Central Piedmont Community College has officially opened its newly renovated Cosmetic Arts Building at the Harris Campus, creating Mecklenburg County's premier destination for hands-on education in cosmetology, barbering, massage therapy and other beauty and wellness professions. 

The transformed facility provides students with modern, industry-standard learning environments while expanding access to affordable beauty and wellness services for community members. Designed to mirror professional salons, barber shops, spas and wellness settings, the building allows students to gain real-world experience by serving clients under instructor supervision.

 "This facility represents how Central Piedmont prepares students for successful careers while meeting the workforce needs of our growing region," said Dr. Heather Hill, Central Piedmont's provost. "Students will learn in a professional environment that reflects today's industry standards, gain valuable hands-on experience and graduate ready to succeed."

Expanding educational opportunities

The new facility significantly expands Central Piedmont's capacity to train the next generation of licensed beauty and wellness professionals. Clinic capacity has increased by 40%, growing from 50 to 70 chairs and creating additional opportunities for both students and community clients.

Curriculum programs include:

• Associate in Applied Science degree Cosmetology
• Cosmetology diploma
• Cosmetology certificate
• Dual enrollment pathway for high school students leading to a Cosmetology certificate

Short-term training programs include:

• Barbering Technology
• Cosmetology in Spanish
• Esthetics Technology
• Manicuring and Pedicuring
• Massage Therapy
• Natural Hair Care

Barbering, esthetics and nail technology are new offerings for Central Piedmont, further expanding pathways into high-demand careers.

Students can complete a cosmetology, barbering or massage therapy education at a fraction of the cost of many private schools, helping make career training more accessible and affordable.

Supporting workforce and community needs

Central Piedmont's Cosmetology program has served the community for more than a decade, licensing more than 700 students and maintaining a 92% exam pass rate. The college also partners with Pivot Point, a global leader in beauty, barbering and wellness education, to provide students with industry-leading curriculum and training tools.

As Mecklenburg County continues to grow, demand for licensed beauty and wellness professionals remains strong across salons, spas, healthcare settings and independent businesses. The new facility strengthens Central Piedmont's ability to meet those workforce needs while providing residents access to high-quality services at affordable prices.

"The new building, and our expanded program offerings, create opportunity for our students," Hill said. "They are turning their passion into professions, and our community is gaining access to services that improve quality of life. It's a powerful example of how education and community impact go hand in hand."

At a time when employers need skilled talent and communities are navigating rapid economic change, Central Piedmont Community College has unveiled Leading Boldly. Forward thinking. Future Ready., a new three-year strategic plan designed to strengthen workforce readiness, expand opportunity and power prosperity across the Charlotte region.  

The plan outlines how Central Piedmont will strengthen opportunities for students, deepen partnerships, invest in employees and steward resources. It also advances a new vision: to stand as the nation's most transformative community college, where future-ready talent, bold ideas and economic vitality take shape. 

Developed with input from employees, community stakeholders and industry partners, the plan establishes a clear direction for the college in response to the evolving needs of students, employers and the region. 

"Central Piedmont has long served as a catalyst for economic opportunity in our community," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. "This roadmap builds on our strong foundation while positioning us for even greater impact. We are not simply striving to do good work. We are accelerating our efforts to be exceptional in how we prepare students for meaningful careers, strengthen our workforce, and create lasting opportunities throughout our region." 

Central Piedmont continues to deliver strong outcomes for students and employers, and the strategic plan positions the college to advance from excellent to exceptional. It sets measurable goals focused on student success, workforce readiness, enrollment growth, and strategic partnerships. 

To achieve that vision, the college will focus its efforts on four strategic priorities: 

• Empower students to be workforce leaders 
• Activate partnerships to deliver exceptional programs and services 
• Cultivate a culture where people excel and engage in meaningful work 
• Exemplify future-focused, mission-anchored stewardship 

Preparing more students for career and academic success 

Central Piedmont will strengthen workforce development, expand skill-building opportunities, improve transfer pathways, reduce financial barriers, and broaden access to transformative student services and experiences. As a result, more students can achieve their educational and career goals. 

By 2029, the college plans to:  

• Improve fall-to-fall retention rate so more students stay enrolled and continue making progress toward their goals 
• Increase completion rates, enabling more students to earn degrees and credentials 
• Grow annual enrollment to expand access to education and training across the region 

Expanding opportunity through strategic partnerships 

Central Piedmont will deepen collaboration with employers and community partners, launch credentials aligned with workforce needs, broaden outreach to growing populations and increase opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. The college aims to increase enrollment across in-demand workforce sectors, including healthcare, information technology, engineering and advanced manufacturing, public safety, and skilled trades and transportation. 

The college is already demonstrating this approach through nationally recognized partnerships. Central Piedmont is a member of the Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, supported by the Lowe's Foundation, which brings together leading workforce organizations from across the country to strengthen pathways into high-demand skilled trades careers. The college is also collaborating with UNC Charlotte through the Aspen Institute Transfer Intensive, a national initiative focused on improving transfer outcomes and helping more students earn bachelor's degrees. 

Attracting and empowering exceptional talent 

Central Piedmont recognizes that employee success drives student success. To support its vision, the college will invest in talent development, leadership growth, employee engagement and workplace innovation while aligning resources with its mission and long-term sustainability.  

Through competitive benefits, a strong commitment to professional development opportunities, leadership pathways and a culture that supports employee well-being and belonging, Central Piedmont aims to attract, retain and empower exceptional talent. 

Building a more agile, future-ready institution 

Through continuous improvement, strategic stewardship and a commitment to accountability, Central Piedmont will build a more agile and future-ready institution by identifying operational efficiencies, embracing emerging technologies and expanding the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence to enhance teaching, learning and college operations. 

These efforts will help maximize resources, accelerate innovation and ensure the college remains responsive to the evolving needs of students, employees and the community. 

The strategic plan represents a shared commitment to unlocking opportunity for students, strengthening the talent pipeline for employers and powering prosperity across the region. By building on its strengths and embracing bold new possibilities, Central Piedmont is positioning itself not only to meet the future, but to help shape it. 

To learn more about how Central Piedmont will lead boldly over the next three years, watch the strategic plan video. 

For students nearing graduation, a credentialing exam or unexpected course expense can be the difference between starting a career or delaying it. A new $15,000 grant from the Metallica Scholars Initiative will help Central Piedmont healthcare students overcome those final barriers, marking the eighth consecutive year the college has received support through the nationally recognized workforce development program created by Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation.

Since joining the initiative in 2019, the college has received a total of $215,000 in grant funding, helping 392 students overcome barriers to graduation and workforce entry. 

By helping students cover critical expenses that traditional financial aid often cannot address, the program bridges the final financial gap between education and employment. Whether assisting with credentialing exams, course fees or required materials, the initiative helps ensure students can complete their training, earn professional credentials and begin serving their communities.

The impact of the Metallica Scholars Initiative can be seen in students like Sofia Limache Madrid, who was enrolled in Central Piedmont's Medical Laboratory Technology program and struggling to find the money needed to pay for a required board certification exam. Although employed, inconsistent work hours made it difficult to cover the hundreds of dollars required for her board certification exam, adding to her existing financial obligations and potentially delaying her ability to enter the workforce.

After learning about the Metallica Scholars Initiative through a faculty member, Sofia applied for and received assistance. The support allowed her to focus on preparing for her exam rather than worrying about how she would afford it.

"I could study calmly without the stress or fear that I wouldn't be able to take my exam until I had enough money to pay for the fee," Sofia said.

Metallica's James Hetfield highlighted the program's growing impact on students and communities around the world.

"This thing started as a dream," Hetfield said. "Now our program is changing lives. To expand our impact on a global scale and support even more students is so rewarding. We're so proud of all the Metallica Scholars who have come through it and all the ones who will participate in it. It's humbling to know we've been part of the journey of thousands of trade professionals doing good, hard work in the world."

Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the Metallica Scholars Initiative supports career and technical education pathways that prepare students for high-demand occupations and family-sustaining careers. The program has supported more than 13,000 community college students nationwide.

As healthcare employers across the Charlotte region continue seeking skilled workers, Central Piedmont's partnership with the Metallica Scholars Initiative helps ensure students can complete training, earn credentials and enter careers that strengthen both their families and their communities.

Chick-fil-A® restaurants in Charlotte are teaming up to support Central Piedmont Community College and local students. From Monday, Sept. 28 through Saturday, Oct. 3, participating Chick-fil-A restaurants will donate a portion of sales from mobile orders to the college, helping create the Chick-fil-A Charlotte Scholarship Fund. Central Piedmont serves students across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County region, providing education, career training and workforce development opportunities that help prepare students for their next steps.

"At Central Piedmont, we know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't always within reach," said Vanessa Stolen, associate vice president of institutional advancement at Central Piedmont. "Through Chick-fil-A Charlotte's investment in student success, more students will have access to the education and training they need to achieve their goals, advance their careers and strengthen our community. We are grateful for this partnership and for Chick-fil-A Charlotte's commitment to supporting our students."

"We're proud to support Central Piedmont and help create more opportunities for students across the Greater Charlotte community," said Shannon Holland, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Denver. "We hope our guests will join us in supporting the Chick-fil-A Charlotte Scholarship Fund and investing in the next generation of students as they work toward their education and career goals."

Use the restaurant finder to locate a Chick-fil-A near you.

Central Piedmont Community College's 2025-26 Annual Report, showcases a fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth, expanded workforce training opportunities, innovative academic programs and success stories that underscore the college's impact across Mecklenburg County and the Charlotte region.

During the 2025-26 academic year, nearly 60,000 students chose Central Piedmont to pursue degrees, credentials, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities -- nearly 8,000 more students than 2024-25 academic year.

"At Central Piedmont, student success is at the heart of everything we do," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. "This report reflects the determination of our students, the dedication of our employees and the strength of the partnerships that help transform lives across our community. Together, we are expanding access to education, preparing future workforce leaders and creating opportunities that strengthen our region today and for years to come."

The report details how the college continues to connect students to in-demand careers, strengthen transfer pathways, support local employers and create opportunities for economic vitality.

Elevating student success

• Nine of 14 academic program and career pathways experienced double-digit percentage growth from 2024-25 academic year, including a 30 percent increase in construction and trades, healthcare, and public safety programs
• More than 6,500 high school students participated in Dual Enrollment programs earning college credit while in high school
• Expanded support services and innovative programs helped students persist, complete credentials and advance toward their educational and career goals
• Students earned recognition through academic, research, leadership and study abroad experiences, and also found success transferring to four-year institutions

Academic excellence, innovation and community partnerships

• Central Piedmont welcomed national leaders to Charlotte for the Business Roundtable Skilled Trades for America Forum
• Partnerships with PSA Airlines and Charlotte Douglas International Airport helped strengthen the aviation workforce pipeline
• New transfer agreements created additional pathways for students seeking bachelor's degrees
• AI program enrollment increased significantly as employer demand for AI-related skills continued to grow

Advancing organizational culture

• Employee engagement remained strong, with more than 86% of employees reporting they are highly or moderately engaged
• Faculty and staff participated in over 300 professional development opportunities focused on leadership, innovation, service excellence and emerging technologies
• Employees received regional and national recognition for teaching excellence, leadership and community impact

Read more about the people whose lives have been transformed through education in the full report.

Central Piedmont president Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer has been named as a member of the Charlotte Business Journal's 2026 Power 100: Visionaries, recognizing her as one of the most influential leaders shaping the Charlotte region's future.

Since becoming president in 2017, Dr. Deitemeyer has developed and advanced a unique vision that connects education, economic development, workforce strategy and community advancement to help meet the evolving needs of the Charlotte region. 

"Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer has transformed Central Piedmont into one of Charlotte's most important engines for economic opportunity, workforce innovation and regional collaboration," said Caldwell Rose, chair of the Central Piedmont Board of Trustees. "Her visionary leadership has strengthened partnerships across education, business, government and philanthropy to expand access and prepare students for the jobs shaping our region's future. 

"Dr. Deitemeyer is also a selfless leader -- someone who works tirelessly behind the scenes to bring people together, remove barriers and turn bold ideas into measurable results for students and the community; and, as a result, Central Piedmont and the greater Charlotte area are better positioned for long-term growth, competitiveness and shared prosperity."

Expanding opportunity across the region

Dr. Deitemeyer has spent nearly a decade strengthening pathways from education to careers across Mecklenburg County. Under her leadership, dual enrollment has grown significantly to nearly 6,500 students creating more opportunities to earn college credit and explore career pathways while still in high school. The college has also expanded transfer partnerships to 40 four-year institutions to create more affordable pathways to bachelor's degrees and careers. 

Today, Central Piedmont serves nearly 60,000 students and generates an estimated $1 billion economic impact in Mecklenburg County. During Dr. Deitemeyer's tenure, the college has awarded more than 44,000 credentials, invested in facilities and infrastructure and expanded annual scholarship support to $5 million. 

Her leadership has also positioned Central Piedmont as a critical partner in addressing workforce shortages across healthcare, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, early childhood education, technology and other high-demand industries. Through partnerships with employers, healthcare systems, local governments and school districts, the college has developed innovative workforce solutions that help residents connect to meaningful careers while supporting regional economic growth.

"Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer understands that strong communities depend on education that is accessible, practical and closely connected to workforce needs," said JB Brown, president of Hendrick Automotive Group. "Through her vision and guidance, Central Piedmont has helped countless students build meaningful careers while also strengthening the talent pipeline for businesses throughout Charlotte and beyond." 

The Charlotte Business Journal Power 100 recognition underscores Dr. Deitemeyer's lasting influence on the Charlotte region. By helping reposition education as a driver of economic mobility, workforce innovation and community prosperity, she has helped establish Central Piedmont as one of the region's most important civic assets and a key contributor to Charlotte's and the region's success.

Inspired by his uncle's 20-year career in law enforcement, Officer Mychal Moore of the Cornelius Police Department knew he wanted to serve his community.

Now Mychal is carrying on that family tradition, having completed the Basic Law Enforcement (BLET) Training program at Central Piedmont Community College to advance his career and make a difference in the community.

"As an officer, if you can just touch one person's life, whether it be a kid or adult, and have a positive impact, I think that's the most rewarding thing that you can do," he said.

Originally from Greensboro, Mychal moved to the Charlotte area in 2011 to be closer to his mom's side of the family. He started his law enforcement career in 2016 as a detention officer working in the jail at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, a position he held for five and a half years. 

Ready for a change, he took on a cadet role at the Cornelius Police Department and started the BLET program at Central Piedmont's Merancas Campus in January 2022, finishing in May of that year.

Mychal chose Central Piedmont for its convenience, with the Merancas facility located roughly 10 minutes from his house, as well as the program's reputation for producing high-quality law enforcement officers.

"Central Piedmont laid a very good and solid foundation for my sworn law enforcement career," Mychal said. 

Mychal notes classroom work was about 60% of BLET training, with practical hands-on work making up the remaining 40%. Throughout the months of training with instructors possessing real-world experience, he developed a close camaraderie with other students as they went through long days together, encouraging one another to succeed.

Mychal was supported by the Cornelius Police Department as he completed training, earning a salary while the agency covered his books and tuition.

Since finishing the program, he has served as a field training officer -- a source of pride as he taught new officers -- and a recruiter. He is now assigned as a school resource officer at a middle school, where he has the opportunity to build relationships and connect with a new generation. 

Mychal hopes to move up the ranks throughout his career, saying it is all about "God's timing."

He acknowledges the path to becoming a police officer is tough, but advises students it will ultimately pay off.

"It's going to be challenging, but the reward at the end is worth the challenge," he said. "If you really want to do this type of work and be in law enforcement, protect the community, serve your community and do everything the job entails, it's going to take a lot of hard work. It's going to take a lot of sacrifice. It's going to take blood, sweat and tears, but I will guarantee you the reward at the end is very much worth all the sacrifice you put in."

Central Piedmont Community College today announced updates to its Board of Trustees, including the reappointments of Alison Summerville and Lucia Zapata Griffith, and the appointment of Andrew Sprenger as the college's newest trustee.

Summerville has been reappointed by the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners for a four-year term. Zapata Griffith has been reappointed by the North Carolina House of Representatives for a four-year term and will continue serving as vice chair of the Board of Trustees. Sprenger was recently appointed by the North Carolina Senate and succeeds former trustee Chris Paterson, whose service to the college concluded after four years on the Board.

"I am grateful that Ali and Lucia will continue serving Central Piedmont through their reappointments and am pleased to welcome Andrew to the Board of Trustees," said Caldwell Rose, chair of the Central Piedmont Board of Trustees. "Each brings valuable experience, insight, and a deep commitment to strengthening educational opportunity and workforce development in our region. I also want to thank Chris Paterson for his dedicated service and contributions to the college over the past four years. Together, our trustees play a vital role in helping shape the future of Central Piedmont and advancing our mission to transform lives through learning."

Reappointments

Alison Summerville

A highly engaged trustee since her appointment, Summerville currently serves as partner for financial services with Nexus Search Partners, a Charlotte-based executive search and advisory firm. She brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in financial services and a strong commitment to workforce and talent development. Throughout her service as a trustee, she has been a consistent advocate for aligning Central Piedmont's educational programs with regional workforce needs and strengthening connections between the college, employers, and the broader community. Summerville serves on the executive committee of the Board of Trustees.

Lucia Zapata Griffith

Zapata Griffith serves as vice chair of the Board of Trustees and is a principal with METRO Landmarks. An architect and builder, she contributes expertise in real estate development, design, construction and long-term stewardship of public assets. Her community leadership includes serving as Healthy Communities Co-Council lead with the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council, where she collaborates with regional leaders on priorities related to housing, economic mobility, workforce development and community growth. She also chairs the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance's Small Business Committee and serves on the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA).

New appointment

Andrew Sprenger

Sprenger joins the Board of Trustees following his appointment by the North Carolina Senate. He currently serves as regional operations manager for SanStone Health & Rehabilitation and has experience in healthcare operations, finance, and business analytics. Prior to his current role, he held positions with MidCap Financial and Wells Fargo and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from The Ohio State University. His professional background includes operational leadership, strategic planning, and workforce management across the healthcare and financial services sectors.

Recognition of service

Central Piedmont also recognizes the service of former trustee Chris Paterson, whose four-year term on the Board recently concluded. During his tenure, Paterson helped support the college's mission and strategic priorities while contributing to governance and oversight efforts to advance student success and workforce development.

The Board of Trustees provides oversight and strategic guidance for Central Piedmont Community College, helping ensure the college remains responsive to the educational and workforce needs of Mecklenburg County and the greater Charlotte region.

As demand for medical imaging professionals continues to rise across the Mecklenburg County region, Central Piedmont Community College has launched a new Associate of Applied Science in radiography program that prepares students for rewarding healthcare careers while helping strengthen Charlotte's healthcare workforce pipeline. 

The program arrives at a time when demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow. The North Carolina Department of Commerce projects nearly 102,000 new jobs in the healthcare and social assistance sector by 2032, with significant growth expected across ambulatory healthcare services. By expanding radiography education locally, Central Piedmont is helping strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals needed to support patient care throughout the region. 

"Every image captured by a radiologic technologist helps physicians make critical decisions about patient care," said Dr. Heather Hill, provost at Central Piedmont. "Radiography offers a meaningful career path where graduates can make a difference in patients' lives every day. Through hands-on training and clinical experiences, our students are developing the skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce and contribute immediately." 

Radiologic technologists are essential members of a patient's healthcare team, providing the images physicians rely on to diagnose injuries, monitor disease and guide treatment decisions.

The program prepares students to become registered radiologic technologists through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory experiences and clinical training with community healthcare partners. Graduates will be equipped to perform diagnostic imaging procedures that are essential to patient care and medical decision-making.

Beyond strong demand, radiography offers graduates a pathway to economic opportunity. Radiologic technologists in the Charlotte region earn starting salaries ranging from approximately $52,700 to $70,600 annually, with opportunities to pursue advanced imaging specialties such as MRI, where salaries can exceed $90,000 per year.

A key component of the program is its emphasis on real-world experience. Students complete clinical training in healthcare settings, working alongside experienced professionals and interacting directly with patients. These experiences help ensure graduates enter the workforce prepared to meet employer expectations and provide high-quality patient care.

For Carmen Hebenstreit, joining Central Piedmont's inaugural radiography cohort represents a significant career transformation. After spending more than 20 years in financial services and earning a bachelor's degree in business management and leadership, Hebenstreit sought a different career path that would allow her to make a direct impact on others. Just weeks into the program, Hebenstreit is already gaining foundational knowledge in patient care, radiologic technology and anatomy while preparing for upcoming clinical rotations.

"I was looking for a career change to something that felt more meaningful and more impactful," Carmen said. "It's demanding, but in a really good way. I feel like the program is doing a great job preparing us to work directly with patients, and I'm excited about the opportunities it opens up for my future in healthcare."

In addition to the degree program, Central Piedmont supports the professional growth of current imaging professionals through continuing education courses in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mammography. Offered regularly throughout the year, these courses provide opportunities for radiologic technologists to expand their expertise and pursue advanced certifications.

Through the new radiography program and advanced imaging continuing education offerings, Central Piedmont is creating opportunities for future and current healthcare professionals while helping ensure Charlotte-area providers have access to the talent needed to deliver high-quality care.