economically mobile careers.

Launched in 2019, Year Up offers first-semester students the opportunity to take credit-bearing technical courses taught by Central Piedmont faculty along with professional skills classes taught by staff of the national non-profit Year Up. Students earn a stipend and have access to the college’s many services, including its library and tutoring resources.

In their second semester, students enter a full-time, credit-bearing internship financed by Bank of America. There is no cost for students.

When the pandemic hit, Central Piedmont and Year Up provided laptops and personal Wi-Fi hotspots so students could continue their instruction online. Bank of America provided the interns with the same technology their employees use so they could work remotely.

Of the partnership’s first cohort, 70 percent of graduates are now working at Bank of America full-time; 10 percent are enrolled in school full-time.

Learn more about Year Up.

Congratulations to the newest members of the Phi Lambda chapter of the Central Piedmont Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Induction into Phi Theta Kappa is an honor and an accomplishment, with eligible students who have a 3.5 or higher GPA invited to apply to join.

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society, recognizing excellence, hard work, good grades, leadership, and commitment. It is America's most prestigious scholarly organization for two-year colleges and the largest student organization at Central Piedmont. The Central Piedmont Phi Lambda chapter is dedicated to local community service and service to our college community through education and hands-on activities.

The Phi Theta Kappa fall 2020 induction class set a record for the largest ever at Central Piedmont, with 340 students joining our chapter as new members. Our Phi Lambda chapter also celebrated its 50th birthday in 2020. We continue to be proud of the legacy of thousands of students who have succeeded in their educational journey through Central Piedmont and Phi Theta Kappa.

Visit the Phi Theta Kappa honor society page to learn more about the fall 2020 inductees and how to join.

The Dickson Foundation of Charlotte has awarded Central Piedmont Community College a $500,000 grant to develop a new licensed practical nursing program at the college that will provide students with an accelerated path to a meaningful, family-sustaining career in the healthcare industry and address the employment needs of Charlotte’s healthcare sector. Thanks to the Foundation’s generous gift, the program will permanently be named the Dickson Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Central Piedmont.

“This gift will provide us with the resources we need to create a quality program,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “The funds will not only allow us to provide financial aid to our most in need students, but also enable us to hire full- and part-time faculty, develop challenging course content and purchase program-specific material and equipment that will produce quality graduates prepared to enter the workforce.”

Licensed practical nurses serve an important role in the healthcare delivery system, ensuring quality care for patients. They assist physicians and registered nurses in providing critical, essential services, including monitoring patients’ vital signs and supervising nursing assistants and collaborating with other members of the healthcare team. Licensed practical nurses are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, private practices, medical offices and with home healthcare agencies.

Central Piedmont’s licensed practical nursing program will enable students to earn their professional credential in one year, preparing them for employment more quickly. This is especially important, given the median licensed practical nursing salary is $48,055, which offers a viable economic-mobility pathway for low-income residents in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

“The Foundation values and appreciates Central Piedmont’s important education and career training role in our community,” said R. Stuart Dickson, chairman of the board of directors for The Dickson Foundation of Charlotte. “The college is a critical resource in expanding opportunities for the citizens of Mecklenburg County. This grant addresses two of The Dickson Foundation’s priorities – education and healthcare. We are pleased to partner with Central Piedmont to begin and name this new program.”

The Dickson Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Central Piedmont will be based on the college’s Central Campus and will focus on patient data collection and subsequent care, safety and hygiene, medications, use of medical records, nursing procedures, applying anatomy and physiology, professional behavior, and healthcare law and policy.

The first cohort of licensed practical nursing students is expected to begin classes in fall 2021 and graduate in summer 2022. Upon completing the program, all of the program’s graduates will take the National Council Licensure Examination in Practical Nursing to become a nationally-certified licensed practical nurse. It is anticipated the program will begin with 18 students in its first year and grow to 40 students in the second year.

Central Piedmont will have the option to add students in subsequent years to meet student and workforce demand.

The Dickson Foundation of Charlotte is a longtime supporter of Central Piedmont and of healthcare and education in the Charlotte area. The Foundation’s grant will help the college further progress toward its Powering a Stronger Future campaign goal of $40 million.

Individuals interested in learning more about the Dickson Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Central Piedmont can contact Jeanette Cheshire, associate dean of nursing and nurse aid at Central Piedmont, at 704.330.6451 or at jeanette.cheshire@cpcc.edu.

Congratulations to our fall 2020 Central Piedmont Dean's and President's List students!

These lists recognize students enrolled in for-college-credit programs who achieved a high grade point average (GPA) with no Incomplete ("I") or Withdraw ("W") grades and who have completed at least 12 hours of credit in courses numbered 100 through 299. Dean's List students earned a 3.50 or higher GPA; President's List students earned a 4.00 or higher GPA.

These students have worked very hard over the semester and have well earned this accomplishment.

Congratulations to our fall 2020 ACA Scholarship winners! Each fall and spring semester, the college's Academic Related Courses (ACA) area selects seven recipients for the ACA Scholarship for awards of $600 each. To apply, students had to write an essay answering the question “Being resilient (the ability to recover quickly from difficult conditions) is a life skill that we often do not recognize. How have you been resilient in your journey as a community college student, and what does this journey look like?" Applicants are reviewed based on meeting the scholarship eligibility requirements and on their essay's quality of writing. The fall 2020 scholarship recipients are Valentina Barria, Brittney Cabrera, Nubia Vanessa Anzola Castellanos, Vanessa Mateo, Skyler McNeely, Jaclyn Truong, and Christina Wallace. Read their winning essays:

• Barria ACA Scholarship essay (PDF)
• Cabrera ACA Scholarship essay (PDF)
• Castellanos ACA Scholarship essay (PDF)
• Mateo ACA Scholarship essay (PDF)
• McNeely ACA Scholarship essay (PDF)
• Truong ACA Scholarship essay (PDF)
• Wallace ACA Scholarship essay (PDF)

Learn more about the ACA Scholarship.

Central Piedmont is excited to announce Merancas IV, a new classroom building on its Merancas Campus in Huntersville, NC, will open its doors for select in-person courses in January 2021.

The new 67,660 square-foot facility, designed by ADW Architects and constructed by Rodgers, features:

• a campus library, including a computer classroom and student technology center
• four science labs
• nine general classrooms
• Middle College at Merancas Campus classrooms and offices
• reading and math labs
• student commons areas, including multi-purpose rooms, Student Government Association lounge and offices
• student study and lounge areas
• a campus administration office suite
• faculty office areas

“One of Central Piedmont’s core values is being student-centered and focused on student success,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “With this in mind, our new facility will help us better serve our students by providing them with additional spaces to not only study and learn, but also to engage with their peers and grow their leadership skills through our many Student Life programs and Student Government initiatives.”

The $27.5 million project was funded with Mecklenburg County 2013 Bonds.

If you are a student and are not sure if you have a class in the new facility, courses in this building have “Merancas IV” as the location on course schedules.

To familiarize yourself with the new building's location, view the Merancas Campus map.