High Point University recognized and celebrated outstanding alumni during the 2025 Homecoming Weekend. Pictured from left were award winners Martha Johnson, Gary Cooper, Bobby F. Kimbrough Jr. and Jeffrey D. Harris.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Dec. 4, 2025 – High Point University recognized and celebrated outstanding alumni during the 2025 Homecoming Weekend from Nov. 7-9, with thousands of HPU alumni participating in a variety of events on campus.
One highlight of the weekend was HPU’s annual Alumni Awards, hosted by its Alumni Association. The ceremony honors alumni who have made outstanding accomplishments and demonstrate a commitment to their community and the university.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Martha Luck Comer Johnson, Class of 1954
Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and was an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. Following her graduation, she dedicated her life to teaching students in Moore and Randolph County schools in North Carolina, including many years as a beloved third-grade teacher at Seagrove Elementary and Westmoore Elementary in Seagrove.
“I have admired the way High Point University has transformed itself into a state-of-the-art institution over the last two decades,” Johnson said. “I am proud that the university, where I was prepared for life as an educator, continues to produce graduates eager to make an impact in the lives of others.”
A respected community leader and lifelong resident in Randolph County, Johnson’s service extends far beyond the classroom. She served on the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, as a Board of Trustees member for Randolph Community College for more than 30 years and as a board member for First National Bank. A devoted member of Seagrove United Church of Christ, she has served faithfully as a trustee and in other leadership roles throughout the years.
Her family’s impact in the Piedmont Triad region spans generations. Her father, Ivey Luck, co-founded a company in Seagrove that grew into Luck’s Beans, a well-known brand recognized across the region.
In 2017, HPU celebrated Johnson’s lifelong commitment to education and service by dedicating the Martha Luck Comer Learning Commons, located inside the Wanek Center. The Learning Commons provides students with inviting spaces to study, connect and grow — a fitting tribute to a woman who spent her life inspiring learning in others.
“Martha’s life is an important example of what it means to live a life filled with success and significance,” HPU President Nido Qubein said.
Alumnus of the Year: Jeffrey D. Harris, Class of 1990
Harris is the president and CEO of Furnitureland South, the world’s largest furniture store, located in the city of High Point.
Under his leadership, Furnitureland South has become a nationally recognized powerhouse, named America’s Best Large Independent Furniture Retailer. It is also consistently honored on major business lists, including the Triad Business Journal’s Fast 50, and Business North Carolina’s Fast 40 for the Mid-Atlantic region. Harris has been named Business North Carolina’s CEO of the Year, and he has been featured on the publication’s Power List since 2022.
A proud HPU graduate, Harris earned his Bachelor of Science in business and economics with a concentration in home furnishings marketing. During his time as a student, he was a Millis Scholar-Athlete and now gives back to his alma mater as a dedicated member of the HPU Board of Trustees. His son, Tanner, graduated from HPU in 2019.
His passion for innovation extends beyond retail as one of the co-founders of The Design Network, one of the fastest-growing lifestyle TV channels that focuses on home and design.
“My experience at High Point University was incredible,” Harris said. “I received a quality education in an environment that fostered close interaction with professors and a true sense of community. As a member of the baseball team, I built friendships that have lasted a lifetime. I’m proud of my association with HPU and even prouder that my son is now an alumnus as well.”
Harris’ generosity shines through his support of organizations such as Brenner Children’s Hospital, the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, the American Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army and Victory Junction Camp.
President’s Award: Gary “Coop” Cooper, Class of 1977
Cooper grew up in Shelby, North Carolina, and became the first in his family to attend college when he enrolled at what was then High Point College in 1973.
Shy and reserved when he arrived on campus, Cooper carried with him advice from his mother, who often reminded him, “To have a friend, you have to be a friend.” He took those words to heart, quickly forming close bonds with his suitemates and lifelong friendships through Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.Cooper served as the fraternity’s treasurer and president, and was named Brother of the Year. He mentored others as chapter advisor for nearly two decades and earned the fraternity’s highest honor, the Order of Merit.
Cooper graduated from HPU in 1977 and enjoyed a 45-year career in banking, including four decades in mortgage banking. His professional excellence was matched by his unwavering service to HPU as president of the Alumni Association, member of the Board of Ambassadors and a Distinguished Alumni Service Medal recipient.
Beyond campus, Cooper’s life has been defined by civic leadership and service. Through his decades of involvement with Kiwanis International, he rose to become governor of the Carolinas District and later served as an international trustee, overseeing youth programs that empower the next generation of servant leaders. He also lends his leadership to the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, the Military Affairs Council, and the Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina, where he serves as chairman of the board.
A devoted husband, father and friend, Cooper embodies the values of faith, service and gratitude that define HPU.
Community Impact Award: Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough Jr., Class of 1991
Kimbrough was born and raised in Forsyth County and earned his Bachelor of Arts in sociology from HPU in 1991. He began his law enforcement career in 1984 as a police officer for the Winston-Salem Police Department. In 1987, he became an arson investigator with the Winston-Salem Fire Department while serving in the role of assistant fire marshal. He then moved to work with high-risk offenders at the North Carolina Department of Probation and Parole.
From 1995 to 2016, Kimbrough served the U.S. Department of Justice as a special agent in the Drug Enforcement Administration. Various certifications, including Department of Justice instructor, and his fluency in Spanish afforded him the opportunity to work extensively throughout the U.S. and other Spanish-speaking countries.
Kimbrough was elected as sheriff of Forsyth County in 2018. As the first African-American sheriff of Forsyth County, he has worked to improve the relationship between the sheriff’s office and the community, advancing technology and enhancing the work already being done by Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office team members. He led the implementation of “Surviving the Shield,” a partnership with Novant Health that supports the mental health of deputies. He also led the agency to partner with Wake Forest University’s School of Professional Development to create a Law Enforcement School of Executive Leadership. With his diligent work in the community, he has received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his service.
As an active community leader, Kimbrough founded Branded for Knowledge, a program focusing on strengthening, empowering and encouraging individuals to reach their full potential. He has received numerous accolades and authored three books. He considers being a single parent raising seven sons as responsible, respectful young men to be his greatest accomplishment.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
Alexander J. Budd, Class of 2018 and 2019
Alex is the third member of his family to graduate from HPU. His grandfather, Richard P. Budd, graduated in 1963 and helped shape the university through leadership at The Budd Group, service on the Board of Trustees and the establishment of an endowed scholarship. His father, Joe Budd, Class of 1983, carried that legacy forward as CEO of the company and remained an active supporter of the university’s mission.
Alex earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 2018 and completed his MBA in 2019. As a student, he embraced HPU’s emphasis on leadership and service, serving as a Business School Peer Facilitator, mentoring younger students and gaining early experience that would shape his approach to business and leadership.
While finishing his MBA, Alex joined Greensboro Industrial Platers, a 90-year-old metal finishing company. He was fascinated by the industry’s quiet but critical role in modern manufacturing and learned the business from the ground up. When owner Allison Davis prepared to retire, she offered him the opportunity to buy the company. At age 24, he stepped into ownership with the support of his family.
“HPU isn’t just where I went to school,” Alex said. “It’s a place that shaped my family for generations. My grandfather and father both built their lives and careers on the foundation they found here. Following in their footsteps is something I take seriously. It’s a privilege, and it gives everything I do a deeper sense of meaning.”
Under Alex’s leadership, Greensboro Industrial Platers has grown significantly. One of his most important strategic moves was acquiring United Metal Finishing. The acquisition allowed him to consolidate operations into a 35,000-square-foot facility and expand service offerings across the Southeast.
HPU remains central to Alex’s story in both professional and personal ways. On Dec. 27, 2022, during the university’s annual Christmas Drive, Alex proposed to his wife, Mia, outside Hayworth Chapel. Less than a year later, on Sept. 16, 2023, they returned to the same chapel to exchange their vows.
Dr. Natalie Devine Wilson, Class of 2016 and 2020
Wilson earned her degree in exercise science with a minor in psychology from HPU in 2016.
As a four-year member of the women’s lacrosse team, she helped lead the Panthers to two Big South Conference championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances. In addition to her success on the field, Wilson served as a university ambassador, representing HPU with pride and enthusiasm both on and off campus. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she continued her academic journey at HPU and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2020.
As a two-time graduate, Wilson believes HPU has played an invaluable role in shaping who she is today, both personally and professionally. She completed a sports residency at Vanderbilt University, where she gained advanced clinical experience working with NCAA Division I athletes in sports medicine and orthopedics.
In 2022, Wilson became a board-certified sports clinical specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of professionals in her field. Her impressive career has included work with professional teams, such as Major League Soccer’s New York City Football Club and the Nashville Soccer Club.
Today, she serves as a physical therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Sports Physical Therapy Clinic and a team physical therapist for Boston College’s athletics department. She also teaches as an adjunct faculty member in Tufts University’s Department of Physical Therapy.
Jack Elliott, Class of 2020
Elliott earned his Bachelor of Arts in strategic communication with a minor in sales from HPU. As a student, he stood out as a dynamic leader, serving as sophomore class president, vice president of recruitment for HPU’s Interfraternity Council, university ambassador captain and a devoted member of Sigma Nu fraternity.
Elliott also co-founded HPU’s Dance Marathon, which raised more than $37,000 for Duke Children’s Hospital in its first year and was nationally recognized by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as the top first-year fundraising program in the country.
During his undergraduate years, Elliott gained professional experience in New York City with Intralinks, supporting corporate development sales and working with top clients, including Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Chase. After graduation, he joined his family’s holding company, FourShare, which manages a diverse portfolio of seven businesses.
Beginning as a sales representative with Battery Watering Technologies, Elliott rose through the ranks to become director of business development. Under his leadership, FourShare has more than doubled its revenue and workforce, expanded operations to more than 100,000 square feet and invested more than $15 million into the local community.
Elliott’s achievements have earned national attention, from being named a Top Leader Under 30 by the Triad Business Journal to being featured on the cover of Plastics News Magazine for his leadership in one of the nation’s fastest-growing plastics companies. In 2024, FourShare was named one of the Best Places to Work in North Carolina, reflecting his commitment to building a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Elliott credits HPU for shaping his values and his approach to business. Most importantly, HPU is where he met his wife, Sloan Strickler, Class of 2023.
Jacinda Ortiz, Class of 2016
Ortiz earned her Master of Arts in strategic communication from HPU. She began her career in professional sports with then the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, gaining early, hands-on experience in media relations and player communications. That foundation sparked a passion for elevating athlete stories and building meaningful connections between players and fans.
Ortiz went on to hold key communications roles at Fox Sports and CBS Sports, contributing to publicity efforts for live NFL, college football, college basketball and professional golf broadcasts.
In 2017, Ortiz joined the NBA, where she spent nearly seven years shaping the league’s communications strategy. As senior director of media, direct-to-consumer and entertainment communications, she played an instrumental role in the NBA’s most recent media rights negotiations, leading the rollout of the league’s 11-year partnerships with Disney, Amazon and NBCUniversal.
Her leadership extended across media distribution, technology partnerships, celebrity integrations and major marketing campaigns. She also worked closely with players and teams to create national and entertainment media opportunities that highlighted athletes as leaders both on and off the court.
With a deep passion for advocacy, Ortiz created the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award, honoring players who exemplify a commitment to equity and community impact. In 2024, she joined the National Basketball Players Association as head of communications, where she continues to elevate the voices and influence of NBA players across the globe.
Will Tarrant, Class of 2006
Will Tarrant was born in Port Arthur, Texas, to public school teachers Ron and Rae Tarrant. He was raised in Austin, Texas, before attending HPU, where he earned dual degrees — a Bachelor of Arts in human relations and a Bachelor of Science in business administration.
During his time at HPU, Tarrant distinguished himself as a student leader and campus contributor. He was elected as a class officer his freshman year, inducted into Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity and served on the Student Activities Board. His leadership journey continued as attorney general and legislative vice president before being elected president of HPU’s Student Government Association during his senior year.
Tarrant’s commitment to service and leadership earned him multiple honors, including Sophomore Male of the Year and the University Award for Leadership. He also gained industry experience through internships with the High Point Theatre and Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants & Hotels at the O. Henry Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Following graduation, Tarrant launched a career in hospitality management in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas, quickly rising to become a multi-property general manager by age 25. His career with Freeman Group Service Solutions later took him around the world, leading projects for some of the most prestigious properties in the hospitality industry, including L’Auberge Del Mar, Aria Resort & Casino Las Vegas, The Lanesborough London, St. Regis Macau and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Princeville.
In 2012, Tarrant co-founded Service Metrics Group, a global provider of customer experience measurement for the luxury hospitality industry. With offices in Dallas/Fort Worth and Hong Kong, the company serves clients across hotels, resorts, casinos and airlines worldwide, earning recognition as one of the Best Places to Work by the Dallas Business Journal.
Tarrant resides in Plato, Texas, with his wife of five years, Ruthe, and children, Lucy and Noa.
Caitie Walsh, Class of 2020
Walsh, a 26-year-old entrepreneur and Indiana native, has built her career at the intersection of sports, style and innovation. A former Division I golfer at HPU, she competed for more than 13 years before earning a double major in finance and entrepreneurship.
As a freshman, Walsh founded her first company — Lock-It, a cell phone accessory brand that went on to launch in more than 3,000 Walmart stores nationwide. Her success in pitch competitions and national retail partnerships cemented her drive to create brands that solve real-world problems in creative ways.
In January 2024, Walsh launched her second venture — Caitie G, a line of elevated, event-compliant stadium bags designed to help women feel confident and secure on game day and beyond.
As an Indianapolis Colts season ticketholder and lifelong sports fan, Walsh noticed a recurring challenge for women attending large events — the clear bag policy often left them feeling exposed when carrying personal items. Determined to find a solution, she designed the Caitie G bag, featuring a clear base with a removable outer wrap that offers privacy without compromising stadium compliance.
What began as a personal frustration quickly became a powerful mission to eliminate event-day insecurities and build confidence in female fans everywhere. Walsh continues to embody the entrepreneurial values she discovered at HPU — innovation, purpose, and impact.