In her early 30s, Chelsea Tarte enrolled at South Piedmont to study in the Social and Human Services program. Her goal was modest: She wanted to gain a few new skills to use at her job.
Now, she’s pursuing a master’s degree and preparing for a career in social services policy.
The difference between what she thought was possible and what’s happening in her life has much to do with South Piedmont.
“A lot of it is because of (Human Services Technology Program Lead) Fedder Williams,” Tarte said.
“She made me see potential that I hadn’t seen in myself. She was always pushing me. She believed in me, and she pushed me to keep going.”
A Union County native who graduated from Forest Hills High School, Tarte originally enrolled at South Piedmont to pursue nursing, but as she progressed in the program, she realized it wasn’t for her. She wanted a career helping people, but not in the medical field.
She left school, got married, and had a daughter. She went to work as a Medicaid eligibility technician for Union County, seeing it as a short-term way to help her community, though not necessarily a lifelong career.
As she grew in the position and realized the impact she could make by helping people access Medicaid benefits, however, she wanted to do more. That’s when she enrolled at South Piedmont.
After earning her Associate in Applied Science in Social and Human Services — and with Williams’ encouragement still ringing in her ears — Tarte enrolled at Wingate University. She graduated from there with her bachelor’s degree in summer 2026. Two weeks later, she enrolled at UNC Charlotte to pursue her master’s degree in social work. Her advanced degrees wouldn’t have been possible, she believes, if she hadn’t started at South Piedmont.
“Whether you’re seeking a marketable degree to enter the workforce or building a foundation for continued education at the undergraduate or graduate level, South Piedmont provides the knowledge and skills to help you excel wherever your journey takes you,” she said.
As she’s furthered her education, Tarte has gotten two promotions and doubled her salary. She is now a senior eligibility specialist, and she serves on South Piedmont’s Social and Human Services advisory board.
Looking ahead, Tarte is eyeing a career in policy, which would allow her to expand her impact even further.
“There is a saying, ‘People do the best they can with what they were given and what they know,’” she said. “If you can give people new information and tools, they will do better. I feel that is my responsibility as a person.”
Tarte also feels it is her responsibility to pour into others the way Williams did her.
“Whenever I hear people mention potentially going back to school, I tell them to do it. I’m constantly pushing people to go back and learn. You can work and have a family and go to school. I try to mentor people with my own experience.”
Learn more about the Social and Human Services program.