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If institutions had minds, bodies and mouths, they wouldn’t need people like Dr. Tony Zeiss. But Central Piedmont Community College is lucky to have Zeiss as its representative. Due to his commitment to the place, this month’s conversation wasn’t as much with a man as it was with the college he represents. It’s not a technical college, junior college, not even a two-year college. Zeiss, President of CPCC, explained why his college is is truly a college for the community.
“We are inclusive by nature. One of our core values is to be accessible: academically, financially, and geographically. We provide education for everyone, so the term community really is true of our institution.” CPCC serves over 70,000 members of the Charlotte community each year through its six campuses, outreach programs, and online courses. Zeiss categorizes CPCC students as emerging, existing, transitional, entrepreneurial and advocational workers. About forty percent of CPCC enrollees are taking college-level courses leading to a degree with which to enter the workforce. Another forty percent take corporate or continuing education courses to enhance their existing careers, transition to a new career, or start a business of their own. The rest of the student population is involved in special programs such as ESL, GED, camps, or personal interest courses. Zeiss says the most accurate way to think of CPCC is as a career college, a place focused on helping people get, reach, and keep good careers.
“We all know what K-12 schools do in terms of laying a foundation. We all understand the nature of a four-year university. We do everything in between. That is the role of community colleges across the U.S.” This role is often underestimated. Upon Zeiss’s arrival in 1993, CPCC set a vision of becoming the nation’s leader in workforce development. The president and his board created strategic action plans and made great strides in establishing the college as a serious institution of learning which makes an impact on the workforce. In the 2002-2003 school year, their goal was realized when they earned the title ‘Community College of the Year’ from the National Alliance of Business. CPCC was noted for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies. Zeiss describes the community college as a huge economic engine, creating an emerging workforce and training existing workers.
“We provide a huge value to the community, are a wonderful return on investment. CPCC returns $5 on every $1 invested.” The college constantly targets new high-growth occupations and starts programs to feed these industries. This, in turn, attracts new companies to Charlotte.
Despite its successes, demonstrated importance, and phenomenal economic return, CPCC is the least funded per student of all North Carolina community colleges, which in turn are the overall lowest funded sector of education in the state. Lack of financing from the county and state is definitely at the top of Zeiss’s list of challenges, but that’s as close as he’ll get to complaining. With the same visionary spirit he’s lead CPCC for the last 15 years, Zeiss dismisses budget issues with a can-do attitude.
“We get creative, we are very entrepreneurial as an administration. We are great collaborators with local business, industry and government. Most of my job is out raising money and making friends.” Zeiss is very good at what he does, but it’s not slick business tactics that make him so. When you meet Zeiss, you find he is the opposite of slick: he’s warm, genuine, and available. You can tell there is more to his commitment than a desire to win awards or gather money. For example, he was concerned about the number of students being turned down for federal Pell grants. The income limit for this aid is $17,000 a year, which excludes many people who have a good work ethic but still no discretionary income to go to school. Zeiss responded by launching a capital campaign to build an endowment fund to ensure that no student with legitimate financial need is turned away from CPCC. The fundraising goal was $15 million. The drive completed early at $28 million. Zeiss calls this a good start and plans to continue to expand the fund so opportunities for needy students don’t run out.
When I asked Zeiss about his extraordinary commitment, he didn’t hesitate to explain an epiphany he had at age thirteen, which has since driven him to make a positive difference. In the 1970s, Zeiss became very interested in the workforce and economic development and began writing about it. He emerged as a leader in the field and was recruited first by a college in Colorado, and came next to Central Piedmont. Zeiss believs that education is most important, but it must not exist in a vacuum; learning must be tied to the needs and interests of people and business. Zeiss sees his job as president of Central Piedmont as a way to foster this connection and contribute to individual lives and, ultimately, his entire community.
What does CPCC have to offer you? Whether you are student, a degreed CEO, or just a person looking for a new hobby or quality entertainment, CPCC is your one-stop shop.
“We are different things to different people,” said Zeiss. CPCC offers over one hundred degree and certification programs. They go into every high school to assist potential freshman in completing applications and federal financial aid forms in a non-threatening environment. The college collaborates with businesses to provide relevant training that workers need to stay current. They developed the Institute for Entrepreneurship to assist anyone dreaming of starting their own business to acquire the skills, tools and know-how to be successful. CPCC hosts arts festivals, theatrical and dance performances, speakers and seminars open to the public. When you’re checking out the local offerings for entertainment, see what CPCC has going on. They also have a full selection of inexpensive personal interest classes. Improve your photography skills, taste the wines of a country you plan to visit, learn to knit, take a jazz class. You’ll be amazed at the broad spectrum of evening and weekend courses you can enjoy for under $100. Spend some time on the website, www.cpcc.edu , and see what you find for yourself.
If you haven’t heard about all CPCC has to offer, consider the advertising difficulties of such a far-reaching institution. Zeiss likens it to marketing to a parade, trying to reach all the different segments of the population as they go by.
“We have over 10,000 classes a year, 100 departments, countless events, so marketing is a challenge.” As you might imagine, the ad budget is small and targeted toward prospective students, which doesn’t leave much for letting Charlotte know about its general programs and special class opportunities. Try going to www.arts.cpcc.edu to quickly check the latest arts happenings. Those personal interest classes are listed in the corporate and continuing education department. To get there directly, check out www.cpcctraining.org/Personal_Interest/default.asp.
Central Piedmont Community College is doing its job, providing innovative, impactful educational opportunities for, literally, everyone. It’s up to you to take advantage by enrolling in courses, attending events, even donating money to their efforts. That skill you’ve been meaning to learn, that hobby you’ve always wished to do, or the training you need for the job you really want isn’t far from home. The president himself sets a good example of striving for what is personally important. He’s written over fourteen books, runs a major college, initiates huge side projects like the Charlotte Trail of History, and still finds time to spend with his family. How does he do it?
“I don’t play golf,” Zeiss joke,s then adds, seriously, “If you are compelled to do something, you do it.”
~ Celina Mincey
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