Former Circuit City CEO Alan McCollough Named HPU’s Executive in Residence

HIGH POINT, N.C., June 24, 2024 – Alan McCollough, the former CEO of electronics retail giant Circuit City, is the latest global leader to join High Point University’s Access to Innovators Program. He will mentor students as HPU’s Executive in Residence.

McCollough brings a wealth of business knowledge to his new role at HPU. After joining Circuit City as general manager of corporate operations in 1987, he moved up the ranks and was named the company’s president and chief operating officer in 1997. He served in that role for three years before being appointed president and CEO in 2000 and president, CEO and chairman of the board in 2002.

Under McCollough’s leadership, Circuit City opened new stores across the country and remodeled existing stores to give them a fresh look. He retired from the company in 2006, and the following year was elected to the board of directors for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He also served on the board of directors for La-Z-Boy and VF Corporation, one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies.

“HPU is focused on equipping students with life skills that will allow them to adapt and thrive throughout their career,” McCollough said. “I’m excited to share my experiences with HPU students and help them grow as leaders.”

Prior to joining Circuit City, McCollough, a U.S. Navy veteran, spent more than a decade working for Milliken & Company, a leading manufacturing company that specializes in flooring, textile, chemicals and health care solutions. He served as the company’s director of marketing in his final role with the company.

“HPU’s Access to Innovators Program continues to grow and attract some of the top minds in the country. I’m excited for our students to sit down and learn from Alan McCollough,” said HPU President Nido Qubein. “Our students will be mentored and taught business strategies by a former CEO who had success at the highest level.”

McCollough joins other business leaders who regularly visit HPU’s campus and mentor students as part of the Access to Innovators Program. The group includes:

• Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple and HPU’s Innovator in Residence
• Marc Randolph, former CEO and co-founder of Netflix and HPU’s Entrepreneur in Residence
• Cynt Marshall, CEO of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and HPU’s Sports Executive in Residence
• Russell Weiner, CEO of Domino’s and HPU’s Corporate Executive in Residence
• Sue Downes, CEO and co-founder of MyEyeDr and HPU’s Health Care Expert in Residence
• Ellen Zane, former CEO of Tufts Medical Center and HPU’s Health Care Executive in Residence
• JiNan Glasow George, CEO and founder of Patent Forecast and HPU’s Intellectual Property Expert in Residence
• Johnny Taylor, CEO of SHRM and Human Capital Expert in Residence