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Meet The Team
“Supportive professionals dedicated to student progress and success.”
Karen Naylon
Assistant Dean
401 Smith Library | 336-888-6388
Karen Naylon serves as the Assistant Dean of Academic Services. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC and a Master of Business Administration from High Point University. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of positions including Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Department Chair of Information Systems at HPU before moving into an administration roles of Director of Academic Advising, Director of Retention, Co-Chair of the Executive Retention Committee and Chair of the University Advising Committee. She has supported students of High Point University for over twenty years in these various roles. As an alumnae of High Point University, she is excited to continue working closely with our student body, our families and HPU staff and faculty. Her professional memberships include the National Academic Advising Association and the College Reading and Learning Association. In her free time, Karen enjoys spending time with her ever-growing family, attending sporting events, and exercising.
Ashley Burrough
Student Engagement & Life Skills Coach
400A Smith Library | 336-841-9776
Ashley Burrough joined the Office of Academic Services at HPU as a student engagement and life skills coach. With 11 years of experience in undergraduate admissions at various universities, Ashley has worked as an enrollment specialist, an admissions coordinator, assistant director for Link, associate director of admissions and as interim director for Academic Services and Enrollment Management. Burrough is a member of various higher education organizations, including NACAC, SACAC, CIVSA and NACADA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and a master’s degree in college student affairs, with a concentration in conflict analysis and resolution.
ACADEMIC TUTORING/SI
Dr. Craig Curty
Director, Academic Services
400 Smith Library | 336-841-9014
Dr. Craig Curty has worked in the learning assistance field at High Point University since 1995. As Director of Academic Services Center, Dr. Curty is responsible for the peer tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI) programs. Currently there are over 160 tutors and 58 SI leaders under his purview. The tutoring program is certified by College Reading & Learning Association at Mastery Level, which is the highest certification offered, and the program originally received this distinction in 2002. Dr. Curty recruits, hires, and trains peer undergraduate tutors who tutor HPU students in over 180 subjects. Interacting with students is the best part of working and Dr. Curty’s office door is always open to welcome students, build relationships, and serve as a resource to empower student’s college experiences. Dr. Curty enjoys spending his free time with his family, watching and attending baseball games, and serving as the Commissioner of a Fantasy Football league.
LEARNING EXCELLENCE
April Cosner
Program Director
405 Smith Library | 336-841-9496
April Cosner serves as the Director of Learning Excellence. She earned a Bachelor of Science, as well as a Master of Arts in English, from Appalachian State University. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Furnishings from High Point University. Throughout her career, she has served as a student advocate and curriculum developer at the middle school, high school and college levels. At Guilford College, she was an Associate Director for the Adult Degree Program. Later, she served as the Assistant Director for GEAR UP at Appalachian State University, a federally funded grant program that encouraged first-generation students to attend college. She has supported the students of High Point University for over five years in her previous roles as a Success Coach and a Career Advisor. As an alumna of High Point University, she is thrilled to be giving back to this extraordinary student body. Her professional memberships include the Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention, the National Academic Advising Association, the College Reading and Learning Association and the Learning Disabilities Association of America
Leigh Barnwell
Learning Excellence Specialist
413 Smith Library | 336-841-9834
Leigh Barnwell is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology from North Carolina Central University and a Master’s in Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Leigh also holds a Post Master’s Certification in Educational Leadership and School Administration from UNCG and serves as the science instructor for the TRIO Upward Bound Program at North Carolina A&T State University. Prior to coming to High Point University, Leigh was a middle grades science teacher for nine years. During her time in the school system, she founded the Kiser Kings Mentoring Program for young minority males, which focuses on cultivating the diverse skills, talents, and leadership abilities within young men to ensure their success in school, the community, and in life. The program is still in existence and is ran in conjunction with the NC A&T State University organization, Kingdom of Youth. Leigh is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay. In her free time, Leigh enjoys traveling, attending live sporting and music events, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends.
Tiffany Bryant
Learning Excellence Specialist
408 Smith Library | 336-841-9327
Tiffany Bryant received her Bachelors of Science in Heath and Physical Education and Masters of Science in Human Performance from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She also received a Masters of Education from Strayer University. Tiffany is passionate about helping students to unlock their potential in order to reach their academic goals. Prior to joining High Point University in July 2019, Tiffany most recently served as the Director of Sylvan Learning Center in High Point, North Carolina. In addition to her experience working in higher education as an Academic Advisor and Admissions Recruiter, Tiffany has also served as a former high school Teacher and Coach. Tiffany is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The role which she cherishes the most is being a proud mom to two beautiful children, Tia and Tyson. In her spare time she enjoys watching and attending sporting events, and spending cherished quality time with her family and friends.
Sarah Bryce
Learning Excellence Specialist
400C Smith Library | 336-841-9510
Tara Craver
Learning Excellence Specialist
444 Smith Library | 336-841-9267
Tara Craver has been employed at High Point University since August 2019. Prior to coming to HPU, she worked as a Language Development Specialist at Forsyth County Day School in Lewisville, NC. Tara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education with a concentration in Learning Disabilities from UNC Wilmington. She has also been trained at the Associate and Certified Levels in the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching language skills. For eighteen years, Tara taught students in grades 9-12 who were diagnosed as having learning differences, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and/or ADD or ADHD, in a one-on-one setting. She provided diagnostic and prescriptive instruction to help these students develop and improve their reading, writing, and time management skills so that they were able to graduate and go on to pursue higher education. Tara is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential. She is a member of IDA, the International Dyslexia Association, and she enjoys keeping abreast of current research and best practices in this field.
Peyton Davis
Learning Excellence Specialist
409 Smith Library | 336-841-9056
Peyton has been working at High Point University since September 2014 in various departments including, Student Success and Student Life. She joined the Academic Affairs staff in August 2018. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Learning from Lynchburg College and her Master’s degree from the University of South Carolina in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Peyton has worked in Higher Education since 2007 in various capacities such as Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Conduct, and Residence Life. Her passion is helping students find their passion and purpose. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2-year-old son, Jack.
Jen Grider
Learning Excellence Specialist
407 Smith Library | 336-841-9446
Jennifer Grider joined HPU in January 2014. She has served as a Learning Excellence Specialist and Professional Mathematics Tutor. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Slippery Rock University, where she was a founding member of university’s chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon. Jennifer is currently pursuing her Master of Education in Teaching and Learning Theory, with a concentration in Student Services, from Liberty University, and is expected to graduate in October 2020. Prior to joining HPU, Jennifer worked for the North Carolina Community College system for three years as mathematics instructor and tutor, and as an academic success coach. Before making a career change into Higher Education, Jennifer was an actuarial analyst where she gained corporate training, management, and mentor ship experience. Jennifer is an active Girl Scout Leader in her community. She has served in leadership positions and on the board for local volunteer organizations. On a personal note, Jennifer enjoys biking, hiking, and gardening, and spending time with her husband and children.
Kaitlyn Hurt
Learning Excellence Specialist
446 Smith Library | 336-841-9436
Kaitlyn Hurt is a two-time Appalachian State University alumnus. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and her Master’s degree in College Student Development. Before coming to High Point University, Kaitlyn worked as a College Success Coach in the North Carolina Community College system. She also has prior experience in working with non-traditional college students and is passionate about working with student veterans. As a Learning Excellence Specialist, Kaitlyn enjoys working with students to find strategies that allow them to succeed in the classroom. In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys traveling with her husband, reading, and trying out new recipes.
Kendra Matthews
Learning Excellence Specialist
406 Smith Library | 336-841-9417
Kendra Matthews received her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics and Masters of Science in Food Science and Nutrition from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She also received a Masters of Teaching from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Kendra has a love for student services and enjoys helping students reach their full potential. With over eleven years of higher education experience prior to joining High Point University in December 2019, Kendra Matthews recently served as an Instructor with Guilford Technical Community College. Throughout her career, she has served as Recruitment Coordinator and NC Teaching Fellows Director at North Carolina A&T State University School of Education. Kendra has also served as university Early College Academy Liaison, as well as Family Consumer Science teacher in both Guilford and Winston-Salem Forsyth County schools. The role in which she cherishes the most is being a proud mom to her beautiful son, Anwar. In her spare time, Kendra enjoys traveling, attending live sporting and music events, shopping, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Kim Pope
Learning Excellence Specialist
400B Smith Library | 336-841- 9593
Kim Pope received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and went on to get certified in Deaf Education (K-12) at Lenoir Rhyne. In 2001, she completed her Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities (K-12) from Elon University. During her post graduate work at UNCG, Kim served as a research assistant to the Chair of Special Education Department and had the opportunity to publish and to teach both undergraduate and graduate classes in Special Education. Prior to joining the High Point University family in August 2014, Kim served as a Special Education teacher in both Guilford and Alamance County schools as well as at Wesleyan Christian Academy. She is passionate about helping student with learning differences reach their potential, discover how they learn best, and become an advocate for themselves. Her goal at HPU is to offer the best services possible to both students and their families as they begin their academic journey at HPU! On a personal note, Kim is the proud mom of an amazing young man who is currently a junior at HPU. She enjoys spending time at the beach with her family and reading.
Kristen Silverman
Learning Excellence Specialist
411 Smith Library | 336-841-9328.
Kristen Silverman received her Bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Sciences and her Master’s and Education Specialist degrees in Counseling from Florida State University. Kristen has experience working with adolescents and young adults in a variety of settings such as a public high school, private K-12 school, charter school, public university, and now a private university. Kristen is specialized in advising and counseling, specifically, career counseling and has previously taught a course in career development. She also taught the Foundations of Academic Success course this summer here at High Point University. On a personal note, Kristen enjoys going to farmer’s markets, antiquing, and spending time with her husband and chocolate labradoodle.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Sarah Keene
Department Administrator
336-841-9478 | skeene@highpoint.edu
Sarah Keene joined the Office of Academic Services in February 2018. She provides assistance in the areas of academic advising, tutoring services, and Learning Excellence. Prior to joining the High Point University team, Sarah has over twelve years experience in administrative roles, including banking, operations management, information technology and as an executive administrative assistant. She enjoys the diversity of working in the higher education environment, and lending support to all areas of HPU. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her kids, working out and reading.
