Meet The Student Success Staff

Scroll down to find your coach and learn a little about who they are.

The Office of Student Success

Dr. Beth Holder

Associate Dean of Student Success

Contact: (336) 841-9279    |   bholder@highpoint.edu

Dr. Beth Holder received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Greensboro College. She also holds Master of Education and doctorate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is originally from Hickory, N.C.  Dr. Holder came to High Point University in 2005. Prior to HPU, she worked with students with disabilities in the public schools and served as assistant professor and coordinator of special education at Bennett College for Women.  While at Bennett College, she received the Bennett College National Alumnae Association Faculty Service Award and Belle Ringer Image Award. During her tenure at High Point University, she has served as associate professor in the School of Education and coordinator of special education and academically/intellectually gifted education. She has made presentations at local, regional and national conferences. Her interests include students with disabilities, persons in poverty, service-learning, teacher education, and student success. She served as a member of the Teacher Education Council, Advising, Academic Planning and On-line Course committees, and was the adviser to the student club Teachers of Tomorrow and Alpha Phi Omega.  In 2010, she received the Evening Degree Program Faculty Member of the Year Award. In 2013, Dr. Holder was honored as Community Partner of the Year by Communities in Schools of Guilford County. In 2014, she was awarded the High Point University’s Faculty Excellence Award by the Class of 2017. Beth is the proud mother of two young men.  Her youngest just finished his freshman year in college and wishes he had a success coach! She is the first to acknowledge she has a tendency to be a “helicopter mom!!” Beth loves to partner with students, faculty, staff and families. Dr. Holder is a strong advocate of High Point University and helps to support all students and their educational dreams. She encourages everyone to discover and enhance the “passion and purpose” within each of us.

Britt Carl

Sr. Success Coach

Contact: (336) 841-9490   |    bcarl@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for the Exercise Science majors in the School of Health Sciences and Pre-Pharmacy majors in the School of Pharmacy

Britt Carl received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisville.  Prior to joining the High Point University family, Britt served as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Mary Baldwin College in Virginia, as well as a First Year Advisor during her last year at the college.  She is passionate about assisting students as they progress through their collegiate careers, and she is excited to work with our freshmen as they adjust to academic and campus life at High Point University. Britt is a faithful member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and she is a member of the Young Alumnae Advisory Board at the all-girls independent high school she attended, Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC.  She also loves to paint, read, and cook!

Daniel Allen

Contact: (336) 841-9680   |   dallen2@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for the Accounting, Business Administration, Business Entrepreneurship,  International Business, Marketing and Sales majors in the School of Business with last names S-Z

Daniel Allen was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and grew up in the central and eastern part of the state. Daniel received a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences Education from Western Carolina University.  Realizing a passion for working with college students, Daniel returned to Western Carolina University and earned a Master’s degree in College Student Personnel.  Daniel has a background in residence life, campus programming, and working specifically with the freshmen population.  He is always looking to help students so that they can be successful. Daniel’s hobbies include playing golf, reading, and traveling.

Michael J. CasaSanta

Contact: (336) 841-9798   |    mcasasan@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for the Accounting, Business Administration, Business Entrepreneurship,  International Business, Marketing and Sales majors in the School of Business with last names F-K

Michael J. CasaSanta received his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Electronic Media from the University of Tennessee and his Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Prior to coming to High Point University, Mike held a variety of positions in fraternity and sorority life, alumni development and fundraising, admissions, volunteer development, and career advising. His interest in being a Student Success Coach stems from the difficulties he saw friends and classmates have as they struggled in making the transition from living at home with their parents to being a college student and having to make responsible choices. Mike is deeply committed to helping students pursue, and achieve their dreams and goals. Mike is a loyal member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, enjoys watching football and basketball, coaching youth basketball, and spending time with his fiancé Caroline and their loyal dog, Macie.

Jhon T. Cimmino

Contact: (336) 841-9782   |   jcimmino@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for all majors in the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication with last names H-R

Jhon T. Cimmino grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, where he completed his Bachelor’s degrees in Human Resource Management and English. As an undergraduate, he discovered his passion for higher education and working with first-year students, especially as an ambassador, resident assistant, and executive council member of his local fraternity, Gamma Sigma. Inspired by his students, Jhon went on to complete his Master’s degree in College Student Development at Appalachian State University in beautiful Boone, NC, where he served as a Residence Director. Jhon is passionate about empowering students to realize their own goals and purposes, as well his hobbies of outdoor adventures, cooking, and all types of gaming.

Hilah Cook

Contact: (336) 841-9028   |   hcook@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for Psychology, Studio Art, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Visual Merchandising Design, Music, Philosophy,  Religion, Dance, and Theatre majors.

Hilah Cook began her educational career as a Communication Major at Catawba College.  She holds a B.A. in Communication from Catawba College and a Master’s Degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from The University of North Carolina Greensboro. Hilah has worked for the past five years in residence life at various institutions specializing in working with freshmen students. She has experience in developing programming, assisting in the implementation of programs and services designed to promote academic, personal, and social activities for first year students. Hilah has been recognized by South Eastern Association of Housing Officers and was awarded the Graduate Assistant of the Year Award from UNC-Greensboro in 2011. Hilah is originally from Southern Pines, NC and loves living in the Tar Heel State.  She enjoys time with her husband and son.  In addition, she has hobbies which include photography and baking.

 Isabel Drinkwater

Contact: (336) 841-9796   |   idrinkwa@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for Undeclared students with last names A-J

Isabel Drinkwater is a recent graduate from Appalachian State University with a M.A. in College Student Development. Prior to Appalachian State, Isabel attended Meredith College earning a degree in Psychology. After finishing her undergraduate studies Isabel worked for three years as a teacher at the British International School of Charlotte.  It was through this experience that she discovered a passion for helping students realize their potential. As a graduate student, Isabel held an assistant-ship in the Career Exploration Office and also worked in the Career Development Center, Student Conduct, and served as a career counselor intern at Meredith College as well as a First Year Experience facilitator at Central Piedmont Community College. In her free time Isabel enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and beloved golden retriever.

Pam Francisco

Contact: (336) 841-9189   |    pfrancis@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for  Accounting, Business Administration, Business Entrepreneurship,  International Business, Marketing and Sales majors in the School of Business with last names A-E

Pamela Francisco received her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Greensboro College and taught Special Education at the high school level for eighteen years where she developed and implemented Special Education programs which enabled at-risk students to earn graduation credits and pursue higher education.  After receiving her Master’s degree in School Administration and Curriculum and Instruction from UNC-Pembroke, Ms. Francisco worked for twelve years as a school administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, most recently as a middle school principal.  She has been involved with the National and North Carolina Middle School Associations for the past several years, leading teachers to present Collaborative Teaching and Positive Behavior Intervention and Support workshops at state and national conferences. Ms. Francisco has participated in panels for discussion in Washington, DC and met with congressmen and national leaders to solicit support for middle school education.  Ms. Francisco is the proud parent of two beautiful daughters, Alexandra, a Guilford County Schools teacher, and Mackenzie, a Sophomore at Appalachian State University.  Excited to be a part of the High Point University family, Ms. Francisco hopes to impact students by providing support and resources that will enable them to be academically and socially successful.

Karen Geiger

Contact: (336) 841-9524   |   kgeiger@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for Actuarial Science, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English Literature, English Writing, French, History, Human Relations, Individualized Major, International Relations, Mathematical Economics, Mathematics, Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Political Science, Sociology, and Spanish majors.

Karen Geiger, originally from Philadelphia, Pa, received her Bachelor of Arts in English from West Virginia University and a Master’s of Science in Education with a focus in Leadership for Higher Education from Capella University.  Prior to coming to High Point University, Karen held a variety of positions in student success and development including student life, academic advising, assessment and accreditation, and academic support.  Karen was drawn to the position of Student Success Coach because she truly believes that if equipped with the right resources and tools, every student can be successful in college. She is dedicated to making sure that students are able to get the most out of their college experience. Karen is also a dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and enjoys reading and traveling.

Angi Kinsey

Contact: (336) 841-9479   |   akinsey@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for the School of Education and all majors in the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication with last names S-Z

Angi Kinsey holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications as well as a Master of Art in Higher Education from Appalachian State University.  Drawing on her own college experience, Angi chose to pursue a career in student services in order to provide the support she believes is critical to student success.  Her experience in developing mentoring programs, workshops, and peer and faculty advising programs allows her to help first-year students transition smoothly through one of the most important and exciting times in their lives. “I believe that providing both academic and personal support to students is crucial to their success,” says Kinsey. “I am thrilled to be a part of High Point University where students have so many types of support services available to them.”

Emily H. Long

Contact: (336) 841-9266   |   elong@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for Undeclared students with last names K-Z

Emily H. Long received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from East Tennessee State University and her Master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Prior to coming to High Point University, Emily held a variety of positions in career development services, academic advising, first-year experience, and fraternity and sorority life. In her role as the Graduate Assistant for Exploratory Advising at UNC-Greensboro, Emily received the first Undergraduate Studies Graduate Student of the Year Award for her work in advising and programming for undeclared students. As a former undeclared student herself, Emily is deeply committed to supporting students in this population and aims to inspire them to discover their unique strengths and purpose at High Point University and beyond. Emily is also a loyal member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, recently began playing golf, and loves taking trips to the beach.

Alisha Richardson

Contact: (336) 841-9449     |     arichard@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for all majors in the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication with last names A-G and High Point University’s Media Fellows

Alisha Richardson graduated from Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Strategic Communication at High Point University with an anticipated completion of May 2018.  She began at the university in 2011 working for the Budd Group as Service Request Coordinator and later joined the Concierge Team in May 2013 as University Scheduler. During her time as University Scheduler, she connected with students through campus event planning and enjoyed the opportunity to mentor Concierge student workers. Alisha believes that college is a time for growth, exploration, and relationship building on personal and professional levels. She hopes her experiences can encourage freshman students to make next four years fruitful and memorable. Alisha is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Bradley Taylor

Contact: (336) 841-9066     |     taylob09@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for students majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Neuroscience, and Physics.

Bradley G. Taylor, an High Point University alumnus, Bradley graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a minor in Physics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics with a minor in Music. He was an actively involved student both in the classroom and as leader around campus, which led to his passion for both first-year student programs and alumni engagement. Bradley obtained a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University. He has experience as an analytical chemistry research assistant at Wake Forest University and in residence life, residential staff selections, and new student programs at Duke University. “I am very excited to be back at High Point University and to provide coaching to freshmen majoring in scientific fields,” says Bradley. “Through my work I hope to promote a student’s sense of belonging, strengthen their connection to HPU and support their academic success.” Bradley is an Eagle Scout and dedicated adult volunteer in the Boy Scouts of America.

Phillip A. Wogatzke

Contact: (336) 841-9781   |   pwogatzk@highpoint.edu

Student Success Coach for Accounting, Business Administration, Business Entrepreneurship, International Business,  Marketing and Sales majors in the School of Business with last names L-R

Phillip A. Wogatzke holds a Bachelor’s of Science in History, Secondary Education from Appalachian State University.  He taught high school Social Studies for 8 years which led to his interest in helping students prepare for life in college.  Phillip earned his Master of Arts in Higher Education; Community College and University Leadership from Appalachian State University.  His interest in being a Student Success Coach stems from the experiences he shared with his own students as they embarked upon college.  “The success of my students is important to me, as I struggled with determining the right major for myself during the first two years of my college career,” says Phillip.  Phillip is married to Katy, who serves as a school counselor in public education, and they are proud parents to three sons.  Phillip enjoys spending his free time watching TV and sports, playing video games, and reading the latest in History and fiction.