Norman Anderson – CEO of the American Psychological Association (PhD in clinical psychology from UNCG)[55] Gerald Austin – NFL referee Jim Avett – musician and father of Scott Avett and Seth Avett of The Avett Brothers[56] DaBaby, American rapper Tyler Barnhardt, American actor Ruth Bellamy (1906-1969), American writer Chrystelle Trump Bond, American dancer, choreographer, and dance historian Linda Carter Brinson, American editor, writer, and journalist Carrie Lougee Broughton, American librarian Kathryn Stripling Byer (born 1944) – American poet and teacher; North Carolina Poet Laureate 2005–2009 Andy Cabic – singer-songwriter for the band Vetiver Wiley Cash – author J.P. Carter – American politician, educator, and military officer Chris Chalk – actor in the Fox show Gotham and the movie 12 Years a Slave. Paul Chelimo – 2016 Olympic silver medalist at 5000 meters in track and field. Kelly Cherry - Poet Laureate of Virginia 2010-2012 Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut – Actress and writer The Darlinettes – vocal group Tracy Ducar – professional soccer player Claudia Emerson – Pulitzer Prize-winning author Sue Ramsey Johnston Ferguson, North Carolina state senator Ben Folds - Singer-songwriter, musician, composer, and record producer.