Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Gail Hartman, Class of 2025
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Major: Marketing
Post-graduation plans: Gail has launched her career as an Empyrean Jet Card Analyst with Air Charter Service (ACS) – Private Jet Division in Boston, Massachusetts. In this role, she works on developing expertise in the world of private aviation and luxury travel. Gail works directly under the CEO and partners with high-net-worth clients to provide seamless, personalized access to ACS’s premier membership program, while identifying opportunities to enhance the client experience. Every day, she combines strategic thinking, relationship-building and meticulous attention to detail as she grows into a trusted advisor and rising professional in the private aviation industry.
How HPU helped you get there: “High Point University played a huge role in preparing me for the environment I work in today. In many ways, HPU reflects the same level of professionalism, attention to detail and elevated experience that defines the luxury space. Now working in private aviation with Air Charter Service, I interact with high-level clients who expect a certain standard- not just in service, but in how you present yourself and communicate. HPU helped me develop that confidence early on. It taught me how to show up polished, build genuine relationships and carry myself in a way that earns trust. Just as important, HPU is an incredibly social and connected environment. Building relationships with people from all different backgrounds was a big part of my experience, and that directly translates into what I do now. In this industry, relationships are everything and that’s something I’ve always prioritized. Overall, HPU didn’t just prepare me for a job, it prepared me for the kind of environment I wanted to be in. That’s made all the difference as I start my career. One of the biggest influences for me was my business communications course, where I learned how to build and position my LinkedIn profile in a strategic way. It wasn’t just about creating a resume online, it was about presenting myself intentionally and aligning my profile with the type of opportunities I wanted to attract. That approach ultimately played a direct role in being recruited for my current position. I also built a strong relationship with my Success Coach, who remained a consistent source of guidance and support throughout all four years. Even after the formal program ended, he was someone I could always turn to for advice, which made a big difference as I navigated both college and the transition into my career.”
How did you use the Office of Career & Professional Development? “Looking back, I’m genuinely impressed by how much support High Point University provides its students through the Office of Career & Professional Development, it’s a resource that truly sets the school apart.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “At High Point University, the focus goes far beyond academics. There’s a real emphasis on developing life skills that translate directly into the real world. The biggest ones for me were communication, relationship-building, adaptability and confidence. HPU puts a strong emphasis on how you present yourself and interact with others. Whether it was class presentations, networking opportunities or even professional dining experiences, I learned how to communicate clearly, carry myself with confidence and make strong first impressions. That’s something I use every day working in private aviation, where attention to detail and professionalism are everything. Another major skill I developed was building genuine relationships. HPU teaches the importance of “relational capital” – understanding that success is driven by the connections you build and how you treat people. That mindset has stuck with me, especially in an industry where trust and relationships are at the core of every interaction. I also learned how to adapt and stay composed in new environments. HPU constantly puts you in situations that push you outside your comfort zone, which helped me become more confident navigating all sorts of settings, and in my case, it really helped me perfect being in a high class environment.”
What values has HPU’s campus helped you develop? “One of the biggest influences during my time at High Point University was the philosophy of Dr. Nido Qubein, especially the idea that success is something you attract through your mindset, work ethic and how you carry yourself. That perspective shaped how I approached both college and my career after graduation. I’ve always believed in being intentional about what I want, staying patient and trusting that the right opportunities will come if you’re putting in the work and surrounding yourself with the right people. That mindset played a direct role in how I landed my current position- it wasn’t something I forced, but something that aligned with me through preparation, persistence and confidence. HPU also reinforced values like professionalism, positivity and respect for others. It’s an environment where showing up with the right attitude, treating people well and holding yourself to a high standard is expected. Those values have stayed with me and are especially important in the industry I’m in today.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “The most impactful mentor I had at High Point University was Professor Larry Quinn, chair of the Department of Marketing and Sales and director of the Professional Selling Program. What started as a professor–student relationship quickly turned into something much deeper as he became someone I could genuinely call a mentor and a friend. Professor Quinn has a reputation for bringing energy, encouragement and real-world insight into the classroom, and it’s easy to see why students connect with him so strongly. One of the things I loved most was how personal and supportive he was. He often told students to call him “Uncle Larry,” and that friendly, positive nature made his guidance feel genuine and lasting. He didn’t just help me understand marketing or sales- he helped me develop confidence in myself, in how I communicate and in how I show up in professional settings. His encouragement, positivity and belief in me played a defining role in shaping who I am today.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at High Point University happened completely by chance- but it’s one I’ll never forget. As a sophomore, I attended an Office of Residence Life speaker event with Dr. Willy Jolly, where he shared a lesson that really stuck with me: “A setback is a setup for a comeback.” That phrase stayed with me as a personal mantra throughout college. Fast forward a few years, I was on a plane to St. Maarten, sitting by the window, when a man wearing an HPU hat sat next to me. With the confidence HPU had given me to carry myself in conversation, I struck up a chat and shared that I had attended the university. As we talked, I realized who he was- it was Dr. Jolly himself! I recited his “comeback” line, pulled out the card I had kept in my purse since that event, and we ended up taking a picture together, which he later shared with President Nido Qubein. That moment showed me how small the world truly is and how the lessons, connections and confidence I gained at HPU follow me everywhere I go.”
Advice for underclassmen: “My biggest advice for underclassmen is to be present, be bold and stay optimistic. Say hi to a stranger, you never know what opportunities or perspectives you’ll gain, or what you might bring to someone else’s life. Never be judgmental with people or experiences, and take advantage of all the ways to get involved. HPU’s campus is full of experiences waiting to be discovered, and I can guarantee you’ll regret it if you don’t dive in. Hug your friends, tell your parents you love them, invest in yourself and your health, and in the people you surround yourself with- you become like the company you keep. And if you ever feel out of place at a table or in a group, trust your gut and step away with confidence. I also live by the philosophy that optimism attracts opportunity: the energy and mindset you carry shape what comes your way. Expect the best, focus on solutions rather than problems and approach challenges with positivity- it makes all the difference. At the end of the day, success isn’t just about grades or accolades- it’s about living fully, building authentic connections and carrying yourself with confidence, intention and optimism. Take chances, value the people around you and always invest in the life you want to lead. Those are the lessons that will carry you far beyond graduation.”
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