HPU Welcomes Theresa Patiri as Media Production and Sales Expert in Residence

HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 6, 2024 – High Point University’s all-star lineup of global leaders in the Access to Innovators Program continues to expand with the addition of Theresa Patiri, AMC Networks’ senior vice president of production, business affairs and global program partnerships for WE tv. The Emmy Award winner will mentor students as HPU’s Media Production and Sales Expert in Residence.

An accomplished entertainment executive with more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Patiri is executive-in-charge of more than 5,000 hours of TV and digital content. Since joining AMC Networks in 2001, she has helped drive record-breaking growth for its brands and produce hit reality TV shows, including “Bridezillas,” “Braxton Family Values” and “Growing Up Hip Hop.”

“I’m excited for our students to learn from Theresa Patiri as our Access to Innovators Program welcomes some of the world’s top executives to campus to mentor and share their insights with HPU students,” said HPU President Nido Qubein. “Her extensive expertise and leadership in the television industry will help propel HPU students toward success and significance as they build their professional careers.”

Patiri oversees efforts to produce original programming for WE tv, AMC Networks’ home for unscripted TV shows, and AllBlk, the company’s premium streaming service that features a diverse lineup of content. She has also held various development, operations and production positions at ABC, HBO, NBCUniversal and Independent Films.

Patiri’s media career began with her fascination with the process of telling stories in a way that left viewers waiting for the next episode. She started as an intern for ABC’s “All My Children,” and earned a master’s degree from Hofstra University. Through the years, she has used her experiential knowledge to encourage balancing programming innovation with financial results while also creating production and business infrastructures that have become the industry standard.

“I’m honored to be a part of HPU’s Access to Innovators Program and look forward to mentoring the next generation of storytellers and trailblazers as they develop their unique voices and perspectives while preparing to enter the workforce,” said Patiri.

HPU’s Access to Innovators Program connects students with global leaders for networking, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities. Patiri joins:

• Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder and HPU Innovator in Residence
• Marc Randolph, former CEO and co-founder of Netflix and HPU’s Entrepreneur in Residence
• Cynt Marshall, CEO of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and HPU’s Sports Executive in Residence
• Russell Weiner, CEO of Domino’s and HPU’s Corporate Executive in Residence
• Sue Downes, CEO and co-founder of MyEyeDr and HPU’s Health Care Expert in Residence
• Dr. Ellen Zane, former CEO of Tufts Medical Center and HPU’s Health Care Executive in Residence
• JiNan Glasow George, CEO and founder of Patent Forecast and HPU’s Intellectual Property Expert in Residence
• Johnny Taylor, CEO of SHRM and Human Capital Expert in Residence