College Honors James W. Allison

Central Piedmont Community College recognized James "Jim" W. Allison, a long-time Central Piedmont benefactor and respected Charlotte lawyer, by naming Room 1221 of the Zeiss Building on the college's Central Campus, the "James W. Allison Classroom" in honor of his 17-year relationship with the college.

Judy and James Allison in front of the James W. Allison ClassroomThe college will use Room 1221 for paralegal technology instruction beginning in 2022, when its paralegal program relocates from Cato Campus to Central Campus. The classroom naming aligns perfectly with Mr. Allison's professional interests he dedicated his career to working as a business lawyer, working primarily for Johnston, Allison & Hord PA. There, he helped counsel a number of clients representing the higher education, real estate, and healthcare fields including Central Piedmont Community College.

Over the years, Mr. Allison has served as the college's legal counsel, helping its leadership acquire facilities/property across the county to help expand its footprint to meet the needs of students and the community.

However, his contributions to the college's growth extend beyond his legal work. He and his wife Judy a Central Piedmont Board of Trustees member since 2010 have generously donated their time and resources to Central Piedmont, establishing the Judith N. & James W. Allison Endowed Scholarship to support students in the paralegal program (with a veteran preference), and the Johnston, Allison & Hord Scholarship to support students in the college's paralegal program.

"Jim and Judy have been generous supporters of the college, establishing endowed scholarship funds to extend opportunities to financially-needy students in our paralegal program," said Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. "This generosity has made it possible for numerous students to prepare for meaningful careers as paralegals. The gift to name this classroom will increase available scholarship resources and provide additional life-transforming financial assistance to students."

Watch a recording of the dedication event.

View photos from event.

Read more

Posted in Announcements, Campus, Foundation News.

Students Give Back to Local Community

Students preparing peanut butter and jelly sandwichesOn Oct. 27, approximately 50 Central Piedmont Opportunity Scholars gathered in the Worrell Gym, located on Central Piedmont's Central Campus, to participate in a special "Spread the Love" event.

During their time together, the students:

Each month, the college's Office of Mentoring and Bridge hosts bi-weekly Pop Series workshops to help Opportunity Scholarship recipients bridge the transition between high school and college by informing students of campus resources in an attempt to sharpen their self-advocacy skills, learn the importance of professional communication, and maintain a healthy work/life balance. Workshop attendance is required for all first-year Opportunity Scholars, while second-year Opportunity Scholarship students have the choice to attend.

The Mentoring and Bridge team changes the workshop theme monthly to reflect an area that can best benefit students. Featured themes have included and / or will include study habits and learning (September), health and fitness (November), and stress management (December). The Spread the Love event held on Oct. 27 supported the team's October theme community and giving back.

Read more

Posted in Announcements, Campus, Foundation News, Students.

College Dedicates Leon Levine Health Sciences Center

Central Piedmont Community College today dedicated the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center on the college's Central Campus. The naming is in recognition of a $2.5-million grant from The Leon Levine Foundation to support health sciences education and health careers preparation at Central Piedmont.

Representatives from the Leon Levine Foundation and Central Piedmont cut dedication ribbon for Leon Levine Health Sciences Building with large scissors.College leaders and community partners including Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president, Central Piedmont; Linda Lockman-Brooks, chair, Board of Trustees, Central Piedmont; Weston M. Andress, president, Board of Trustees, Central Piedmont Community College Foundation; and Thomas W. Lawrence III, president and director, The Leon Levine Foundation were in attendance at the 11 a.m., ribbon cutting event.

"Not many partnerships last 20 years and yet today, we write the beginning of another chapter in this amazing story [between Central Piedmont and The Leon Levine Foundation]," said Lawrence. "What has happened in this particular 20-year partnership? Hundreds of students educated, thousands of lives transformed, and now, with this grant, the crossing of $10 million of investment entrusted to Central Piedmont by The Leon Levine Foundation."

The Leon Levine Health Sciences Center opened its doors in August 2020, and boasts 74,450 square-feet of space. The facility was designed by Creech & Associates, working with Morris-Berg Architects; was constructed by Rodgers; and provides a home base for multiple health professions programs, including:

  • dental assisting
  • biomedical equipment technology
  • surgical technology
  • polysomnography

It also hosts a state-of-the-art virtual-anatomy classroom.

The Leon Levine Foundation grant comes to the college as part of its ongoing "Powering a Stronger Future Campaign," which seeks to raise $40 million to support students, programs, and faculty development.

View photos of the dedication event.

Read more

Posted in Announcements, Campus, Community, Foundation News.

Civil Right Icon, Former Mayor Visits College

Harvey GanttThe Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council at Central Piedmont brought civil rights icon and former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt to Central Piedmont's Halton Theater stage on Oct. 14, to serve as a panelist during its EDI event titled, "A Story of Perseverance in Driving Change."

Mr. Gantt was joined on stage by moderator Dr. Charles Mitchell, equity and opportunity presidential fellow at Central Piedmont, as well as panelists Dr. Tracie Clark, vice president for strategy and organizational excellence, and Dr. Chris Cathcart, vice president for student affairs, at Central Piedmont.

During the event, Central Piedmont employees and students had the opportunity to hear the group discuss the power of collaboration and allyship in creating change and moving the EDI needle in a positive direction, and how Central Piedmont can continue pushing forward in supporting its students and the Charlotte community. 

"Central Piedmont is a very special place. This institution - at its most critical level - allows folks from all circumstances in life to get on a ladder of mobility upward," explained Gantt. "I like the word 'transformation.' Central Piedmont makes a difference in the things that students can do. It puts individuals on a ladder, that can be built as high as they want it ... and that's why the college is a very important place. I've tried over the years to understand its value to the community and to be as supportive of it whenever I can."

Mr. Gantt was Charlotte's first African-American mayor and the first African-American student enrolled at Clemson University. His visit is one of the enrichment opportunities the college is using to help advance its EDI strategy, which college leadership has identified as mission-critical work. Over the past year, Central Piedmont has hosted a number of EDI related events for both its employees and students to attend. Examples include: inclusive leadership trainings, Black History Month events, inclusive teaching practice sessions, examining best EDI practices from other institutions, courageous conversations, and more.

Central Piedmont is offering such events to foster the growth of its employees and the institution as a whole. The goal is to deliver a superior collegiate experience for students that supports their success both personally and professionally, while embedding an enhanced EDI philosophy and awareness in the college's daily practices and processes.

View video from the event.

Read more

Posted in Announcements, Campus, Community, Foundation News.

Central Piedmont to Launch Practical Nursing Program

Central Piedmont Community College will launch the Dickson Practical Nursing Program in January, with the start of the spring 2022 semester. The 11-month, three-semester diploma program will open with a class of 18 students. The North Carolina Board of Nursing has approved Central Piedmont to establish and offer the program.

Graduates of the Dickson Practical Nursing Program will be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is required for practice as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). LPNs work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), with employment opportunities found in hospitals; rehabilitation, long-term care, and home health facilities; clinics; and physicians' offices. LPNs serve an important role in the healthcare delivery system, ensuring quality care for patients. They assist physicians and RNs in providing critical and essential services, including monitoring patients' vital signs and supervising nursing assistants and collaborating with other members of the healthcare team.

The Dickson Foundation of Charlotte awarded Central Piedmont a $500,000 grant to develop a new LPN program at the college to provide students an accelerated path to a meaningful, family-sustaining career in the healthcare industry and address specific employment needs within the Charlotte region's healthcare sector. The Dickson 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 LPN salary is $48,055, which offers a viable economic-mobility pathway for lower-income residents in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

After opening the program with 18 students, Central Piedmont will expand the second class to 24 seats. The college will monitor local needs for LPNs and will adjust the size of future classes to meet demand. The program will be based on the Central Campus.

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

Learn more about all of the sources of financial assistance currently available to Central Piedmont students.

Read more

Posted in Announcements, Campus, Foundation News, Students.

College Dedicates Ruth G. Shaw Advanced Technology Center

Ruth G. Shaw at DedicationCentral Piedmont Community College dedicated the Ruth G. Shaw Advanced Technology Center, located on the college's Central Campus, on Sept. 24. Dr. Shaw served as the college's second president from 1986 to 1992. She attended and spoke at the dedication ceremony.

The 79,194 square-foot Advanced Technology Center is a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and energy-related careers training facility that opened in 2018. Its prominent location on Central Piedmont's Central Campus points to its importance in developing a highly-skilled workforce in Mecklenburg County and the college's ongoing efforts to provide opportunities for increased economic mobility.

Constructed by Rodgers Builders, the $25.5 million facility was designed by FWA Group with LTArchitecture and features:

  • Mechatronics and Automation Labs
  • Virtual Reality Labs
  • An Engineering FabLab
  • A CNC Machining Lab
  • Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Labs
  • 13 Computer Labs
  • 11 Specialized Equipment Labs
  • Faculty and Staff Offices
  • An accessibility bridge to the next door Levine IT Building

"The Ruth G. Shaw Advanced Technology Center has become the cornerstone of our technology driven advanced manufacturing and engineering programs. It is a state-of-the-art training facility with which the college is proud to honor Dr. Ruth Shaw's legacy," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. "From our two-year associate degree students to the incumbent workers who come here to learn new skills, the Ruth G. Shaw Advanced Technology Center is helping advanced manufacturing, engineering, and logistics expand their importance to the Mecklenburg County employment base and overall economy."

View photos of the dedication event.

Learn more about Central Piedmont's Advanced Manufacturing programs.

Read more

Posted in Announcements, Campus, Foundation News.

Introducing the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center

In recognition of a $2.5-million grant from The Leon Levine Foundation to support health sciences education and health careers preparation at Central Piedmont Community College, the college is naming its new health programs facility on its Central Campus the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center.

Located at the corner of Charlottetowne Avenue and Elizabeth Avenue, the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center opened in August 2020. While many Central Piedmont students still were taking classes remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students in a number of health careers programs that require in-person instruction began taking classes and labs in the new facility immediately.

Covering approximately 74,450 square-feet of space, the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center provides a home base for multiple health professions programs, including dental assisting, biomedical equipment technology, surgical technology, and polysomnography, and hosts a state-of-the-art virtual-anatomy classroom. In addition, the facility provides students with a number of hospital simulation rooms, including, trauma, mother and child, pediatric, typical patient rooms, an operating room, clinical laboratory, and pharmacy. The building is also home to the geomatics and civil engineering programs and provides several general use classrooms.

"The Leon Levine Health Sciences Center has already made a significant and positive impact on the learning experience of our health professions students," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. "The center is a state-of-the-art, cutting edge facility, in which the college can prepare its students well for the professional work environments they will enter and the equipment they will use.

"We thank The Leon Levine Foundation for its generous grant, which will help Central Piedmont continue to provide a comprehensive offering of health careers programs that are among the best in North Carolina. Students in our nursing and allied health programs will continue to thrive at Central Piedmont and enter the workforce well-prepared to provide superb care."

The Leon Levine Foundation grant comes to the college as part of its ongoing "Powering a Stronger Future Campaign," which seeks to raise $40 million to support students, programs and faculty development. Central Piedmont will use the grant to support programs aimed at providing health careers training and help ensure a broad range of students have access to these programs.

"We are honored to be part of investing in Central Piedmont Community College's ability to offer top-notch academic healthcare instruction and a career pathway for generations of students to come," explained Tom Lawrence, president of The Leon Levine Foundation. "The new facility will also help promote access to quality medical care by creating a pipeline of professionals for the region's healthcare sector and by providing valuable medical resources to both students and the community."

The Leon Levine Health Sciences Center at a glance:

  • Construction began September 2017
  • Facility opened to students August 2020
  • Square footage 74,450
  • Source of funding 2013 Mecklenburg County bond referendum
  • Architects Creech & Associates working with Morris-Berg Architects
  • Project manager Rodgers Builders

About The Leon Levine Foundation
Established in 1980 by Leon Levine (Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Family Dollar Stores, Inc.), The Leon Levine Foundation supports programs and organizations that improve the human condition through investments in education, healthcare, human services and Jewish values. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the Foundation invests in nonprofits across North Carolina and South Carolina with strong leadership, a track record of success, and a plan for financial sustainability. Through its investments, the Foundation intends to create pathways to self-sufficiency, champion strategies for permanent change, and facilitate opportunities for growth. Learn more online at
https://www.leonlevinefoundation.org/  or follow on Twitter and Facebook @LeonLevineFdn.

Read more

Posted in Announcements, Campus, Foundation News.

College Hosts 2021 Commencement Ceremonies

Central Piedmont Community College hosted multiple commencement ceremonies outdoors on its Overcash Lawn, located in front of Overcash Center on Central Campus, on May 12 and 13, to ensure the celebration of its 2021 graduates was conducted safely and in accordance with NCDHHS and CDC guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following outdoor commencement ceremonies were held:

  • Wednesday, May 12, 2021

    • 11 a.m.: Health Science programs
    • 2 p.m.:  Skilled Trades, College and Career Readiness
       
  • Thursday, May 13, 2021
    • 9 a.m.:  Business, Engineering, and Technology
    • 11 a.m.: Transfer Degree Programs
    • 2 p.m.: Transfer Degree Programs

More than 800 students from the 2021 spring semester, as well as the 2020 summer and fall semesters, "marched" and received their college degrees during the first outdoor commencement ceremony the college has hosted in 35 years. (The last outdoor ceremony was held in 1986, on the Central Campus Quad.) More than 2,430 students were eligible to graduate this year.

During the May 12 festivities, Mr. Marco Gallardo Cuervo, who graduated from Central Piedmont with an Associate in Applied Science in Welding Technology degree, addressed his fellow graduates. Ms. Emma Hoff, an Associate in Arts student delivered the May 13 commencement address to her peers.This is the fourth consecutive year Central Piedmont has had student keynote speakers at graduation. 

View photos from the college's ceremonies.

Read more

Posted in Alumni, Announcements, Campus, Community, Foundation News, Students. Tagged as graduation.

Virtual Event Seeks to Support Racial Equity in Higher Education

Central Piedmont Community College and Bank of America today hosted a virtual event featuring Dr. Tim Renick, executive director of Georgia State University's National Institute for Student Success, who presented, "Georgia State's Journey to Eliminating the Racial Equity Gap." Attendees included Central Piedmont employees, board members and student leaders; Bank of America executives, and Charlotte city and county government officials. Also participating were local higher education partners and community nonprofit leaders in education, workforce development and college and career readiness.

For more than a decade, Dr. Renick has used Georgia State's data to drive sustainable change and eliminate the racial equity gap at his institution. As a result of his work, Georgia State - which is also home to Perimeter College, a major provider of associate degrees and student transfer opportunities in Georgia - annually graduates more African-American students than any other public or nonprofit higher education institution in the country and ranks ninth in the nation for advancing social mobility. Dr. Renick has emerged as a national expert on how colleges and universities can decrease disparities in their graduation rates and achievements based on race, ethnicity, and income.

"At Georgia State, we're motivated by a desire to make an impact, not only in the lives of our own students, but also in the lives of students across the country," said Dr. Renick. "That's why our team at Georgia State University has made such a conscious and significant commitment to dedicating our time and resources to sharing with others the important lessons we have learned."

Dr. Renick's accomplishments at Georgia State complement the equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) goals established and continuously reviewed and enhanced at both Central Piedmont and Bank of America. 

Over the past year, Central Piedmont has accelerated its EDI work, hosting a number of events and training sessions for employees and students to attend that support EDI awareness, drive culture change, and reinforce EDI initiatives at all six of its campuses. In addition, the college has looked closely at its talent acquisition and hiring processes to ensure equity and diversity is embedded across all of its areas and departments.

"All of the EDI work Central Piedmont is doing is supported by the college's shared values and strategic goals," explained Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. "In 2019, the college adopted a new set of guiding values and strategic goals; the desire to reach a greater level of equity throughout the college is found in both.

 "Dr. Renick's presentation and the experience of Georgia State provide a path and a set of best practices Central Piedmont can work to incorporate. We want to do all we can to ensure our students achieve success and our faculty and staff feel valued and appreciated."

Similarly, Bank of America has turned its attention toward advancing EDI initiatives within the communities it serves. Last summer, it announced a $1 billion, four-year commitment of support to address economic and racial inequalities that had been accelerated by the global pandemic. As part of that commitment, it pledged $25 million to support career reskilling programs through partnerships with higher education institutions, including community colleges like Central Piedmont. 

"Acquiring an education and jobs skills not only improves an employed individual's quality of life but also contributes to the health of our local economy and community. Access to quality, affordable education and job skills training is key to removing economic barriers facing minority individuals and communities," said Charles Bowman, Bank of America's Charlotte Market president. "Central Piedmont has a proven track record of offering courses and training for roles in the fields most in demand within our community. Bank of America supports the college's focus on helping students of color complete the education and training necessary for entering the workforce and earning a sustainable living wage."

Following his formal presentation to Central Piedmont, Bank of America, and city and county representatives, Dr. Renick individually met with:

  • Central Piedmont's leadership team to discuss how the college could best advance racial equality, and
  • Bank of America's market presidents, located across the country, to discuss what other partnership possibilities may exist to help colleges nationwide create sustainable change on their campuses.

Listen to the March 31, 2021, recording of Dr. Renick's "Georgia State's Journey to Eliminating the Racial Equity Gap" presentation, followed by a Q&A session with attendees.

Read more

Posted in Announcements, Campus, Community, Foundation News. Tagged as diversity, equity, inclusion.

Central Piedmont announces plan for fall semester

Fall semester classes at Central Piedmont Community College will begin on Aug. 10, and be taught in multiple formats online, hybrid, blended and face-to-face. (Hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.)

For the safety and well-being of the campus community, the college will complete the vast majority of face-to-face instruction prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. After Thanksgiving, remaining class work will be finished online. Fall classes will end Dec. 11.

"Over the past several weeks, Central Piedmont Community College has been preparing for a safe and successful fall 2020 term," said Jeff Lowrance, vice president of communications, marketing & public relations at Central Piedmont. "Through numerous discussions and detailed planning across all units of the college, Central Piedmont seeks to provide a safe environment for its students to learn and faculty and staff members to work.

The majority of Central Piedmont students will come to campus a minimal number of times during the semester, with the rest of their instruction occurring online. The college is updating class schedules and information, so current and prospective students should check the college website periodically for updates.

"Central Piedmont is committed to delivering a high-quality educational experience regardless of the program or courses a student selects," Lowrance said. "The college is working hard to protect the well-being of everyone in our campus community and help students stay on track in their degree, diploma or certificate programs."

For students who attend classes on campus, the college has adopted a number of safety protocols. Current and prospective students should read the college's Student Guide to Returning to Campus carefully. It will be important to know and follow all of the safety practices detailed in the guide. These include wearing a face covering, keeping a social distance from others, washing hands frequently, monitoring possible COVID-19 symptoms and staying home if one feels ill at all.

The college offers nearly 300 programs to get students real-world ready. Affordable and flexible Central Piedmont classes can help students earn the skills to fast track into a career pathway or lay the foundation for a four-year degree. Registration for the fall term is now open. The college looks forward to welcoming new and returning students on Aug. 10.

Read more

Posted in Announcements, Campus, Faculty/Staff, Foundation News, Students. Tagged as covid19response.

« Newer Posts Older Posts »