All|Star Alumni | The College Tour | Watch HPU

Chapters & Transcript

0:07

Meet Jodi, a 2015 alumna who is now the deputy news director at Rolling Stone. Jodi is one of the many outstanding alums who have gone on to lead successful careers. She's going to tell us how she and so many others have been impacted by HPU's mentorship and professional growth opportunities.

Jodi, you're up.

0:36

Thanks, Alex. HPU stood out to me for so many reasons. After my visit, I told my parents I was applying early decision because I just knew High Point was the place for me.

Reflecting now as an alum, I'm so proud of that decision and the journey it set me on.

0:50

Mentorship is a key to success, and that's something that HPU truly understands. They know how crucial it is to have somebody guiding you along the way, offering you advice, support, and encouragement.

For me, it was Dr. Bobby Hayes of HPU's school of communication who took me under his wing and helped me get experience with the Society of Professional Journalists. He gave me invaluable one-on-one guidance, and I learned so much about my trade from his stories of when he was a journalist.

1:16

When I interviewed Leonardo DiCaprio at the Toronto International Film Festival, I sent Dr. Hayes an email after, thanking him for everything he had done for me because I knew it was his mentorship that helped prepare me for that moment.

While at HPU, I also interned at 17 magazine, and it was that experience paired with my opportunities on campus that helped me land my first job at People magazine, which eventually led me to my current role as the deputy news director of Rolling Stone.

This is just my story, but make no mistakes—there are thousands more HPU alumni just like me who have landed their dream jobs or made successful careers at some of the largest companies in the world.

1:53

They too would credit the mentorship and the resources on campus with helping them get there. We frequently come back to HPU to our students and impart our wisdom.

Back in high school, I would have never believed that I'd be living in New York City and working for Rolling Stone magazine. I honestly doubted that I had what it took to make it in the fast-paced world of journalism.

But HPU helped prepare me for this industry and lifestyle, giving me not only the skills I needed but the confidence I needed to succeed. Back to you, Alex.

2:27

What an incredible story, Jodi! You really cannot underestimate the impact of mentorship, and that's probably why there are countless other stories just like yours coming out of HPU.

We'll see you on the red carpets, Jodi! Thanks again.

This video features Jodi, a 2015 alumna of High Point University who now serves as the deputy news director at Rolling Stone magazine. She credits her success to the mentorship and professional growth opportunities at HPU, particularly the guidance of Dr. Bobby Hayes from the school of communication. Through her personal story—including interviewing Leonardo DiCaprio and working at major publications like People magazine—Jodi illustrates how HPU's mentorship programs and campus resources prepare students for successful careers in competitive industries like journalism.

All-Star Alumni | The College Tour

All-Star Alumni | The College Tour

Meet Jodi

Why HPU Stood Out

The Power of Mentorship

From Campus to Career

Legacy and Reflection

Celebrating the Impact