Veteran to Visionary: Edwin Quarles’ Honorable Journey Through Education and Service at Central Piedmont

Edwin Quarles💡 Edwin Quarles, a distinguished Air Force veteran and Town Commissioner for Huntersville embarked on an extraordinary academic journey at Central Piedmont Community College. As a December 2023 graduate🎓 , Edwin’s decision to enroll at Central Piedmont was driven by the institution’s outstanding reputation as one of the nation’s premier community colleges. He reflects on his choice, stating, “I chose Central Piedmont Community College because it was said to be the best community college in the nation. I also heard from several graduates that the professors had the students’ best interest at heart.”

Pursuing an Associate in Arts degree, he strived to leverage his education to assist fellow veterans in accessing the benefits they rightfully deserve. Edwin’s dedication to veterans is a testament to his unwavering sense of duty and service, a value deeply rooted in his military experience.👏

One of the hallmarks of his time at Central Piedmont was the exceptional faculty who not only imparted knowledge but also kept him engaged and inspired. “I enjoyed my professors. Each kept me engaged, which made learning at such an older age easy and fun,” Edwin shares.🤩

Edwin’s aspirations extend to a career in the social service field, where he envisions himself playing a pivotal role in supporting veterans and contributing to the betterment of his community. His advice to future Central Piedmont students resonates with his own journey: “Set a goal; stay focused; apply yourself; and seek understanding and clarity from your professors. I used that formula after being away from a classroom setting for 30 years and was able to graduate from my program with honors.” ⭐

Central Piedmont Community College, for Edwin, is more than an institution; it’s a source of belief and inspiration. “Central Piedmont helped me Conquer Possibility by giving me the belief that I can achieve and be successful,” he reflects. The familial atmosphere and the genuine care exhibited by professors transformed his educational experience.

✈️ “I am an Air Force Veteran. I retired as an entrepreneur twelve years ago. I decided to take the challenge of getting a degree. I accomplished that challenge,” he proudly declares. His path also led him to engage in local politics, becoming a Commissioner for the Town of Huntersville during his time at Central Piedmont.

Edwin’s story, intertwined with service, learning, and leadership, is a true embodiment of the diverse experiences and opportunities that Central Piedmont Community College offers to its students and the communities it serves.

Honoring our Veterans

Veterans Day is Friday, November 11 and you’re invited to take part in the remaining event we’ve organized to honor our military veterans and family members.

Student is standing at base of the large metal flagpole, tying off the rope that raised the United States flag. The flagpole is surrounded by full size flags of all the US military branches and the US and North Carolina flags.

Veterans Day flag ceremony, Central Campus, November 7, 2022.

VETERANS AFFAIRS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SERVICE DAY

Thursday, November 10, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Habit ReStore, Wendover Road

Come support Central Piedmont’s Veteran Affairs team by participating in a day of service at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 1133 N. Wendover Road in Charlotte. Participants will learn about Habitat for Humanity’s mission, tour the store. and assist in the store during the project.

Sign up to volunteer at our Habitat ReStore service project.