HPU Hosting First Responder Leadership Institute in September
HIGH POINT, N.C., May 4, 2026 – High Point University will host the inaugural First Responder Leadership Institute on Monday, Sept. 14, through Thursday, Sept. 17. Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough, Jr. selected HPU based on the university’s expertise in executive leadership development to prepare and inspire future leaders.
The first group of the Leadership Institute will consist of 25 industry professionals who will be selected from nominations, which opened today and close on Wednesday, July 15. To nominate a first responder, click here.
The Leadership Institute will focus on the four pillars of leadership: vision, communication, execution and culture. Select faculty from HPU’s Earl N. Phillips School of Business and the Department of Criminal Justice will lead a combination of lectures and experiential learning exercises.
“This is what we are all about: building on the legacy of our veteran first responders by connecting them in classes with emerging leaders,” Kimbrough said. “Each participant must be nominated by their department, and 25 of those will be accepted into a challenging program that is faculty-led and education-based on the practice of first responding. This leadership institute will be peer learning at its best for a select few who would benefit from knowing one another and growing together to become stronger leaders.”
Participants receive a certificate and digital badge honoring and identifying each as a First Responder Leadership Institute graduate. Classes and discussion groups will meet on HPU’s campus and will utilize Cottrell Hall, the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center and the adjoining Jana and Ken Kahn Hotel. Room and board are included with tuition.
“High Point University is a God, family and country university committed to honoring our veterans and heroes as part of our mission to help students develop life skills,” HPU President Nido Qubein said. “This includes fostering gratitude and generosity in one’s community, as well as understanding that successful individuals must live in a continuum of learning. HPU regularly supports many community initiatives, and this is a continuation of those important partnerships.”
“This is for serious, emerging leaders across the industry who aspire to greater leadership positions,” Kimbrough said. “The question is not how will I make time for this, but rather how could I miss this opportunity for impact, growth and connection with other first responders who want to be exposed to new ways of thinking and problem solving. There is no other program like this offered in our industry.”