Exploring the Campuses of Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College (Central Piedmont), a public community college located in Charlotte, North Carolina, has a rich history and a diverse network of campuses serving the educational needs of the region. Founded in 1963, following the passage of the state community college bill by the North Carolina General Assembly, Central Piedmont has grown to encompass multiple campuses, each with its unique character and focus. This article will explore the various campuses of Central Piedmont Community College, highlighting their history, location, and key features.
A Legacy Forged in Education
The story of Central Piedmont is intertwined with the educational landscape of Charlotte. From 1923 to 1959, the site where Central Piedmont's Central Campus now stands was home to Central High School, located on Elizabeth Avenue at Kings Drive. In 1959, Central High School's students relocated to the newly constructed Garinger High School, leaving the original building vacant. This space was then utilized by Charlotte College (which later became the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, UNCC).
In 1959, the Central Industrial Education Center began sharing the old high school building. The passage of the 1963 N.C. Community College Act led to the merger of the Central Industrial Education Center and the black Mecklenburg College, establishing Central Piedmont Community College. The original three-story Central High building stands as the oldest building on the CPCC campus, a testament to the institution's enduring commitment to education.
Central Campus: The Heart of CPCC
Central Campus, located in the Elizabeth neighborhood, adjacent to Independence Park and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, serves as the main hub of Central Piedmont Community College. Unlike some of the satellite campuses, Central Campus is designed more like a traditional university campus. It comprises multiple buildings spread across several blocks. This layout facilitates a comprehensive educational experience, housing a wide range of academic departments, student services, and administrative offices.
Satellite Campuses: Expanding Access to Education
To better serve the diverse needs of the Charlotte metropolitan area, Central Piedmont has established several satellite campuses, each strategically located to provide convenient access to education and training.
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Wayland H. Cato, Jr. Campus
Originally named "Northeast Campus," the Wayland H. Cato, Jr. Campus is located near Reedy Creek Nature Reserve. It opened in the summer of 2002 with two buildings totaling 50,000 sq ft (4,600 m2). In the summer of 2005, the campus was renamed after Wayland H. Cato, Jr., recognizing his contributions to the college and the community.
Harper Campus
The Harper Campus, opened in the winter of 1998 as the Southwest Campus, is located on Hebron St. off of Nations Ford Rd. in southwest Charlotte. This campus provides educational opportunities to residents in the southwestern part of the city.
Levine Campus
The 'South Campus,' now known as the Levine Campus, opened in the fall of 1998. This satellite campus is located in southeast Mecklenburg County, in Matthews, North Carolina. Aimed at relieving the overcrowding at the Central Campus, the Levine Campus opened with a 116,000 sq ft (10,800 m2) building on a 32 acres. The campus features a bookstore, a computer lab, and a food court in a three-story building, offering a comprehensive learning environment for its students.
Merancas Campus
The Merancas Campus, the first of Central Piedmont's satellite campuses, opened in 1990 as the North Center. With the addition of the Public Safety building in 1996, it grew and was renamed the North Campus. The campus is located north of Charlotte, in Huntersville, North Carolina. Reflecting its focus, this campus is home to the college's Public Safety and Transportation Systems programs. In July 2011, CPCC renamed North Campus the Merancas Campus to honor longtime donors.
Harris Campus
The Harris Campus, opened in the West Charlotte area in 2001, is located next to the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. This strategic location allows the campus to cater to the needs of the surrounding community and potentially offer programs related to aviation and logistics.
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