HIGH POINT, N.C. — A High Point University security officer is getting a lot of attention on social media and even made an appearance on the "Today" show.

Valerie Baxter is an officer with campus police for High Point University. It’s a job she’s done for 12 years.

What You Need To Know

  • Valerie Baxter is a security officer with campus police for High Point University

  • On graduation day this year, graduates surprised Baxter with hugs

  • Baxter has worked for the private university in High Point for 12 years

“The students, the faculty, the staff, the visitors, all of it. All of it. One of the best jobs I've ever had in my life,” Baxter said.

And her job isn’t to just to protect the students, faculty and staff on the campus — it’s so much more to her.

“When they’re on this campus every year, whether it's their first year or their last year, it means that you have become my baby,” Baxter said.

Baxter looks at the students as her children, giving them a piece of home away from home.

“Mothers crying and I'll just go up to the little baby and introduce myself to them," Baxter said. "You know, I don't meet strangers. So I introduce myself to the parents and to the baby, I say now look, if you need anything while mom and dad are not here, you find me.” 

She helps during difficult times, reminding them to take it step by step when they are in need.

“Those moments you come through during exam time. Then you get in just really overwhelmed, and you just need a hug to make it to the next moment. That's why I'm here,” Baxter said.

And because of the care she gives the students, on graduation day this year, they gave the love right back, giving hugs in return as they walked to get their degrees.

“It was really overwhelming. Especially being the fact that I was already a little emotional because I was thinking about what they had to go through and how 2023 was their first real year out, quote unquote,” Baxter said.

Baxter is so loved on campus, she carries a piece of it everywhere she goes while working.

“This blanket is about love. Dr. Qubein gives these out to the students and he tells them to give them to somebody that made a difference in their life," Baxter said, referring to the school's president, Nido Qubein. "This year I received three of these blankets and last year I received eight of them. And that means so much."

She just wants to give love, respect and dignity to others and receive it back.

“There's an old saying that people will forget what you say; what people will never forget is what you do. I want to be one of those people that do. And these kids can trust me on my word. You know, if I say I'm going to do something, I'm going to do something,” Baxter said.

Baxter received a five-day vacation to Mexico courtesy of the "Today" show.