With deep appreciation for its history and significance to the community, Central Piedmont Community College has announced plans to remove the historic "Granddaddy Oak" on Central Campus during the week of Aug. 3 following extensive evaluations confirming the tree's deteriorating condition and increasing safety risks.

For more than a century, this willow oak tree has stood as a landmark in Charlotte, witnessing the city's growth and the development of Central Piedmont into one of North Carolina's largest community colleges. 

• Estimated to be approximately 100 years old, the willow oak has long been recognized as one of the oldest and largest trees in uptown Charlotte. 
• According to TreesCharlotte's Treasure Trees program, it is one of the largest known willow oaks in Mecklenburg County.
• When the tree was named to the Treasure Trees program in 2022, it measured about 237 inches in circumference and over 90 feet tall. 
• Updated measurements in 2025 recorded a circumference of 256.8 inches and a crown spread approaching 95 feet.

The decision follows several recent incidents in which large limbs fell after storms and periods of high wind. After years of monitoring the tree's health and consulting with certified arborists, the college determined that the tree's structural condition has deteriorated to a point where it presents a significant safety concern.

"This decision does not come lightly," said Rick Fogarty, interim chief operations officer. "The 'Granddaddy Oak' has been a cherished part of our campus and Charlotte's landscape for generations. We are deeply saddened that this remarkable tree has reached the end of its lifespan."

Over the years, Central Piedmont's facilities team invested significant effort to preserve the tree, including annual health assessments, structural pruning, specialized treatments and lightning-protection systems. Despite these proactive measures, experts concluded that continued decline has made removal necessary.

The timing of the project is intended to ensure the campus remains safe as students, faculty and staff return for the fall semester.

While the tree's physical presence will soon be gone, its legacy will continue. Central Piedmont plans to plant a substantial replacement tree in the same location and is exploring opportunities to commemorate the historic oak through partnerships with local artists.

Back in 2013, David Svoboda built his first 3D printer during a STEM summer camp at Central Piedmont. His photo was even featured in the camp's marketing materials the following year. 

Fast forward more than a decade, and David is an engineering student at the college. And he is still passionate about 3D printing work. In fact, it has now even taken him abroad. 

"My passion for 3D printing basically started here," said the Charlotte native.

He's come full circle, but his interest in engineering began in his youth as he played with Legos and experimented with circuits and electronic boards. He was also involved with robotics in elementary and middle school, participated in vocational activities like SkillsUSA and became well-rounded through Future Business Leaders of America.

He comes by his interests honestly. His mom earned a Ph.D. in robotics engineering, and his dad works in business with a technical focus.

David graduated from high school in 2022, but after the COVID era, he found himself burned out.

"I had a passion for learning, personal development and tinkering with things," he said. "But I was like, 'I don't think I'm ready for school. I kind of just want to figure some things out first.'" 

He worked at an automotive shop for a year, where he saw how engineers communicate with technicians to troubleshoot problems. He then decided to follow an engineering path.

"I like tinkering on the side, but I love to apply the thinking," he said. "So, I gravitated more from a vocational, technical aspect to a passion for the theory and things behind it."

He chose to start his college career at Central Piedmont to build a foundation before transferring to a four-year institution after he graduates in December 2026.

"I think the biggest benefit of being here is the class size and closeness to instructors," he said of his Central Piedmont experience. "By the end, you're in a class with eight or 12 people and the instructor."

David feels learning is easier when he is comfortable. Those types of close relationships provided him the opportunity to undertake a six-month research internship at ENSAM-ParisTech in France, facilitated by Dr. Hisham A. Abdel-Aal, chair of the Mechanical Engineering Technology program at Central Piedmont. ENSAM is one of the world's top technical institutions with more than 70 partnerships around the globe. It was founded on a principal like Central Piedmont's -- linking theoretical knowledge to hands-on skill. David completed two interviews before being chosen for the program.

At the French institution, located in the town of Châlons-en-Champagne in the eastern part of the country, David stayed in the dorms on campus. He was also sponsored by ENSAM as he participated in several European scientific and industrial research symposiums and conferences, even spontaneously co-leading a segment on 3D printing at one event to assist a colleague presenting remotely.

During his time overseas, David earned praise from faculty and industry colleagues for his technical abilities and potential. Several encouraged him to continue building his research and scientific expertise as a foundation for a successful engineering career.

"I learned a whole lot about the research process, but I also got a lot of industry experience," he said. 

David, who has dual American and Czech citizenship, is considering returning to Europe to pursue a bachelor's degree at a college in the Netherlands. He is not sure yet what path he will pursue. He is passionate about mechanical engineering and has considered working in the automotive or motorsports industries, which could also lead to work in manufacturing or design. But with a mind for business, he is thinking about an industrial engineering track as well.

He notes the importance of learning a little bit about a variety of concepts and disciplines, something he has taken advantage of at Central Piedmont. He encourages other engineering students to do the same.

"It's helped me not only make connections with folks, but the younger you get started with branching out and networking and connecting with people in different disciplines, the more opportunities you'll have in the future and the more impressive you look," he said.

David, a welcoming and outgoing presence, is passionate about not just engineering but authentic connections. He works as a TA in the Fab Lab at Central Piedmont to further his own knowledge and help other students succeed as well. He has also built a community of like-minded people in the lab and across the college.

"It's truly fun to have potentially lifelong connections," he said. "I feel like these people will be in my life for as long as possible."

Since building his first 3D printer at Central Piedmont, so too has the college remained a constant in his life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key findings from the study

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

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

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

A powerful return on investment

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

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

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

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

Strengthening the workforce and local economy

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the study

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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