Jeff Thigpen ’93 to Speak at Commencement
Jeff Thigpen, who as a 27-year-old in 1998 became the youngest county commissioner in Guilford County’s history, will be the invited speaker for commencement in the College’s 176th year Saturday, May 18.
After serving six years as a commissioner, including a year as vice chairman of the board, he was elected county register of deeds in 2004 and 2008. A Greensboro resident, he is running unopposed for the post this year.
Jeff also is the author of the recently published book On Point: Voices and Values of the Young Elected Officials. The work profiles 16 officials, describing their experiences in life, politics and campaigning, and offers leadership advice for young people considering public service.
Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell wrote the book’s forward, stating, “In a time where slogans of a few words capture a position, and controversy swirls with each news cycle, On Point offers refreshing and timely insights from a new generation of young elected officials, in the eternal struggle to build a more perfect union.”
Jeff met the former senator when he visited Guilford for a Bryan Series lecture in spring 2004. He credits former Guilford professor Bill Schmickle as one of the people who inspired him to write the book.
A native of southeastern North Carolina, Jeff played baseball for the Quakers while majoring in political science, and justice and policy studies. He worked at Guilford as an admission counselor and earned a master’s degree in public affairs from UNCG.
