Central Piedmont, UNC Charlotte renew transfer partnership

Central Piedmont Community College and UNC Charlotte the Charlotte region's two largest higher-ed institutions are strengthening their five-year commitment to growing the workforce in Charlotte-Mecklenburg through an updated partnership agreement.

The agreement, recently signed by the leaders of the two institutions, builds on 49erNext, UNC Charlotte's successful co-admission program first launched in 2019, and formally recognizes an added pathway for Central Piedmont students to pursue a bachelor's degree in the high-demand area of data science.

"Central Piedmont Community College is UNC Charlotte's largest transfer partner by far," said UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. "This renewed agreement affirms our longstanding commitment to provide accessible, affordable, quality higher education to students here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg."

"The 49erNext program has been a great success because it offers students a direct pathway to a four-year degree as well as an avenue to greater economic mobility," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. "The program is a tremendous benefit to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community as we seek to produce more individuals with bachelor's degrees to meet our growing workforce demands. 49erNext also is a wonderful example of the region's two largest institutions of higher education working together to serve students and be economic development accelerators."

Through the updated formalized agreement, Central Piedmont students in the Associate in Applied Science programs in Information Technology/Data Analysis, Information Technology/ Full Stack Programming, and Information Technology/ Software Development now have a path to pursue a bachelor's degree in data science, the first degree of its kind in North Carolina. Students can transfer up to 64 credit hours toward their bachelor's degree.

A bachelor's in data science, offered through UNC Charlotte's fast-growing School of Data Science, creates opportunities for high-demand careers such as data science engineer, data analyst, research engineer, and data science developer.

Several new agreements are also in the pipeline between UNC Charlotte and Central Piedmont, as the institutions continue to streamline student transfer processes.

For 2022-23:

  • About 17% of Charlotte's 23,000 undergraduates had transfer credits from Central Piedmont.
  • 16% of UNC Charlotte bachelor graduates were Central Piedmont transfers.

UNC Charlotte is the No. 1 destination for North Carolina community college transfer students. 49erNext first launched with Central Piedmont in 2019 and has grown to include six community college partners. The program maximizes transfer credits through degree plans and regular data exchange between UNC Charlotte and the participating community college to ensure students' progress toward the timely completion of a baccalaureate degree.

Last fall, 93% of 49erNext transfer students were admitted into their preferred majors.

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Posted in Foundation News.

Gantt Encourages Value of Determination, Belief to Central Piedmont Students

Former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt visited Central Piedmont's Parr Center on March 20 and delivered a lecture on his background as a civil rights pioneer, architectural innovator, and influential politician. 

"If you want to do something, you've got the capacity to do it," said Gantt, the first African American student to enroll at Clemson University in 1963. "You might not go through the same types of struggles that I did, but that does not diminish the struggle you may be going through. If you believe in it, you can achieve it. You need to stay determined, and you can do well." 

Gantt spoke for an hour to an audience of Central Piedmont students, primarily in the architectural technology program, and answered questions about his life and career following the event. 

Gantt's story began in fifth grade, when a teacher noticed him sketching and drawing during class. Fearful that he was going to be admonished for not paying attention, the teacher instead encouraged him to continue his drawing and had him help design materials for the classroom bulletin board. 

While in high school, an English teacher and guidance counselor both encouraged Gantt's pursuit of architecture. At the time, Gantt said, less than one percent of architects in the country were African American, but that did not daunt him. 

So off he went to Iowa State University, where he excelled in the classroom, but not in the frigid winter environment. His eyes wandered back to his home state of South Carolina and Clemson University, which continually denied his application to attend not because of his academic record, but because of his race. 

Undeterred, a legal battle ensued, and Gantt eventually earned the right to attend Clemson then one of the top architecture programs in the country and graduated in 1965. Gantt later earned a Master of City Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1971 and moved to Charlotte to begin his professional career. 

He co-founded Gantt Huberman Architects and surrounded himself with a diverse staff noting the same type of diversity he saw in the lecture hall full of Central Piedmont students. 

"We wanted our firm to be different," he said. "Our firm needed to look like the people who founded it. We intentionally went out to find people who wanted to work in that kind of environment. There were not that many African American architects at that time, so we had to go out and find them. We tried to meld a culture where everyone was important, and contributions were made by everyone." 

The firm went on to develop some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Charlotte Transportation Center, TransAmerica Square, ImaginOn, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and the Johnson C. Smith University Science Center. Gantt shared stories with the students about how those designs came into play. 

"[It was so] enriching, this whole experience, to make a difference in public life, and make a lasting difference in the buildings we design for so many people," he said. 

Gantt's background in urban planning led him to pursue a career in politics, first serving on city council in 1975 before being elected mayor in 1983. He was the first African American mayor in city history and was in that role until 1987. 

During the question-and-answer session, Gantt left some parting words of wisdom for the students in attendance. 

"You will know when you want to do something in life that fits with who you are," he said. "Something that allows you to be centered, that allows you to feel like you made a contribution. Whatever your struggle is, it can also be an opportunity to learn." 

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Posted in Foundation News.

NC Campus Engagement Honors Deitemeyer

NC Campus Engagement (NCCE) has honored Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College, with the 2024 Leo M. Lambert Engaged Leader Award. The Lambert Engaged Leader Award recognizes an NCCE president or chancellor who has fostered the creation and/or deepening of community engagement. 

NCCE is a collaborative network of North Carolina colleges and universities committed to educating students about civic and social responsibility, partnering with communities for positive change, and strengthening democracy. NCCE fosters campus connections, shares best practice information and resources, recognizes outstanding work, and champions civic and community engagement in higher education.

In 2012, the NCCE Executive Board launched the Lambert Engaged Leader Award to honor the significant contributions of Leo Lambert, former Elon University president, who played a key role in the formative years of NCCE.

"I humbly accept the Lambert Engaged Leader Award, in honor of the faculty and staff of Central Piedmont Community College and in gratitude to our many corporate and community partners as well as those in higher education," Deitemeyer said. "As I have learned and come to appreciate during my 30-plus years in higher education, our institutions cannot flourish without strong partnerships. Our colleges and universities do important work. We strive to improve the world through educating and empowering individuals. Thank you to North Carolina Campus Engagement for all you do to amplify our efforts."

NC Campus Engagement is based at Elon University.

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Posted in Foundation News.

Deitemeyer Honored at Event as ‘BusinessWoman of the Year’

Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College, was honored at a March 7 luncheon event as Queens University's 2023 "BusinessWoman of the Year."

The event was held on the Queens University of Charlotte campus and attended by more than 100 business and community leaders; higher education leaders; and colleagues, family and friends of Deitemeyer. In its 38th year, the award and event celebrate female leaders who have made significant contributions to the Charlotte region through outstanding leadership and achievement.

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

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

"The award and today's gracious event are gifts I will treasure," Deitemeyer said in her acceptance remarks. "I will keep telling the amazing stories of our students, of our college, and of the significant work we are all doing together in this community."

Deitemeyer came to Central Piedmont in 2017 to serve as its fourth president and second female leader. Dr. Ruth Shaw, the 1995 BusinessWoman of the Year, served as Central Piedmont's president from 1986 to 1992.

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Posted in Foundation News.

U.S. Congresswoman Alma Adams visits Central Piedmont

Alma Adams, U.S. House representative for North Carolina's 12th Congressional District, came to Central Piedmont's Central Campus on Feb. 20, where she saw high-tech, cutting-edge facilities in which students are gaining high-demand healthcare skills.

Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer welcomed Rep. Adams and her staff to the college. The group toured Central Piedmont's Leon Levine Health Sciences Center and its many simulation labs and clinics, where healthcare program students gain valuable clinical experience. College leaders shared Central Piedmont's plans to expand its nursing and other healthcare programs to help meet a growing need for care providers in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region.

The Congresswoman also met with four Central Piedmont's Ruth G. Shaw Scholars. The group talked about good leadership qualities and Adams' journey of service as a local, state, and U.S. elected official.

Adams was elected to her fifth full term representing the 12th district in 2022. She serves on the Committee on Education & the Workforce and the Committee on Agriculture. She holds several leadership roles: as Assistant Whip for the Democratic Caucus, Ranking Member of the Committee on Education & Labor's Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, and co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, the Black Maternal Health Caucus, and the e-Learning Caucus. She has previously served on multiple committees, including the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Small Business.

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Posted in Foundation News.

Central Piedmont Partners with Mecklenburg Public Health to ‘Give Kids a Smile’

Central Piedmont Community College and Mecklenburg County Public Health are partnering to participate in National Give Kids a Smile Day by offering free dental services to Mecklenburg children on Saturday, Feb. 24.

Between 200 and 300 children will receive free dental cleanings and screenings, vision screenings, immunizations, health education, and other family resources. Mecklenburg Public Health employees and Central Piedmont health sciences faculty, staff, and students donate their time providing services and care. 

"We are excited to serve our community, especially the children who need us the most," said Raydiance Swanston, Mecklenburg County Public Health Pediatric Dental Clinic manager. "We will provide these vital oral health services to families who do not have health insurance. But while the event is focused on children, we also are ready to serve the entire family."

Also participating in the event will be Atrium Health's Women's Care Drive to Thrive mobile unit, a Vision to Learn mobile unit and a mammogram bus. All services and wellness information will be provided in English and Spanish.

North Carolina data shows that 11.3 percent of kindergartners in state Region IV, including Mecklenburg County, have tooth decay. Dental disease in children can be reduced effectively through prevention initiatives for oral health. Such efforts reduce loss-of-learning time due to school absences. About 25 percent of children in Mecklenburg County are found to have untreated cavities in their permanent teeth, with the majority coming from low-income families.

"I am proud of our collective efforts to bring 'Give Kids A Smile Day' back to Mecklenburg County this year," said Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director. "We are excited and thankful for the partnership with Central Piedmont, allowing our teams to help more children and families than ever before."

Event Details

  • Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Location:  Central Piedmont Community College, Central Campus, Worrell Building Gymnasium, 1228 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte
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Posted in Foundation News.

Central Piedmont President's Report - January 2024

The January President's Report highlights our recent accomplishments and impactful initiatives made possible through your unwavering support. Throughout the report, you will witness the tangible outcomes of your generosity - from the creation of innovative academic ventures to celebrating our December graduates. Our collective efforts have propelled us toward greater heights, ensuring that our students receive a world-class education enriched with opportunities that shape their futures.

Play the video to find out what else is included in the January President's Report.



Explore the full report.
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Posted in Foundation News.

Duke Energy Employees Donate to the Professional Clothing Closet

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

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

How to Participate

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

Donation Details

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

For More Information

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

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

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Posted in Foundation News.

Central Piedmont Welcomes Atrium Health's Women's Care Drive to Thrive Mobile Unit

Central Piedmont Community College is delighted to partner with the Atrium Health Women's Care Drive to Thrive, a groundbreaking mobile care unit dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of women's health services. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing healthcare access and equity in our community.

About the Women's Care Drive to Thrive:

Atrium Health's Women's Care Drive to Thrive is a mobile unit offering a variety of essential services in a friendly and supportive environment. The unit is open to all community members and offers both scheduled and walk-in appointments, with bilingual staff available for Spanish-speaking patients.

Services Provided:

The mobile clinic includes a range of vital services, such as:

  • Screening for cervical cancer, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections
  • Access to birth control
  • First-time prenatal visits and postpartum care
  • Ultrasound services
  • Mammogram referrals
  • On-site social worker to help connect patients with resources

Cost and Insurance Information:

Service costs vary based on individual insurance plans. For those without insurance, a sliding scale is applied, often resulting in no charge.

Central Piedmont Operating Hours and Location:

The clinic operates on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on the Central Campus. The mobile unit sets up in Parking lot 11, at 1425 Elizabeth Ave., adjacent to the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center, which fronts Elizabeth Avenue and Charlottetowne Avenue.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling 704.468.0137, though walk-ins also are welcome.

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Posted in Foundation News.

Central Piedmont students can apply for Next NC Scholarships of at least $3,000

The new "Next NC Scholarship" is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any community college in the state. The assistance is not a loan, so students will not have to pay the money back.

The Next NC Scholarship combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that is easier to understand and makes education more affordable so a greater number of North Carolina students can pursue a degree or shorter-term credential.

Qualifying students attending Central Piedmont or any other N.C. community college will receive at least $3,000. That means having their tuition and fees 100 percent covered. Students can also use the scholarship award to pay for books, food, and housing.

To apply for a Next NC Scholarship, students simply need to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. If students are eligible, they will receive the Next NC Scholarship with no additional forms to fill out. The Next NC Scholarship priority filing date is Aug. 15, 2024, for N.C. community colleges.

To receive the Next NC Scholarship, students must be:

  • A North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition 
  • A high school graduate (high school equivalency completers are eligible) 
  • From a household with an annual adjusted gross income (AGI) of $80,000 or less 
  • Enrolled in an eligible community college curriculum program for the 2024-2025 academic year
  • Taking at least six credit hours per semester (part-time students will receive a partial award) 
  • Meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards of the school, the student attends 
  • A student who has completed the 2024- 2025 FAFSA, with a resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 7,500 (once complete, Central Piedmont's financial aid office will determine and confirm eligibility.)

For more information about the Next NC Scholarship Program and other financial aid opportunities at Central Piedmont Community College, visit the Grants page or contact a financial aid counselor via email.

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Posted in Foundation News.

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