Celebration of
Distinguished Alumni
The Celebration of Distinguished Alumni recognizes and honors individuals who have achieved personal and professional successes and who have demonstrated exemplary service to both Barton and their community.
2024-2025 Award Recipients
We are pleased to announce the 2024-2025 recipients to be honored at this year’s Celebration of Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. in the Bridgestone Americas Atrium at Kennedy Family Theatre.
Mr. David Hicks (Class of 1984) Distinguished Alumni Award recipient (posthumously); Ms. Naija Speight (Class of 2019) Outstanding Recent Graduate Award recipient; Dr. Jackie Ennis (Class of 1980) Alumni Service Award recipient; and Mrs. Jessica Tyson, Gary W. Hall Employee Service Award recipient.
Registration is now open and closes on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
2023-2024 Award Recipients
Distinguished Alumni Award
Audie Barefoot, ’72
Audie Barefoot, second generation realtor and Triangle native, is the CEO of Fonville Morisey Barefoot, a leading new home sales and marketing firm in Raleigh, N.C. Barefoot founded Realmark Corporation in 1983, a venture that later merged with Fonville Morisey New Homes in 1989 to create Fonville Morisey Barefoot. Barefoot was deeply rooted in the real estate industry from an early age, destined to follow his father's footsteps. At just 18, he obtained his real estate license, demonstrating a deep interest in the field. He began his higher education at Louisburg College, before earning his degree in Business Administration from Atlantic Christian College in 1972. Throughout his college journey, he was an active member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Post-graduation, Barefoot settled in Cary, N.C., embarking on a remarkable career in real estate that has spanned over five decades. In 2017, Barefoot was inducted into the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors® Hall of Fame where he previously served as President. Over the years, Barefoot has received accolades such as Realtor® of the Year, and he has actively participated in various professional and civic organizations, including the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County, Urban Land Institute, Builder Marketing Society, Triangle United Way, Wells Fargo Bank, Cary, WakeMed Foundation Board, and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. He and his wife, Susan, are proud parents to their son, Jonathan, and have two grandchildren.
About the Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award was established to honor alumni who have given outstanding service to Barton College and who have distinguished themselves as leaders in the areas of civic, religious, and/or professional life. This is the highest award given to a Barton College alumnus/a.
Alumni Achievement Award
Benjamin I. Bridgers, ’04
Benjamin I. Bridgers is a distinguished alumnus of Barton College, graduating in 2004 with a major in Business Administration. Since 2013, Bridgers has served in a pivotal role at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in Pinehurst, N.C., currently serving as Director of Golf and Operations. Notably, he has led the Pinehurst team alongside the United States Golf Association for the 2024 US Open Golf Championships, reprising a role he previously held in 2014. During his undergraduate years, Bridgers showcased exceptional talent as a member of the men's golf team, where he excelled both on and off the course. As an all-conference player and Freshman of the Year, he made significant contributions to the team's success, helping secure Barton's first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional during his freshman season. Bridgers leadership and skill were instrumental in achieving another program milestone during his senior year—a triumphant Atlantic Region title and a journey to the NCAA Division II nationals. Beyond the greens, he was an active member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. Bridgers achievements have been recognized and celebrated, as evidenced by his induction into Barton's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. He continues to give back to his alma mater as a member of the Barton College Board of Advisors and an annual donor at the Barton Society Level.
About the Alumni Achievement Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award was established to honor alumni who have given outstanding service to Barton College and who have distinguished themselves as leaders in the areas of civic, religious, and/or professional life. This is the highest award given to a Barton College alumnus/a.
Gary W. Hall Employee Service Award
Jennifer M. High, ’09, ’16
Jennifer M. High, MSN, RN currently serves as both Dean of Students and Executive Director of Student Health Services at her alma mater. In these dual roles, she holds responsibility for overseeing Residence Life, Campus Life, and Health Services. High has played a central role in driving initiatives aimed at prioritizing the health, wellness, and safety of the Barton community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of the coronavirus task force. During her undergraduate years, High was an active member of Delta Zeta Sorority and the softball team. She gained valuable clinical experience at Nash County Hospital (now UNC Health Nash), Duke University Hospital, and Mobile Anesthesia of the Carolinas after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Barton in 2009. In 2016, High became one of the inaugural graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing Leadership (MSN) program at Barton. Returning to Barton in 2017, High served as Campus Nurse and swiftly advanced to the position of Director of Student Health Services, eventually earning promotion to her current executive role. In 2020, she was honored with the esteemed Spirit of Barton award, a recognition based on nominations by her peers and subsequent selection by senior leadership. Originally from Franklinton, N.C., High now resides in Bailey, N.C. with her husband, Michael, and their two children, Gracie and Robey.
About the Gary W. Hall Employee Service Award
The Gary W. Hall Employee Service Award was established to recognize significant service to the College by any faculty or staff member who has given their time, expertise, and/or leadership generously, thereby ensuring the prolonged welfare of the institution for generations to come.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Gary D. McMahan, ’69
Gary D. McMahan, a distinguished insurance industry professional, held a prominent and enduring career at Towne Insurance, ultimately retiring as Chairman in 2021. During his extensive tenure at Towne Insurance, he played a critical role in the acquisition of over twenty insurance agencies, highlighting his exceptional leadership and strategic expertise. Graduating in 1969 from Atlantic Christian College with a degree in Physical Education, McMahan was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and excelled on the men’s tennis team. Following his retirement at Towne Insurance, McMahan co-founded Professional Advisory Resources, LLC, a consulting firm based out of Virginia Beach, V.A., where he now serves as President. Beyond his professional triumphs, he is happily married to his wife, Patsy, and has three children and four grandchildren.
About the Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award was established to honor alumni who have given outstanding service to Barton College and who have distinguished themselves as leaders in the areas of civic, religious, and/or professional life. This is the highest award given to a Barton College alumnus/a.
Alumni Service Award
Kathy Turner, ’12, ’18
Kathy Turner, MBA, is a dual Barton College alumna with a rich tapestry of experiences in the corporate and educational spheres. After a successful career at Collins Aerospace in Wilson, N.C., culminating in retirement in 2020, Kathy transitioned seamlessly to academia, now serving as an adjunct instructor in the School of Business and Innovation at Barton College. Throughout her professional journey, Kathy held several leadership roles at Kidde Aerospace and Defense, United Technologies, and Collins Aerospace. Her educational path is a testament to her dedication, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2012 and a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership in 2018 from Barton College. Actively engaged in both professional and community organizations, Kathy is a proud member of the Society of International Affairs, Phi Beta Lambda-Professional Division, and the Executive Board for the School of Business at Barton College. She was named among Outstanding Young Women in America and received several Phi Beta Lambda awards during her collegiate career. Her community service has included work with the American Heart Association, Feed the Community - Thanksgiving volunteer, Feed the Hungry volunteer at Barton College, and Barton College Day of Service volunteer. Beyond her professional and community roles, Kathy's dedication to her alma mater shines through her tenure on the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors, where she served as President from 2019 to 2022 and is a past 1st vice president and secretary of the Alumni Board. Notably, Turner was the first APP student to hold office on the Alumni Board. Originally from Smithfield, N.C., Kathy now resides in Wilson, N.C., with her husband, Phillip, and are proud parents to three children and four grandchildren.
About the Alumni Service Award
The Alumni Service Award was established to recognize alumni who have shown distinguished, loyal service to Barton College. The award recognizes the achievements of individuals working on behalf of Barton College through service in alumni programs or advisory committees who have devotedly served Barton College over an extended period of time.
Photo Gallery
The Celebration of Distinguished Alumni was hosted during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, October 30, 2023 at 8 p.m. in Hardy Alumni Hall. Award recipients and their loved ones gathered amongst College leadership, fellow alumni, and friends.
