When Khushi Bhatia was little in Mumbai, India, her mother often used a phrase encouraging her to find her own unique pathway. The phrase was: "Hume baki bhed bakriyo ki tarah nahi banna," literally meaning, "Don't be like the sheep that follow each other into a ditch."

That advice stuck with Khushi throughout her life. Her path led her to serve as a student commencement speaker at Central Piedmont Community College in spring 2026.

Khushi was part of the middle college program at Central Piedmont's Levine Campus, letting her earn her high school diploma from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) and an Associate in Arts degree at the same time. That is further proof Khushi is charting her own course as she prepares to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study computer science. In addition to her associate degree, Khushi received a Business Analytics certificate from Central Piedmont.

"[Middle college] prepared me a lot," she said. "Currently I'm still at home and have my parents to guide me. However, at Central Piedmont, I've experienced the rigor of college coursework and faculty expectations earlier than my peers."

After spending her earliest days in India, Khushi's father's job brought her to North America. She has lived in New Jersey, West Virginia, Michigan and Canada, and has been in Charlotte for the past eight years. In fact, she attended eight different schools, at first trying to fit in at each. But her mother's words resonated, and at Central Piedmont, she found a home.

"This place is special," she said during her speech at the afternoon commencement ceremony. "It brings together people from different backgrounds, different responsibilities, and different goals -- but with one shared determination: to grow."

Khushi grew up around technology, with her father serving as a software consultant, and was inspired by his work. But more than anything, she is simply fascinated by computer science and the possibilities it holds.

"Now that there's AI and all this new technology out there, it's just really exciting," she said.

Never one to shy away from trying new things, the opportunity to attend middle college and take college classes also excited Khushi.

She acknowledges that changing from a traditional high school to the middle college model was a bit daunting at first. However, she soon felt comfortable, understanding that everyone was there to help.

"As I went along and I tried to get to know people, it felt a lot better, and now I'm really happy that I'm a part of the Central Piedmont community," she said.

Khushi was also pleasantly surprised to find a wide range of clubs and activities across Central Piedmont. She was part of several extracurricular activities during her time at the college, highlighted by serving as a tutor and peer mentor. As a Mu Alpha Theta member, she tutored elementary students in math. Plus, as co-president of the Peer Mentoring Club, she assisted incoming high school juniors in registering for classes at CMS and Central Piedmont while helping them get acclimated to Levine Campus.

"My family really values knowledge and education," Khushi said. "It's really nice to share your knowledge with somebody else because it doesn't decrease your own knowledge. It actually increases it because you get to meet new people. Maybe they will tell you something new that you didn't know about.

"Also, I am a pretty empathetic individual ... I like to put myself in somebody else's shoes."

Besides tutoring and peer mentoring work, Khushi has been involved in the community as part of the Chick-fil-A Leaders Academy and the yearbook club, and as co-president of both the International Club and Levine Lift and Learn.

As part of the International Club, she was heavily involved in planning the organization's International Festival.

"It's just really cool to see different cultures and countries come together and to learn about new things," she said.

Khushi's desire to try something new was also the driving force behind her interest in serving as a commencement speaker.

"It's a really big honor," she said. "But it was also a way for me to try a new experience because I've never done something like that."

Khushi has already accomplished a great deal in just a few years. But there is still much more for her to do. She credits Central Piedmont and the middle college program with providing a foundation for her life and future career. She leaned on advisors and faculty, all of whom provided guidance and suggestions. Plus, she made plenty of new friends.

"What I love most about Central Piedmont is the big, supportive community," she said.

It's a community she has embraced while always finding her own way.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) announced today the creation of an endowed scholarship called the "Charlotte Douglas International Airport Scholarship Fund" at Central Piedmont Community College to support students pursuing aviation-related careers. This endowment will guarantee that CLT's charitable impact at Central Piedmont continues indefinitely.

"We are thrilled to be able to support the next generation of aviation professionals through this permanent scholarship fund," said CLT Airport CEO Haley Gentry. "By creating an endowed scholarship at Central Piedmont, we're not only investing in students today, but ensuring that CLT's commitment to education, workforce development and our community continues for generations to come."

Since 2019, the Aviation Department has raised over $317,000 for Central Piedmont Opportunity Scholarships through its popular CLT Runway 5K -- more than doubling the original goal. The Oct. 18, 2025, race was another record-breaking event. It sold out in less than three hours, attracted over 1,600 participants and raised $90,930.

Endowed scholarships are established to provide ongoing support in perpetuity, with funds invested to generate annual scholarship awards for students today and in the future.

So far, 30 students from Mecklenburg County have been provided CLT Airport Opportunity Scholarships.

"We are incredibly thankful for Charlotte Douglas International Airport's sustained investment in Central Piedmont students and their futures," said Lisa Schlachter, chief philanthropy officer at Central Piedmont. "By covering tuition, program-required fees, and books, this scholarship expands access to aviation career pathways for students with financial need--opening doors to stable, meaningful employment while creating long-term opportunity for our region."

As it funds the endowed scholarship, CLT will continue to donate $20,000 annually to support Opportunity Scholarships. Already, $70,930.33 from last year's proceeds has been earmarked to start the endowed scholarship fund.

This year's CLT Runway 5K is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Registration opens Aug. 1.

Although she grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida, Grace Melvin is a big New York Yankees fan. She inherited her baseball fandom from her father, who originally hails from southwest Connecticut. In a way, that shared love led her to study Broadcasting and Production Technology at Central Piedmont.

"I started making videos for him for his birthday every year; they were short films," Grace said of the projects, which featured many Yankees references. "Every year I kept realizing, maybe I do like filmmaking, and maybe I could do this as a career."

Her dad also studied journalism in college, furthering Grace's interest in communications and related industries. Her parents' jobs brought her to the Charlotte area around 10 years ago, and Grace is on a steady path toward making a living in the communications world. As part of her journey, she served as one of the commencement speakers during the college's spring 2026 ceremonies.

"Central Piedmont does something incredibly special," she said during the morning commencement. "It takes students who feel uncertain, overlooked or behind, and it gives them the space to lead and prove that they are capable of so much more than a GPA or a past mistake. I am standing here today as proof of that."

Grace was unsure of herself and her grades after high school, and struggled at a previous institution, but found her voice and direction at Central Piedmont.

She was a marshal for the December 2025 commencement event and was inspired by speaker Kristen Alvarado Sorto's speech. As a result, Grace wanted to represent her graduating class, area of study and the student groups she's been part of.

Grace has been part of a lot at Central Piedmont, but it was the grounds of Central Campus itself that made the first impression.

"Central Piedmont had the major that I was looking for, and I took a tour of it, and I was just so surprised at how beautiful the campus was," she said.

Knowing she wanted to transfer to a four-year school, Grace enrolled at Central Piedmont to earn a solid foundation while taking advantage of the college's affordable costs. She learned from faculty and staff who took a personal interest in her development, goals and ambitions. Plus, she was involved in numerous clubs and organizations.

Among her roles was serving as the vice president of communications for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society where she recapped meetings, sent out reminder communications, helped with induction ceremonies and made flyers. Wanting to give back to the community, she was also part of Rotaract Club at Central Piedmont and participated in wide-ranging community-service events.

One of Grace's proudest achievements at the college was founding the Central Campus Film Society. In fact, she had the opportunity to graduate the previous semester but chose not to because she wanted to get the film society up and running. It was the first time she had ever built something from the ground up.

"It's been amazing being able to see so many people come together and see friendships form because of a shared love for film," she said.

Grace will transfer to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she plans to double major in film and communications. She would like to get a master's degree in communications at some point as well.

She's not yet sure what path she would like to take; it could be working for an outlet like ESPN, or working behind the camera as a cinematographer on a film set.

"I just know that I want to be successful," she said.

Central Piedmont helped plant those seeds of success for Grace, who was also a Merancas Scholar.

Her advice to others is simple: Utilize everything the college has to offer.

"Take advantage of the resources that are available to you on campus and get involved in student groups, student life," she said. "It'll really change your college experience."

It was an experience that all started with a simple birthday gift.

Central Piedmont Community College earned the 20262027 Military Friendly® School designation, recognizing the college's strong commitment to serving veterans, transitioning service members and military-connected students.

Since 2013, the college has proudly supported military-connected students through its Military Families and Veterans Services centers, which operate as a comprehensive one-stop support model across multiple campuses.

Services include:

• Academic advising
• Counseling
• Career coaching
• Goal setting and mentoring
• Assistance with education benefits
• Scholarship support
• Connections to community resources

These dedicated veteran spaces and support staff help ensure accessible, consistent support throughout a student's academic journey.

"This recognition reflects Central Piedmont's commitment to meeting military-connected students where they are and helping them succeed," said Dr. Amy Bruining, vice president of student affairs. "Through dedicated support services and clear academic and career pathways, we ensure veterans and their families can achieve their goals and build meaningful futures."

Central Piedmont also offers priority registration for eligible veteran students and serves as an approved institution for Veteran Affairs education benefits. In 2024-25, the college enrolled nearly 1,000 U.S. military veteran students and dependents.

The college's approach is designed to support not only veterans and service members, but also military spouses and families as they navigate the transition from military service to civilian education and careers.

"Choosing a Military Friendly® school like Central Piedmont makes an enormous difference for veterans," said Lawanda Ellison, a Central Piedmont student in the Information Technology program who serves in the U.S. Army Reserve. "You're not treated like a number. From day one, the Military Families and Veterans Services team helped me understand how to maximize my VA benefits, plan my classes and move forward with confidence. They go above and beyond to make sure you're supported -- not just academically, but personally -- and that kind of guidance makes the transition from military service to college life so much easier."

About the Military Friendly® School designation

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Schools designation are evaluated using a combination of public data sources and responses to a proprietary survey. More than 3,200 organizations participated in the 20262027 Military Friendly® review process.

Final ratings were determined by combining survey results, public data and an assessment of each institution's ability to meet or exceed benchmarks related to student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.

"Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution's deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served," said Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships at Military Friendly®. "These schools don't just open doors for veterans and military spouses -- they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact."

Central Piedmont Community College awarded an honorary degree to acclaimed chef and restaurateur Sam Hart during the college's Spring Commencement on May 14 at Bojangles Coliseum, celebrating Hart's leadership in the culinary arts and deep commitment to community impact.

Hart, executive chef and owner of counter‑, is a Charlotte native whose career reflects a nontraditional but purpose‑driven path to national recognition. After working in advertising, Hart made a pivotal decision to pursue a passion for cooking, returning home to enroll at Central Piedmont. In 2017 and 2018, Hart earned two culinary arts certificates from the college, choosing an accessible, community‑focused education as the foundation for a future in fine dining.

While a student, Hart gained hands‑on experience in several of Charlotte's most respected kitchens before advancing their training in Chicago. There, Hart worked at world‑renowned restaurants, including the three‑Michelin‑starred Alinea, and later explored Japanese cuisine as a sashimi chef -- experiences that would shape a distinctive culinary voice.

In 2019, Hart returned to Charlotte with a clear vision: to create a dining experience that both challenged convention and lifted others along the way. That vision became counter‑, an intimate, full‑sensory restaurant designed as an incubator for emerging chefs. Under Hart's leadership, counter‑ has earned international acclaim, including recognition as a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Southeast, as well as a MICHELIN Star and MICHELIN Green Star, honoring excellence and sustainability.

Beyond accolades, Hart is known for supporting local suppliers and reinvesting in the Charlotte community.

Central Piedmont Community College has been awarded a $250,000 Careers Electric™ grant, positioning the college to strengthen the state's electrical and electrification workforce.

Central Piedmont is honored to be one of only 10 community colleges in the state to receive the grant, highlighting the college's strong track record in electrical training.

Supported by the Siemens Foundation and the North Carolina Community College System Foundation, the grant will enable Central Piedmont to expand enrollment capacity in its Electrical Systems Technology program by at least 20% by October 2028.

The investment fuels immediate capacity at the Levine Campus upgrading lab infrastructure, adding critical equipment, including appliances, a water heater and other supplies, and hiring additional faculty all to drive student recruitment and deliver hands-on training aligned with industry needs.

The grant represents a strategic investment at a pivotal moment. As the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region accelerates, demand for skilled electrical talent is surging across both traditional and emerging industries and Central Piedmont is continuing to scale to meet the need.

"Central Piedmont's skilled trades programs power the people who power our economy," said Dr. Heather Hill, Central Piedmont's provost and chief academic officer. "Being selected for the Careers Electric™ Training Network allows us to expand access to electrical training that leads directly to stable, well‑paying careers, while helping employers fill urgent talent gaps."

Central Piedmont is doubling down on career and technical education to ensure a strong pipeline of professionals in skilled trades including welding, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, lineworker training, construction management and electrical systems.

More than 1,300 students enrolled in the college's HVAC, Electrical Systems Technology, and Construction Management programs from fall 2025 through spring 2026, with enrollment continuing to grow. The Careers Electric™ grant strengthens that momentum by targeting one of the region's most critical workforce needs: electrical and electrification expertise across traditional and emerging industries.

The initiative aims to prepare 25,000 North Carolinians over the next decade for essential roles in the state's workforce.

Central Piedmont Community College celebrated the academic achievement and perseverance of 1,843 graduates during its commencement on May 14, recognizing students who earned degrees and diplomas and are now prepared to shape their careers and the region's future.

The spring 2026 class represents a 6.2% year-over-year increase, with 107 more graduates completing credentials -- a continued sign of Central Piedmont's momentum and commitment to student success. Collectively, graduates earned an impressive 3.41 average GPA, reflecting their dedication and determination to balance academics with work, family and life's challenges.

"Your collective desire to excel in your studies is nothing short of remarkable," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont, during her commencement address. "Wherever you go, you carry with you the perseverance and success you've demonstrated here and we are confident you will thrive as you take the next step, becoming the future leaders, innovators and professionals who will make a significant difference in the world."

Nearly 500 graduates are entering high-demand career fields in healthcare, information technology, public safety, skilled trades and transportation -- all essential to the Charlotte region's economic vitality and long-term growth.

"Many of us didn't take a standard route to get here, and that's exactly what makes this moment meaningful," said Grace Melvin, a graduate in Broadcasting and Production Technology who served as the commencement speaker for the college's morning ceremony. "At Central Piedmont, I found direction, purpose and the courage to try again. We didn't just earn degrees -- we proved that success doesn't require a perfect timeline, only the persistence to keep going."

The class also included nearly 325 graduates from Central Piedmont's dual enrollment and middle and early college programs, underscoring the college's role in accelerating opportunity for high school students through these early-access pathways.

"We are here because we chose growth over comfort," said Khushi Bhatia, a middle college graduate who completed her associate degree while finishing high school and spoke during the afternoon ceremony. "Central Piedmont gave us the space to believe in ourselves and the confidence to define our own direction forward."

Central Piedmont Community College expanded its growing architectural technology program to a second location at its Cato Campus, doubling capacity and increasing access for students across the Charlotte region. The expansion reflects growing student demand, the region's construction and development boom, and the college's deepening investment in hands-on, design-focused education.

"This expansion is about meeting students where they are and giving them the space and tools to imagine, collaborate, and build," said Dr. Heather Hill, Central Piedmont's provost. "We're proud to provide a studio that mirrors real-world practice and makes architectural education more accessible in our community."

With this second studio, the program can serve up to 200 students. The expansion complements ongoing partnerships in the area, including a 2+2 transfer agreement with UNC Charlotte's David R. Ravin School of Architecture. This agreement launched in 2022 and gives qualified students a direct pathway to complete a four-year pre-professional architecture degree students spend two years with Central Piedmont and then two years at the four-year institution.

The new Cato studio, converted from a former law library, features:

• an open layout with mobile furniture
• abundant natural light
• high-tech fabrication tools, including 3D printers, plotters, and laser cutters

These tools complement the program's emphasis on industry-standard production workflows, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) and computer‑aided drafting (CAD).

Students in the program also learn industry‑relevant software such as SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, and Revit, ensuring they graduate with real-world technical proficiency.

Beyond the classroom, both locations offer students opportunities to engage with professionals and other students from both UNC Charlotte and Central Piedmont's architecture programs in work sessions and critiques. These experiences help develop soft skills like communication, collaboration, preparation, and critical thinking. Students can network and establish a strong relationship with the existing architectural community in Charlotte.

Students also benefit from opportunities to join the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), where they can build leadership skills, engage in service projects, and strengthen their design portfolios. The program is also affiliated with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) and the Coalition of Community College Architecture Programs (CCCAP), giving students access to conferences, design competitions, and professional networking across the field.

"With the new studio opening at the Cato Campus, it's made attending and commuting to classes much easier," said Sofia Villaneuva, a first-year student who lives in Iredell County. "My education is much more accessible and convenient than it was before."

On Dec. 16, Central Piedmont Community College awarded degrees, diplomas, and credentials to 1,711 students, celebrating their accomplishments and the promise of their future.

With over 200 more graduates than the Dec. 2024 class, the Dec. 2025 class represents a 15% increase in graduates and reinforces Central Piedmont's historic growth. The group had a collective 3.34 GPA, showcasing the strength of their academic journeys.

The college has invested in holistic support systems to help students complete their educational pathways from financial assistance, individual academic advising, and access to a professional clothing closet. Additionally, the college's Wellness Center offers wrap-around services, such as counseling and connections to local food banks.

Community and donor support played a large role in the success of the graduates, with nearly 300 students benefiting from almost $1 million in scholarship support from the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation.

Kristen Alvarado Sorto, who received her associate degree in cosmetology, served as the graduation speaker. She highlighted the resilience of her journey as she balanced a full-time job with the pursuit of her degree.

"Central Piedmont has been a life-changing opportunity, not just through education, but through growth, community, and purpose," Alvarado Sorto said. "This moment is only the beginning of what each of us can achieve. As we move forward, remember this one powerful truth: We are the generation rewriting our stories -- one degree, one dream, and one victory at a time."

Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer praised the graduates for their perseverance and potential.

"These graduates are the future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will make a significant difference in the world," Deitemeyer said. "They didn't just earn credentials, but discovered their capacity to solve problems, lift up their families, and strengthen their future."

The class of 2025 includes nearly 275 graduates entering career fields such as healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, and transportation, roles that are essential to keeping the community healthy, connected, and thriving.

"Through hands-on learning, they uncovered their potential and defined their purpose," Deitemeyer said. "As they step forward -- in hospitals, tech firms, construction sites, and more -- they will shape stronger communities and create lasting impact across the region."

Central Piedmont also highlighted several graduates whose journeys reflect courage, adaptability, and purpose:

• Mariame Boujlil After years of caregiving and work, Boujlil graduates at age 61 with a Human Services degree, showing that dreams never expire -- they wait for courage.
• Earl Patterson III Once doubtful about college due to a learning disability, Patterson III found his path in Simulation and Game Development, proving perseverance pays off.
• ​​​​​​​Carla Strickland After starting as a dually enrolled student with plans for accounting, Strickland discovered a passion for welding and thrived in a field where few women are represented.

 Central Piedmont Community College and Western Governors University have extended their partnership agreement, guaranteeing a path for Central Piedmont students to pursue bachelor's degrees at one of the nation's leading online universities.

The transfer pathway is open to students who have graduated with an associate degree from Central Piedmont, and students and employees are eligible to apply for the WGU Community College Partner Scholarship, which is valued at up to $3,500.

Since the partnership began in 2020, over 350 Central Piedmont students have continued their education at WGU, increasing from 21 students during the first year of the partnership to more than 100 each of the past two academic years. 

Top fields of study pursued by students include: 

• Information technology and software engineering 
• Business, accounting, and finance 
• Public health and nursing 

"This extension builds on Central Piedmont's long-standing focus of helping students move forward with confidence toward their academic and career goals," said Dr. Heather Hill, provost of Central Piedmont. "Together with Western Governors University, we're driving innovation in higher education creating programs that match real workforce needs, making it easier for students to keep the credits they've earned, and helping them finish their degrees faster."

"The Greater Charlotte region has seen tremendous growth in employment in the past few years, and Central Piedmont plays a critical role in preparing the local workforce for success," said Ben Coulter, Ed.D., chancellor for WGU in North Carolina. "This renewed transfer agreement will help graduates continue their educational pursuits online while juggling work and family obligations." 

Central Piedmont remains committed to transfer success, offering 18 guaranteed admission programs with colleges and universities across the Carolinas, along with agreements with four online or out-of-state institutions to give students flexible, affordable pathways to a bachelor's degree.

WGU offers more than 120 fully accredited online bachelor's, master's and professional certificate programs spanning business, technology, healthcare, and K-12 education. Its flexible, competency-based model allows students to work at their own pace with support from program mentors, and tuition for bachelor's degrees is priced at approximately $4,000 per six-month term. Students may complete as many courses as they choose within a term, creating a path to faster degree completion and workforce entry. WGU has more than 10,000 graduates across North Carolina.