An inside look at Central Piedmont Community College: Helping students find their purpose
I first met Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer in September 2013 when the board of directors of the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research went to the College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City to learn more about her vision for community colleges in North Carolina. It was no surprise to us when she was selected to lead Central Piedmont Community College about a year ago in January 2017.
She is a do-whatever-it-takes kind of leader. On March 3, 2018, she will compete in the Dancing with the Stars gala in Charlotte to raise money for CPCC.
She is a leader to watch with her keen sense of innovation and work force development, and how both are needed to respond to our changing communities.
When I was in high school, I attended CPCC, taking courses that weren't offered at my high school, East Mecklenburg, through a program that was a precursor to early college as we know it today.
On the cutting edge then and now, listen to this podcast with Dr. Deitemeyer to learn more about the future of CPCC and community colleges in North Carolina. — Mebane Rash
Recently, EducationNC visited Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in Charlotte to get a look at how the school was preparing its students for the future. Alex Granados, EducationNC senior reporter and host of the podcast EdTalk, sat down with CPCC President Kandi Deitemeyer to get a better sense of the role of community colleges generally, and CPCC in particular, in higher education.
Deitemeyer grew up in rural North Carolina before attending community college in Florida. She identifies first hand with students who work and need financial aid on their journey to becoming “college ready.” She says,
“I know the story of many of our students. I’ve lived it out.”
Deitemeyer says she believes “everyone is purposed,” and she talks in this podcast about how community colleges became her life’s work.
At the top of this page is a video showcasing some of what’s happening on the campus of CPCC. Below is the podcast.
Editor’s Note: Here is more about Dr. Deitemeyer’s upcoming performance in the Dancing with Stars gala.