Jasmin Cobb fell in love with photography as a high school sophomore, captivated by the art of capturing meaningful moments. By 15, she had already decided to pursue it professionally, building her skills and portfolio.

But as her career grew, she realized that artistic talent alone wasn’t enough—she needed business knowledge to succeed. “I wanted a college that was affordable, provided a close-knit community, and helped me grow as a business owner.”

That search led Jasmin to Central Piedmont, where she enrolled in the Associate of Arts program with a focus on Business Entrepreneurship.

👩‍🏫 Mentorship That Made a Difference

Jasmin found more than just classes—she found professors who cared. One instructor, Blessing Aghimien, helped her overcome one of her biggest fears: public speaking. “She helped me gain the skills to be a more confident speaker,” Jasmin said.

Now, Jasmin is combining her creativity and business skills to turn her passion into a thriving career. 🎓✨

Central Piedmont’s Summer 2025 Study Abroad Programs are here to make your dream of exploring new cultures a reality! These life-changing experiences are open to students from all programs of study.

Here’s everything you need to know about the exciting destinations on deck this summer:

📅 Deadline to apply: Thursday, January 30
👉 Pro tip: Don’t wait—spots fill up fast!

Florence, Italy: May 21 – June 3

💡 Why go? Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Florence!
🎨 What you’ll study: Music, art, architecture, history, and culture.
🎻 Your guide: Central Piedmont’s talented musician and faculty member, Stephanie Lawrence-White.
📚 Course: Music 110 or associated CCE course.
✨ Bonus: Two weeks in one of the world’s most stunning cities!

UK & Romania: May 26 – June 6

💡 Why go? Step into the pages of Dracula and explore the places that inspired one of the most famous gothic novels ever written.
📍 Where you’ll go: Whitby, England and Sighisoara, Sibiu, Brasov, and Bran, Romania.
📖 What you’ll study: The intersection of history and legend through the lens of Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula.
🧛‍♂️ Your guide: Humanities Faculty Chris Brawley and Bram Stoker’s great-grandnephew (yes, really!).
📚 Course: Humanities 130 or associated CCE course.
✨ Bonus: Experience castles and creepy cool history!

Japan: June 19 – 30

💡 Why go? Dive into the vibrant culture and history of Japan while exploring breathtaking cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo.
🎌 What you’ll study: Japanese culture, with a focus on Japanese Warlords in Modern Media.
🗾 Your guides: Princess Small and Allan DiDonato.
📚 Course: HUM 120 Cultural Studies or associated CCE course.
✨ Bonus: Sushi, samurai, and stunning cityscapes!

🌟 How to Apply

👉 Interested? Contact the Center for Global Engagement to learn more or discuss your options.

Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities to study, travel, and grow this summer! 🗺️✨

In January, enjoy a new limited-time special, a 12 oz. London Fog Tea Latte, for $4.25 at all Catalyst Coffee Bar locations.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, Student Life will host a captivating ceremony from 9-10:30 a.m. that celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Central Campus, Parr Center, Collaboration Stairs.

The program will include inspiring music, thought-provoking readings, historical reenactments, and an uplifting call to action.

Participants should be prepared to have engaging conversations and meaningful reflection.

Light refreshments will be served after the event.

We would love for you to be part of this special occasion!

The STEM Tank Program aims to increase student STEM workforce skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication while meeting workforce demand and preparing students for economically-mobile, family-sustaining careers.

We want to increase the number of students in STEM pathways at the college, particularly populations underrepresented in STEM fields, like students of color and women.

During the Season 7 competition, students will present their research proposals to a problem that exists on campus or in the community. Students will compete for the best thought-out and feasible plan judged by faculty and alumni.

Visit the application page for more information.

Central Piedmont Truist Honors Scholars are accomplishing goals faster than they anticipated by bringing the Honors Program Foundations of experiential learning, research, global learning, leadership, and technology literacy to life.

Two of our scholars developed and presented dissertation-style proposals for the National Association of African American Studies & Affiliates (NAAAS) Annual Conference and followed that by publishing their works. Former Alumni Scholar Angelika Nicole Santero has been published once, and our current scholar Tiffany Zamora has been published twice.

Angelika Santero

Scholars are encouraged to dream big and are supported to bring those dreams to life. The practices and processes required to develop a research article include high-quality enrichment experiences that prepare scholars for four-year universities and the workforce, which value higher-order thinking skills and research abilities.

Also notable is these scholars used their experiences to prepare their fellow scholars for academic conference presentations.

Tiffany Zamora

Santero is currently at UNC Charlotte, pursuing a bachelor of science degree in psychology. Her dissertation was titled “Exploration of the Impact of Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Their Impact on Mental Health and Well-being.”

Zamora’s dissertations were called “An Exploratory Study of Cultural Betrayal Trauma from Clergy-perpetrated Sexual Abuse of Adults in the Black Church” and “Language as Power: A Labeling Theory Perspective on Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse Discourse.”

As an ambassador, you’ll:

✅ Gain hands-on experience in content creation
✅ Highlight events, student stories, and campus happenings
✅ Build your resume and creative skills