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{{Short description|Private university in High Point, North Carolina, US}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2012}}
{{advert|date=September 2013}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox university {{Infobox university
|name = High Point University | name = High Point University
| image = High Point University seal.png
|image_name = Hpu seal lg79.jpg
| image_upright = .7
|image_size = 225px
|motto = ''Nil Sine Numine'' (]) | motto = ''Nil Sine Numine'' (])
|mottoeng = Nothing Without Divine Guidance | mottoeng = Nothing Without Divine Guidance
|established = 1924 | established = {{start date and age|1924}}
|type = ] | type = ]
| religious_affiliation = ]
|endowment = US$37 ]<ref>As of June 30, 2011. {{cite web | title = U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2011 Endowment Market Value and Percentage Change in Endowment Market Value from FY 2010 to FY 2011| work = 2011 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments | publisher = National Association of College and University Business Officers | url = http://www.nacubo.org/Documents/research/2011NCSEPublicTablesEndowmentMarketValues319.pdf| format = PDF | accessdate =June 16, 2011}}</ref>
| endowment = $128 million (2021)<ref>{{cite web |title=Data USA: High Point University |publisher=Data USA |date=October 4, 2023 |url=https://datausa.io/profile/university/high-point-university}}</ref>
|president = ]
| president = ]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.highpoint.edu/president/|title=Office of the President: High Point University|work=www.highpoint.edu|access-date=August 29, 2019}}</ref>
|calendar = Semester
| provost = Daniel Erb
|faculty = 879<ref></ref>
|students = 4,500 | faculty = 500
|undergrad = 4,200 | students = 6,335
| undergrad = 5,135
|postgrad = 319<ref></ref>
| postgrad = 1,196
|city = {{flagicon|USA}} ]
|state = ] | city = ]
|country = U.S. | country = U.S.
| coor = {{Coord|35.9741251|-79.9954946|display=inline,title}}
|campus = Suburban<br />230 acre
| campus = Suburban, {{cvt|520|acre}}
|athletics = ] Division I ]<br /> 16 varsity sports
| athletics_affiliations = ] – ]
|free_label =
| sports_nickname = ]
|free =
| mascot = Prowler the Panther
|nickname = ]
| colors = {{color box|#330072}}&nbsp;{{color box|#FFFFFF}} Purple and white
|mascot = Prowler the Panther
| former_names = High Point College (1924–1991)
|colors = Purple and white <span style="background:purple; width:50px; border:1px solid #000;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;<span style="background:white; width:50px; border:1px solid #000;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>
| academic_affiliations = ]<br />]
|website =
| website = {{URL|www.highpoint.edu|highpoint.edu}}
| logo = High Point University logo.png
| logo_upright = .7
}} }}


'''High Point University''' is a private ] university in ], U.S., affiliated with the ]. '''High Point University''' ('''HPU''') is a ] in ], United States. It is affiliated with the ]. The university was founded as '''High Point College''' in 1924, and it became High Point University in 1991. HPU offers 66 undergraduate majors, 68 undergraduate minors, and 21 graduate majors.


== History == == History ==
]


]
=== Beginnings ===
The school was founded in 1924 as High Point College, a joint venture between the ] and the citizens of High Point, and officially opened its doors on September 14, 1924. When the college opened, the campus consisted of three buildings, attended by nine faculty members, with a student enrollment of 122.


]
The Methodist Protestant Church, which is now part of the United Methodist Church, first became active in educational pursuits in North Carolina in the middle of the 19th century. Of the various institutions which it sponsored, the most ambitious was ], which operated in neighboring ] from 1856 to 1895.


]
After some years of consideration, the statewide governing body of the Methodist Protestant Church finally voted to proceed with establishing a new college in 1921.<ref name=autogenerated1>Sizemore, F. J., ed. The Buildings and the Builders of a City: High Point, North Carolina. High Point: Hall Printing Company, 1947. p. 318-319</ref> Shortly afterwards it accepted an offer from the citizens of High Point to contribute {{convert|60|acre|m2}} of land and $100,000 to the project.<ref>Robinson, Blackwell P., and Alexander R. Stoesen. ''The History of Guilford County, North Carolina, U.S.A. to 1980, A.D.'' Greensboro: The Guilford County Bicentennial Commission, 1980. p. 233</ref> The campus was designed by R. E. Mitchell of Washington, D.C., assisted by Herbert Hunter of High Point, in the English Renaissance style. Though finishing touches were still being added to Roberts Hall, Women's Hall, and McCulloch Hall, classes began in September 1924.
In the mid-19th century, the ], which is now part of the United Methodist Church, became active in educational pursuits in North Carolina, and at the 1852 state annual convention in ], ] was founded in northern ].<ref>Ruth Little and Paul Touart (1983–1987). (pdf). ''National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory''. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved 2024-04-06. Section 8, Page 1.</ref> Following the Civil War, the Yadkin College fell into financial difficulty, and had by the 1890s become a preparatory high school.<ref>Ruth Little and Paul Touart (1983–1987). (pdf). ''National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory''. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved 2024-04-06. Section 8, Page 3.</ref> In 1921, after some years of consideration, the statewide governing body of the Methodist Protestant Church voted to establish a new college.<ref>Sizemore, F. J., ed. ''The Buildings and the Builders of a City: High Point, North Carolina''. High Point: Hall Printing Company, 1947. p. 318-319</ref> Shortly afterward, the church accepted an offer from the citizens of High Point to contribute {{convert|60|acre|m2}} of land and $100,000 to the project, placing the new school in the city of High Point.<ref>Robinson, Blackwell P., and Alexander R. Stoesen. ''The History of Guilford County, North Carolina, U.S.A. to 1980, A.D.'' Greensboro: The Guilford County Bicentennial Commission, 1980. p. 233</ref> The ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Steele |first=Walt |date=2016-04-16 |title=High Point University: Surrounded by Success – PUPN |url=https://pupnmag.com/article/high-point-university-surrounded-by-success/ |access-date=2024-10-09 |language=en-US}}</ref> campus, featuring some architectural elements of ], was designed by R. E. Mitchell of Washington, D.C., with assistance from ] of High Point.The school was founded in 1924 as High Point College, a joint venture between the Methodist Protestant Church and the citizens of High Point, and officially opened on September 14, 1924. When the college opened, the campus consisted of three buildings, attended by nine faculty members, with a student enrollment of 122. The same year, Yadkin College closed its doors, and its assets including its library and bell were transferred to High Point College.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Fick |first=Virginia G. |url=https://cdm16929.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16929coll11/id/7/rec/1 |title=Country College on the Yadkin : A Historical Narrative |date=1984 |publisher=Hunter Publishing Company |location=Winston-Salem |pages= |access-date=6 Apr 2024}}</ref>


The steadfast growth that characterized the birth of the college ended abruptly with the Great Depression. In 1932–33, faculty salaries were cut and expenses were sometimes bartered. Despite a $50,000 fundraising campaign, the college declared bankruptcy on June 15, 1934, and reorganized in an effort to reduce its indebtedness.<ref>Robinson, Blackwell P., and Alexander R. Stoesen. "The History of Guilford County, North Carolina, U.S.A. To 1980, A.D." Greensboro: The Guilford County Bicentennial Commission, 1980. p. 235</ref>
In the first year, High Point College offered instructions in two years of high school courses and two years on the college level. The high school courses were eventually phased out, one year at a time. The courses originally offered at High Point College included French, Spanish, Education, Religious Education, Home Economics, Social Studies, English, Greek, Chemistry, Physics, Latin, and Mathematics.


On October 9, 1991, under the guidance of President ], and the board of trustees, High Point College changed its name to High Point University to reflect post-graduate degree programs. Coinciding with the offering of graduate studies, every building on the campus was renovated and new ones were constructed with a campus quadrangle added to replace a former city street that bisected the campus,<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20040928204703/http://www.high-point.net/edc/2002annrpt.pdf%7C High Point Economic Development Corporation Website</ref> and by 2004 the university's endowment increased to $40 million.
Students at High Point College were required to attend chapel services for thirty minutes, five times a week. Meals in the dining halls on campus began with grace before everyone sat down to eat. Each night, students and professors living on the High Point College campus gathered in the foyer of Roberts Hall and socialized with one another. Movies were noted as one of the students favorite activities on campus when they were not in class.


In 2005, the university was 92 acres and landlocked with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,450. Its operating budget was $35 million with approximately 100 faculty members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/332339/5 |title=Rhino Times - June 19, 2014 |access-date=August 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129151921/http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/332339/5 |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Since ] became president of High Point University in 2005, the growth of the university has had significant impact on the city, region and state.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} Qubein is the fourth highest-paid college president in the United States, paid $2.9 million a year.<ref>Jean Stancill, December 8, 2015, News & Observer, , Retrieved December 14, 2015, "....."</ref>
{| cellpadding=3 cellspacing=2 style="float:right; margin:5px; border:3px solid;"
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| High Point University presidents
|-
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Since 2005, High Point University has grown from three academic schools to 14: the Congdon School of Health Sciences, the Earl N. Phillips School of Business, the Wanek School of Natural Sciences, the David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design, the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, the School of Optometry, the Webb School of Engineering, the David S. Congdon School of Entrepreneurship, the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law, the Stout School of Education, the Workman School of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, the Douglas S. Witcher School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication, and the Teresa Caine School of Nursing.
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In early 2012 '']'' reported that about $700 million in new building and campus upgrades was financed by heavy borrowing and ] downgraded the school's bonds to ] in 2009 due to the school's position as one of the most heavily leveraged colleges in the country.<ref name="busweek041912">, ''Bloomberg Businessweek'', April 19, 2012</ref> ''Businessweek'' responded by inviting the school to make financial documents available to support any challenges to the article's accuracy, but none were offered in response.<ref name="busweek041912" /> In addition to questioning debt levels, ''Businessweek'' challenged whether the school's relationships with its lenders and vendors were at an appropriate ], citing in particular that the school spends large amounts on marketing with a public relations firm headed by Qubein's daughter. The college's claims to a growing reputation in higher education were challenged as based more on high-end student amenities and marketing strategy than on academics.<ref name="busweek041912" /> The ]'s "financial responsibility" score for the 2012 and 2013 fiscal year has High Point University scoring the highest possible score of 3, putting the university ahead of ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Financial Responsibility Composite Scores |url=http://studentaid.ed.gov/about/data-center/school/composite-scores |access-date=August 15, 2015}}</ref>
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'']'' Almanac of April 19, 2016, noted that Qubein was the third highest-donor university president in the country from 2006 to 2016. He committed $10 million to High Point University.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kambhampati|first1=Sandhya|title=32 Leaders of Private Colleges Earned More Than $1 Million in 2013|url=http://www.chronicle.com/article/32-Leaders-of-Private-Colleges/234482|website=The Chronicle of Higher Education|access-date=December 6, 2015}}</ref> In 2010, the university announced plans to invest about $2.1 billion in overall growth in the next decade. To date, HPU has spent $1.2 billion on four new schools plus facilities, faculty and student services.<ref name="bizjournals.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/triad/print-edition/2014/05/23/can-high-point-university-fly-higher.html|title=Can High Point University fly higher?|date=May 23, 2014|work=Triad Business Journal|access-date=August 15, 2015}}</ref>
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] Chairman Ron Wanek donated $10 million to HPU in 2013 after visiting Qubein. Wanek's gift to the university is the tenth contribution of $10 million or more that Qubein has received during his tenure.<ref name="bizjournals.com"/>
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In April 2016, HPU announced plans to invest $160 million in new building projects including a 5,000-seat arena and conference center, undergraduate science center and residence hall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/triad/news/2016/04/27/high-point-university-unveils-plan-to-lead-the-way.html|title=High Point University unveils plan to 'lead the way' with $160M in new building projects|website=Triad Business Journal|access-date=2016-05-27}}</ref> The Caine Conservatory opened in the spring of 2020 to support botanical research and the growth of HPU's arboretum and gardens. The facility also includes HPU's newest eatery, the Butterfly Café. The following year, the $170 million Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center, and the adjoining Jana and Ken Kahn Hotel, opened. It is home to HPU's men's and women's basketball teams, as well as a venue for major events, speakers, concerts, entertainment, academic symposia and recreational activities.
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In June 2023 the university was placed on Warning status by its ], the ], after the accreditor's board found significant non-compliance with its standards of student support, student outcome, and disclosure of accreditation status. This Warning status was continued in June 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2024/06/Disclosure-Statement-High-Point-June-2024.pdf |title=Disclosure Statement Regarding the Status of HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY |access-date=2023-09-11 |publisher=]}}</ref>
The steadfast growth that characterized the birth of the College ended abruptly with the Great Depression. This period was difficult for the College in 1932–33, as faculty salaries were cut and expenses were sometimes bartered. Despite a $50,000 fund raising campaign, the College declared bankruptcy on June 15, 1934 and reorganization in an effort to reduce its indebtedness.<ref name=autogenerated2>Robinson, Blackwell P., and Alexander R. Stoesen. "The History of Guilford County, North Carolina, U.S.A. To 1980, A.D." Greensboro: The Guilford County Bicentennial Commission, 1980. p. 235</ref> Reorganization enabled the College to move forward with business and expansion. By the end of the decade, the M. J. Wrenn library and the H. Albion Millis athletic stadium were constructed.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> During World War II, the College hosted the 326th College Training Detachment of the U.S. Army Air Force. With the liquidation of debt, financial stability ultimately returned by 1945.<ref name=autogenerated2 />


HPU received a $32 million gift from the Rick and Angie Workman Foundation to establish the new dental school, which will welcome its first cohort of students in the fall of 2024. HPU named its dental school the Workman School of Dental Medicine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Major Donation To New Dental School Benefits A State In Need Of More Dentists |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/patrickgleason/2022/06/07/major-donation-to-new-dental-school-will-benefit-a-state-in-need-of-more-dentists/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=www.forbes.com}}</ref>
===Recent history and public criticism===
[[File:HPU SmithLibrary.jpg|left|thumb|250x250px|
Smith Library]]
A 1990 report from a task force called "The National Commission on the Future of High Point College" outlined the blueprints for growth into the twenty first century. The report called for emphasis on teaching ethics in the curriculum, enhancing international relationships and exchanges, improving academic and dormitory spaces, and reconstituting the college as a university.


Doug Witcher, the founder and CEO of Smart Choice, an insurance network based in the Piedmont Triad, has donated $20 million to HPU, his alma mater. HPU's School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences and its 36,000-square-foot athletic center are named after him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=POUNDS |first=JESSIE |date=2024-03-14 |title=Alum who donated $20 million has a school named after him at HPU. But once, he was a young student struggling with dyslexia. |url=https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/million-dollar-donation-dyslexia-doug-witcher-high-point-university-student/article_06a15c58-e163-11ee-893c-674ec14240f0.html |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Greensboro News and Record |language=en}}</ref>
On October 9, 1991, by the action of the Board of Trustees, the name of High Point College was changed to High Point University to reflect post-graduate degree programs. The campus saw expansion of the Millis Athletic/Convocation Center in late 1992 to provide facilities for convocations, physical education, athletic, and health activities. Other notable additions to the campus include an addition to the Hayworth Hall of Science and the Hayworth Fine Arts Center, a domed structure with a ] portico designed in consultation with London-based architect ].<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20040928204703/http://www.high-point.net/edc/2002annrpt.pdf| High Point Economic Development Corporation Website</ref> By 2004, the University's endowment increased to $40 million.


High Point University has started a pro bono law clinic within the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law that will focus on ethically helping veterans receive military benefits after they are denied. It was established after receiving a generous gift from Bergmann & Moore, LLC, a law firm that practices in the area of veterans’ benefits.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-16 |title=High Point University is set to open a free legal clinic for military veterans |url=https://www.wunc.org/news/2023-11-16/high-point-university-free-legal-clinic-military-veterans |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=WUNC |language=en}}</ref>
A major donation from community activist and philanthropist David Hayworth to High Point University brings total contributions from David Hayworth and his late brother Charles to $25 million.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://triad.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2007/04/02/daily12.html | title=Hayworths donate $25 million to High Point University | date=April 3, 2007}}</ref> In its increased capacity, High Point University has been instrumental in attracting high-profile speakers to campus, including former President ], former President ], former New York mayor ], ] pioneer Rev. ], ], television legend ], U.S. Supreme Court Justice ], astronaut and children's book author ], Coca-Cola Company Chairman and CEO ] and the former U.S. ] ]. ], the co-founder of Apple, served as the 2013 Commencement speaker and ] will be the 2014 Commencement speaker.


On May 1, 2024, Madison Crowell, a senior at ] in ], ], announced that she had decided to attend High Point University after being accepted into 231 colleges and universities and receiving nearly $15 million in scholarships. Crowell received national attention for the number of schools she got accepted into and the total amount of scholarships she received.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=High school senior accepted into 231 schools, awarded $14.7 million in scholarships |url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/high-school-senior-accepted-231-schools-awarded-147-109961529 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Good Morning America |language=en}}</ref>
Since taking office in 2005, President Nido Qubein has been adding campus buildings steadily, and has created buzz about the school by brandishing student amenities like concierge services, an on-campus steak house, free carwashes, and a roving ice-cream truck, among others.<ref name="busweek041912"></ref> The refurbishments and student perks don't come cheap however. '']'' reports that about $700 million in new building and campus upgrades was financed by heavy borrowing and Moody’s Investor Services downgraded the school’s bonds to junk status because it is one of the most heavily-leveraged colleges in the country as a result.<ref name="busweek041912" /> The university countered that it has an innovative and financially sound plan for the future.<ref></ref> ''Businessweek'' responded by inviting the school to make financial documents available to support any challenges to the article's accuracy, but none were offered in response.<ref name="busweek041912" />


== Location ==
In addition to questioning debt levels, ''Businessweek'' challenged whether the school's relationships with its lenders and vendors were at an appropriate arm's-length, citing in particular that the school spends large marketing dollars with a public relations firm headed by the president's daughter. The college's claims to a growing reputation in higher education were challenged as being based more on high-end student amenities and marketing strategy than on solid academics.<ref name="busweek041912" />
], High Point, and ], along with the surrounding suburbs and townships, form the ] region, an area with a population over 1.7 million. Of that number, approximately 108,285 live in High Point. Both ] and ] are 20 minutes from campus. East of the university are ] (1{{sfrac|1|2}} hours away) and the Atlantic Ocean (3{{sfrac|1|2}} hours away); south are ] (1{{sfrac|1|2}} hours away) and ] (5 hours away); west are the ] (2 hours away); and north is ] (5 hours away).


== Academics ==
In January 2014, another mention in '']'' echos the Businessweek article more succinctly, noting that while facilities are modern, perks are endless and the campus is breathtaking, the student perks are just "over-the-top advertising antics," and the campus looks and feels like Walt Disney's idea of higher education, had the Disney empire extended there.<ref></ref>
]


High Point University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. The average freshman retention rate is 81%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/high-point-university-2933 |title= Rankings |website=colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com|access-date=2019-05-18}}</ref>
== Campus ==


HPU offers 61 undergraduate degree programs (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science), 65 undergraduate minors, and 14 graduate degree programs (Master of Arts, Master of Education, Master of Public Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Pharmacy, and Doctor of Physical Therapy).
=== Location ===
Together, ], High Point and ], along with the surrounding suburbs and townships, form the ] region, an area with a population over 1.5 million. Of that number, approximately 100,342 live in High Point. Both ] and ] are twenty minutes from campus. East of the University are ], NC (1½ hours away) and the Atlantic Ocean (3½ hours away); south of the University are ], NC (1½ hours away) and ], GA (5 hours away); west of the University are the ] (2 hours away) and north is Washington, DC (5 hours away).


===Changes Around Campus=== ===Rankings===
High Point University has been recognized as a College of Distinction for the 2024–25 academic year, marking the 14th consecutive year that HPU has received the honor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Best Colleges of Distinction of 2022-2023: Find Your Dream School! |url=https://collegesofdistinction.com/best-colleges-of-distinction/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Colleges of Distinction |language=en-US}}</ref>
*Center for Student Excellence
The university recently{{when|date=September 2013}} announced that parents of current High Point University students have committed to finance the cost of the new Center for Student Excellence in its entirety. Scheduled to break ground in the fall of 2013, the two-story, 40,000-square-foot building will house the Office of Career and Internship Services, the Office of Study Abroad, the Center for Entrepreneurship, Service Learning and more. {{citation needed|date=September 2013}}


For the third consecutive year, The Princeton Review ranked HPU's game design program as one of the Top 50 Undergraduate Game Design Programs in the country in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-25 |title=High Point University shows game design program and E-Sports Arena |url=https://www.wfmynews2.com/video/news/local/83-45cca021-045f-474e-adfd-d9b8ebdee7ad |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=wfmynews2.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Academics==
</ref>]]


High Point University earned three No. 1 rankings in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" edition. HPU was named the No. 1 Best Regional College in the South for the 13th consecutive year, the No. 1 Most Innovative Regional College in the South for the 10th consecutive year and the No. 1 Best Undergraduate Teaching for Regional Colleges in the South for a second consecutive year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/triad/news/2024/09/24/triad-colleges-2025-us-news-world-report-rankings.html |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=bizjournals.com}}</ref>
In 2012, High Point University had a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 and a student retention rate of 79%.<ref></ref> The average class size at High Point University is 17 students and no student teachers or teacher assistants instruct classes.


===Academic rankings=== === Schools ===
High Point University has ten schools: School of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Congdon School of Health Sciences, Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, Webb School of Engineering, Wanek School of Health Sciences, Nido R. Qubein School of Communication, David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design, Earl N. Phillips School of Business, School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, and School of Education. Workman School of Dental Medicine and the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law will have their first classes in 2024.


== Student life ==
High Point University recently received three No. 1 rankings in "America's Best Colleges," published annually by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings for 2014 included No. 1 Best Regional College in the South (second consecutive year), No. 1 Up and Coming School in Regional Colleges in the South (second consecutive year), and No. 1 for Best Undergraduate Teaching in Regional Colleges in the South.</ref> HPU's number 1 ranking among regional Southern colleges for 2014 was against a peer group of #2 ] (Arkansas), #3 ] (NC), #4 ] (KY), and #5 ] (FL).<ref></ref>
High Point University is a residential campus, with 19 residence halls in total. In 2019, ] ranked High Point University #5 in the nation for Best College Dorm Rooms.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings?rankings=best-college-dorms|title=Best College Dorms |website=princetonreview.com|language=en|access-date=2019-07-05}}</ref> All High Point University students are required to reside on campus until senior year, unless they commute from their parent's permanent address.


=== Greek life ===
HPU has been included in the current list, "America's Top Colleges," ranking at 559th nationwide on the list of 650 created by Forbes magazine.<ref></ref>
There are currently 17 Greek organizations on campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highpoint.edu/greeklife/|title=Greek Life|publisher=High Point University|access-date=August 15, 2015}}</ref>


== Athletics ==
In August 2013, Affordable Colleges Online ranked High Point University No. 8 among 35 colleges in North Carolina based on the return on investment versus the cost of tuition and fees.<ref></ref>
{{Main|High Point Panthers}}
] player during a 2009 game at ]]]
The High Point Panthers include HPU's 16 ] teams that compete at the ] ] level, mostly in the ]. HPU's 16 varsity sports are baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's indoor track & field, men's and women's outdoor track & field and women's volleyball.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://highpointpanthers.com/|title=High Point Panthers – Official Athletics site|work=www.highpointpanthers.com|access-date=August 29, 2019}}</ref> In recent years, HPU has won nine Big South Conference Championships, produced 10 Conference Players of the Year; and more than 130 HPU athletes have received Big South All-Academic Honors.
]]]


In the spring of 2021, the Division I athletic department won 13 of 16 possible conference championships. Led by a 2nd round appearance by the men's soccer team in the NCAA Tournament. Just two seasons later the feat was accomplished again with a 2-0 first round win against North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Parade Magazine also listed High Point University as one of the top 25 large private schools in the nation in the magazine's 2010 "College A-List." On April 16, 2013 the Princeton Review, partnering with the U.S. Green Building Council, named High Point University to its list of Green Colleges. The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges is a profile of higher education institutions that "demonstrate strong commitment to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation." Princeton Review Green Colleges {{citation needed|date=September 2013}}


Prior to the Spring of 2021, the 2010–2011 season was the most successful since High Point University joined NCAA Division I in 1999–2000. In the fall, the women's soccer team and women's volleyball team won Big South Tournaments and the men's soccer team won the Big South regular season.<ref>. Highpointpanthers.com (2010-12-01). Retrieved on 2013-08-09.</ref> In the spring, the women's lacrosse team won the National Lacrosse Conference tournament and set a record for wins by a first-year program, with 15.<ref>. Highpointpanthers.com (2011-05-06). Retrieved on 2013-08-09.</ref>
==Academic programs==


The 2010-2011 women's lacrosse team success led to other accomplishments in 2013. Women's lacrosse assistant coach Lauren Norris was selected to coach the 2013 Israel National Lacrosse Team in the 2013 FIL Women's World Cup.
===Colleges and Schools===


In the fourth round of the 2013 Major League Soccer (MLS) Supplemental Draft, the Columbus Crew picked High Point University senior midfielder Shawn Sloan.
====College of Arts and Sciences====
The College of Arts and Sciences houses a variety of majors at High Point University, including Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Criminal Justice, English, History, Human Relations, Math and Computer Science, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Political Science, Psychology, Religion and Philosophy and Theatre.


In 2016, Christine Rickert of the High Point University women's track and field team qualified to compete in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Rickert placed 12th in the javelin throw, just nine places away from a spot on the Olympic Team. She remains the Big South Conference Record Holder in javelin with a throw of 52.47m (172–2&nbsp;ft).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://highpointpanthers.com/news/2016/7/9/womens-track-field-rickert-finishes-12th-in-olympic-trials-final.aspx|title = Rickert finishes 12th in Olympic Trials final| date=July 9, 2016 }}</ref>
====Earl N. Phillips School of Business====
The Phillips School of Business has approximately 1,000 undergraduate day students as of the fall semester 2013. This has grown from 475 undergraduate day students in the fall of 2005. Majors offered in this school include Accounting, Business Administration and International Business. Minors include Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Global Commerce, Marketing and Sport Management. A MBA is offered in the School of Business at High Point University.


High Point University also fields the following sports at the club level: men's and women's basketball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's rowing, running, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's swimming, men's and women's tennis, women's field hockey, softball, ultimate frisbee, equestrian and ice hockey.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830131626/http://www.highpointpanthers.com/sports/2009/8/24/GEN_0824093239.aspx |date=August 30, 2011 }}. Highpointpanthers.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-09.</ref>
====The Plato S. Wilson School of Commerce====
The Plato S. Wilson School of Commerce holds the Center for Financial Research, which serves as a trading room for students. The center includes teaching and research technology, including financial databases, investment software, professional accounting programs, a stock ticker, dual-screen monitors, SMART boards and world clocks. The building also contains a graphic lab with 24 digital stations. Each of these workstations have a Wacom touch screen monitor and an iMac on a movable arm to allow for an adjustable workspace.


In the fall of 2013, the High Point University field hockey team qualified for the national tournament in Virginia Beach with a 6-2-0 season. The club equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
====Nido R. Qubein School of Communication====
The Nido R. Qubein School of Communication offers students a combination of theory-based and practical courses in a multidisciplinary, experiential-learning environment. The school was completed in 2009 and features two high-definition TV studios, audio recording studios, a screening theater, editiing labs, a student-operated radio station, a nationally cited survey and research center, an interactive media and game design facility, and various computer labs for student use.


Donations to High Point University's Athletic Department have exceeded $30 million. The primary athletics facilities at High Point University are the ] (basketball), ] (volleyball), Williard Stadium (baseball), and the Witcher Athletic Center at Vert Stadium (track, soccer, lacrosse).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://highpointpanthers.com/news/2014/9/9/Athletics_0909140249.aspx|title=High Point University Panthers - HPU dedicates Witcher Athletic Center|work=High Point University|date=September 9, 2014 |access-date=August 15, 2015}}</ref>
====School of Art and Design====
The School of Art and Design at High Point University focuses on hands-on learning. The technology lab is equipped with a laser cutter, CNC router and 3D printer that gives students the ability to produce to-scale models of furnishings and other products. Students enrolled in the School of Art and Design also have access to several Computer-Assisted Design labs, including a 20+ station MAC lab with large screen Cintiq interactive pen displays and have programs like Sketch-Up, CAD, REVIT and the Adobe Suite. In 2010, the Interior Design Program at High Point University was ranked as one of the top 10 undergraduate design programs in the country by ''DesignIntelligence'' journal.


At the beginning of 2017, High Point University announced plans for a new basketball arena and conference center to be built on campus. The facility will be named for High Point University president, Dr. ], and his wife, Mariana Qubein. Construction on the ''Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center'' began in 2018; the facility was originally projected to open in 2020,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Newsom|first1=John|title=High Point University details plans for a basketball arena, conference center|url=http://www.journalnow.com/news/local/high-point-university-details-plans-for-basketball-arena-conference-center/article_e3f45c69-16d0-5978-83a2-9c2f8376f7bc.html|access-date=February 7, 2017|publisher=Winston-Salem Journal|date=January 30, 2017}}</ref> but construction was delayed due to ] issues.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://greensboro.com/news/education/high-point-university-arena-project-delayed-for-a-year/article_fdc43ab1-8843-51c2-a3e1-26d88552edb1.html |title=High Point University arena project delayed for a year |first=John |last=Newsom |newspaper=News & Record |location=Greensboro, NC |date=August 6, 2020 |access-date=April 14, 2021}}</ref> The facility opened in late September 2021,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://qubeinarena.com/ |title=FrequentlyAsked Questions |publisher=High Point University |access-date=October 18, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027194204/https://qubeinarena.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> with the first basketball game to be played on November 4.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://highpointpanthers.com/news/2021/9/7/mens-basketball-head-coach-tubby-smith-announces-2021-22-highpoint-non-conference-slate-.aspx |title=Coach Tubby Smith Announces 2021-22 HPU Non-Conference Slate |publisher=High Point Panthers |date=September 7, 2021 |access-date=October 18, 2021}}</ref> The Qubein Center includes 4,500 arena seats, 2,500 conference center seats.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About the Qubein Arena and Conference Center|url=http://www.highpoint.edu/arena/|access-date=2020-12-12|website=Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena, Conference Center and Jana and Ken Kahn Hotel|language=en-US}}</ref> It was also announced in early 2017 that the basketball court in the new arena was named after High Point men's head coach and High Point University alumnus ]. Smith and his wife, Donna, donated $1 million to the construction of the new facility.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Staff|first1=Web|title=High Point University to name new basketball court after Tubby Smith|url=http://myfox8.com/2017/02/07/high-point-university-to-name-new-basketball-court-after-tubby-smith/|access-date=February 7, 2017|agency=Fox 8|publisher=Fox 8|date=February 7, 2017}}</ref>
====School of Health Sciences & School of Pharmacy====
In March 2013, High Point University announced their plans to build a new 170,000 square-foot facility at the corner of East Farriss Avenue and Panther Drive. The School of Health Sciences building will house new proposed programs in physical therapy, physician assistant studies and pharmacy. The School of Health Sciences will grow to include proposed master's level programs in physician assistant studies and doctoral degrees in physical therapy and pharmacy programs.{{citation needed|date=September 2013}}


In spring 2018, HPU announced the hire of hiring of Hall of Famer and NCAA Championship Winning coach ] as the Panthers' head coach for men's basketball. Smith, who becomes the 12th head men's basketball coach in HPU history, joins the Panthers after serving as the head coach at ] for two seasons.
====School of Education====
In August 2012, High Point University opened the School of Education. The 31,000-square-foot Georgian-style two-story building houses the education and psychology departments in technologically advanced classrooms, computer labs and offices. It features high-tech educational equipment, such as smart boards, a children's book library, math and science touch screen games, a methods lab designed to look and feel like a real elementary school classroom, a Mac lab and psychology research booths.


Dan Hauser has served as the HPU athletic director since 2014.
===Special programs===
* Pre-professional studies leading to medical, dental, pharmacy, or physician assistant school, engineering, forestry school, law school, theological seminary, or other professional training.

* The Student Career Intern Program (SCIP) places students in career-related positions in area businesses before graduation.

===Honor societies===
* Order of the Lighted Lamp, ] (both recognize academic achievement), ] (Human Relations), ] (Biology), ] (Spanish), ] (French), ] (Foreign Language), ] (Communications), ] (Adult Learners), ] (Political Science), ] (Education), ] (Business), ] (Psychology), ] (Criminal Justice), ] (International English Honors Society).

==Admissions==

===Applications and acceptances ===
Based on data gathered from the incoming class of 2012, more than 8,200 applications were reviewed. There was a 61% acceptance rate and 1333 enrolled at High Point University. 78% of the freshmen class applied Early Decision or Early Action. The mid-range SAT scores for high school seniors applying to the university was 1010-1190. The mean SAT range for Critical Reading and Math was 1106 and the mean ACT Composite score for entering freshmen was 24. 80% of students were ranked in the top half of their graduating classes and the average GPA on a 4.0 scale was 3.33 unweighted.

The class of 2015 holds the record of bringing total enrollment to the highest enrollment number in High Point University's history. In the class of 2015, there are 40 National Merit Scholars, Valedictorians, Salutatorians and High School Student Government Presidents. 416 students had Advanced Placement Courses from high school, earning over 2819 credit hours. 30 students earned the distinction of Eagle Scout or Gold Award recipient during high school, 40 students had family members who attended High Point University and there are 14 languages spoken fluently among the class.{{citation needed|date=September 2013}}

===Geographic breakdown===
The students in the class of 2015 represent 41 states (including Washington, DC) and 9 countries. The top ten states represented at High Point University are North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Virginia, Ohio and Florida. {{citation needed|date=September 2013}}

==Student life ==

===Residence halls===
High Point University is a residential campus by design. More than 75% of the High Point University freshmen class come from 45 states other than North Carolina and many foreign countries. All High Point University students are required to reside on campus until they have reached senior status, unless they commute from their parent's permanent address. There are 19 residence halls on campus.

===Dining ===
High Point University is a cashless campus and dining locations only accept High Point University Passport cards. There are many dining options available on campus and four locations are "all you can eat." These locations include: The Cafe in Slane Student Center, Farmers Market, The Bistro and The Grille. Other popular dining locations include Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, 1924 PRIME, The Point, Subway and the Great Day Bakery.

===Study abroad===
High Point University offers a wide variety of study abroad programs, including semester programs at universities in Italy, Germany, France, Ecuador, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, Fiji, the Czech Republic, Spain, Austria, South Africa and Russia. In addition, students can participate in Faculty-in-Residence Programs in Oxford, England (Fall) and Prague, Czech Republic (Spring). Students take a full load of credits transferable toward their High Point University degree. Costs are equivalent to the High Point all-inclusive fee and most financial aid applies.

Each May, High Point University provides access to many short-term, faculty-led "Global Experience" programs. For 2013, the 'Maymester' offerings include Animal Behavior in South Africa, Spanish in Guatemala, International Marketing in China, Drawing and a Choir Tour to Italy, a Flamenco course to Spain, Interior Design in Paris & France and a Cross-Cultural Psychology tour to The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Italy. Courses vary each year.

==Notable buildings==
[[File:HPU RobertsHall.jpg|right|thumb|
Roberts Hall, Administration Offices, erected circa 1923]]
At the University's founding, Washington, D.C. architect R. E. Mitchell partnered with local architect Herbert Hunter and adopted a Georgian Revival theme to provide an air of dignity and erudition for an institution in its infancy. Built in this theme, the most impressive building on the campus is Roberts Hall, among the first triad of buildings, with its tall multi-tiered tower and imposing front portico of Corinthian columns. This 1923 building may have been loosely modeled on Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Women's Hall, also designed by Herbert Hunter in 1923, continues the architectural theme of Roberts Hall. In addition, Women’s Hall sports an elaborate cupola centered over the heart of the building. Wrenn Hall, originally constructed as the M. J. Wrenn Library, was completed in 1937 and progressed the Georgian dialog of early campus buildings with an elaborate elliptical transom window and a broken ogee frontispiece. These buildings constitute the ceremonial core of the campus and provide a backdrop for special events such as graduation.

[[File:HPU HayworthFineArtsCenter.jpg|left|thumb|250x250px|
Hayworth Fine Arts Center]]
Breaking free of the Georgian theme, architect Leon Schute contributed a number of modernist designs to the campus. The Horace S. Haworth Hall of Science opened in 1967 and featured a two-story masonry façade that was broken at regular intervals by concrete pilasters to provide the effect of a classical colonnade; this modernist façade was mostly covered by a neoclassical addition in 1999. Schute was also the designer of the Slane University Center (formerly the McPherson Campus Center), in 1972, that continued modernist themes for which he was well known. In 1993, Montlieu Avenue, a thoroughfare that cut through the center of the campus, was closed to traffic and dedicated as the Kester International Promenade (originally known as the "Greensward"), an open commons that unites the campus with green-space.

Recent additions to the campus have revisited historically inspired architecture, including the Hayworth Fine Arts Center, a domed structure with a Tuscan portico designed in consultation with London-based architect Christopher Smallwood. This structure is Smallwood’s only project in the United States outside the northeastern states.

Thanks to a $486 million renovation project of the campus, led by fund raising efforts by President Nido Qubein, several new residential and educational buildings have been added. These additions include notably Norton Hall, the Blessing Residential Hall, The Village Residential Complex, the Slane Student Life and Wellness Center, and the Jerry and Kitty Steele Sports Center. A large number of fountains have also been installed throughout the university commons with plans to add even more.There are also several facilities currently under construction and slated for completion in 2009. These buildings include the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication, the Plato S. Wilson Family School of Commerce, and the crown jewel of student life, the $50 million University Center (formerly called the Multiplex). The University Center, completed in 2009, houses 600 students in 300 upscale apartment-like facilities and includes a fully functional movie theater, a steakhouse, a convenience store, a bakery and a two story gaming-and-restaurant concept.

With the campus renovations at High Point University breaching $486 million in August 2010, President Nido Qubein announced several other additions to the campus. These include a new school of education and a Greek Village. The Greek Village will consist of roughly 14 houses aimed at housing 200 total students. The $10 million Greek Village and the school of education will begin construction in 2010.

In February 2011, the university acquired the ] which is located less than a mile from campus. The university then hired the previous owners to manage the property as a retail mall "for now". Long term plans for the property have not been announced.{{citation needed|date=September 2013}}

== Notable alumni ==
* ] - ] pitcher for the ]. Drafted in the 23rd Round of the ]
* ] - ]
* ] – ] player
* ] – ] driver, ] Champion
* ] – former United States Senator (]-])
* ] – Grammy-winning country music singer/songwriter
* ] – PBL Basketball player for the ] and plays for Senegal's national team
* ] – former ABA basketball player and NBA coach
* ] – youngest Marine to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor
* ] – professional basketball player ]; former ] streetballer
* ] – Canadian Olympian in the 1500m
* ] – President of High Point University, and world renowned speaker
* ] – professional basketball player, (])
* ] – NCAA coach and assistant coach of the 2000 U.S. Men's Basketball Team
* ] – fitness coach and star of the ] series ]
* ] - One Sweet Lacrosse player

== Athletics ==
{{Main|High Point Panthers}}

The ] include HPU's 16 ] teams that compete at the ] ] level, mostly in the ]. HPU's 16 varsity sports are baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's indoor track & field, men's and women's outdoor track & field and women's volleyball.

The 2010–11 season was the most successful since High Point University joined NCAA Div. I in 1999–2000. In the fall, the women's soccer team and women's volleyball team won Big South Tournaments and the men's soccer team won the Big South regular season.<ref>. Highpointpanthers.com (2010-12-01). Retrieved on 2013-08-09.</ref> In the spring, the women's lacrosse team won the National Lacrosse Conference tournament and set a record for wins by a first-year program, with 15.<ref>. Highpointpanthers.com (2011-05-06). Retrieved on 2013-08-09.</ref>

High Point University also fields the following sports at the club level: men's and women's basketball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's rowing, running, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's swimming, men's and women's tennis, women's field hockey, softball, ultimate frisbee and equestrian.<ref>. Highpointpanthers.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-09.</ref>

Donations to High Point University's Athletic Department have exceeded $30 million. The primary athletics facilities at High Point University are the ] (basketball, volleyball), Williard Stadium (baseball) and Vert Stadium (track, soccer, lacrosse). Vert Stadium was resurfaced with Mondo 3NX turf in 2011.<ref>. Highpointpanthers.com (2011-04-07). Retrieved on 2013-08-09.</ref>

In January 2008, ] associate athletic director ] was appointed High Point University's Director of Athletics. In May 2009, former University of North Carolina captain ] was named head coach of men's basketball.

High Point University plans to break ground on a new 31,500-square-foot Athletic Performance Center for its student-athletes at Vert Stadium in fall 2013. The new Athletic Performance Center will house a 120-seat academic center as well as a state-of-the-art athletic training center. It will include new locker rooms and lounges for the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams and the men’s and women’s soccer teams.{{citation needed|date=September 2013}}


== Publications and media == == Publications and media ==
* ''High Point University Magazine'', for alumni * ''High Point University Magazine'', for alumni
* ''The Apogee'', the university literary magazine * ''The Apogee'', the literary magazine
* ''Black Script'' * ''Black Script''
* ''Hi-Po'', a monthly publication by students for fellow students
* ''Campus Chronicle'', rated one of the Top 20 campus newspapers in the nation by the American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA)
* HPU Radio, student produced and broadcast via Hpuradio.com
* ''Zenith'', yearbook * ''Zenith'', yearbook
* HPU Vision, on-campus broadcast club
* "HPU Sports Link", Broadcasts HPU athletics live online.
* HPU Sports Link, broadcasts HPU athletics live online
* HPU+, online professional and personal coaching


== Greek life == == Sechrest Gallery ==
A permanent collection of original works was donated to the university by High Point Alumnus Darrell L. Sechrest. The collection includes works by Christian Dietrich, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Allesandro Gherardini, El Greco, ], Emile Louis Picault, Elsie Popkin, and Antonio Zucchi and Angelica Kauffman. The gallery is housed within the Hayworth Fine Arts Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highpoint.edu/documents/Cultural-Enrichment.pdf|title=Cultural Enrichment Series|publisher=High Point University|access-date=August 15, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115135356/http://pavones.highpoint.edu/documents/Cultural-Enrichment.pdf|archivedate=November 15, 2013}}</ref>
High Point University is home to 12 fraternities and sororities.


== Notable faculty ==
The following Greek organizations are present at HPU:
* ] – writer, actress, and poet
* ] –- writer, ethnographer, cultural critic
* ] – former Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Doyle |first=Steve |date=August 17, 2022 |title=Billboard claims new High Point University law dean 'betrayed our constitution' |work=FOX8 WGHP |url=https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/high-point/billboard-claims-new-high-point-university-law-dean-betrayed-our-constitution/ |access-date=December 29, 2023}}</ref>


== Notable alumni ==
===Interfraternity Conference===
* ] {{ndash}} former ] pitcher, drafted in the 23rd Round of the ]
* ]
* ] {{ndash}} former Major League Baseball player
* ]
* ] {{ndash}} ] driver, ] Champion, ] Champion
* ]
* ] {{ndash}} ] driver
* ]
* ] {{ndash}} American professional racing driver
* ]
* ] {{ndash}} ] winning country music singer/songwriter
* ]
* ] {{ndash}} Member of the ]
* ]-coming in the fall of 2014
* ] {{ndash}} PBL Basketball player for the ] and plays for Senegal's national team

* ] {{ndash}} former ABA basketball player and ] coach
===National Panhellenic Conference===
* ] {{ndash}} Youngest ] veteran to receive the ]
* ]
* ] {{ndash}} ] for the ] for the Eastern District of Virginia who is known for his ruling on desegregation in the 1970s
* ]
* ] {{ndash}} ]
* ]
* ] {{ndash}} Canadian ] in the ] and 3000 metre steeplechase
* ]
* ] {{ndash}} Seventh president of High Point University, businessman, motivational speaker, author
* ]
* ] {{ndash}} Professional basketball player in the ]
* ]
* ] {{ndash}} Major League Baseball player for the ]

* ] {{ndash}} Baseball player<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.troyrecord.com/general-news/20081117/schultz-selects-d-1-baseball|title=Schultz selects D-1 baseball|work=troyrecord.com|date=November 17, 2008|access-date=April 10, 2015}}</ref>
===National Pan-Hellenic Council===
* ] {{ndash}} College basketball coach and assistant coach of the 2000 ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

===National Service Fraternity===
* ]

== Sechrest gallery ==
A permanent collection of original works donated to the University by High Point Alumnus Darrell L. Sechrest. Among others, the permanent collection includes works by Christian Dietrich, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Allesandro Gherardini, El Greco, Sir George Harvey Emile Louis Picault, Elsie Popkin, and Antonio Zucchi and Angelica Kauffman. The gallery is housed within the Hayworth Fine Arts Center on the campus of High Point University.<ref>http://www.highpoint.edu/documents/Cultural-Enrichment.pdf</ref>


== References == == References ==
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}

* McCaslin, Dr. Richard B., ''Remembered Be Thy Blessings: High Point University: The College Years, 1924–1991''. High Point University, 1995.


== External links == == External links ==
* * {{Official website|http://www.highpoint.edu/}}
*
*
*


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Latest revision as of 02:02, 14 December 2024

Private university in High Point, North Carolina, US

High Point University
Former namesHigh Point College (1924–1991)
MottoNil Sine Numine (Latin)
Motto in EnglishNothing Without Divine Guidance
TypePrivate university
Established1924; 100 years ago (1924)
Religious affiliationUnited Methodist Church
Academic affiliationsIAMSCU
NAICU
Endowment$128 million (2021)
PresidentNido Qubein
ProvostDaniel Erb
Academic staff500
Students6,335
Undergraduates5,135
Postgraduates1,196
LocationHigh Point, North Carolina, U.S.
35°58′27″N 79°59′44″W / 35.9741251°N 79.9954946°W / 35.9741251; -79.9954946
CampusSuburban, 520 acres (210 ha)
Colors    Purple and white
NicknamePanthers
Sporting affiliationsNCAA Division I – Big South Conference
MascotProwler the Panther
Websitehighpoint.edu

High Point University (HPU) is a private university in High Point, North Carolina, United States. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university was founded as High Point College in 1924, and it became High Point University in 1991. HPU offers 66 undergraduate majors, 68 undergraduate minors, and 21 graduate majors.

History

Roberts Hall at High Point University
Caine Conservatory
Caine Conservatory
Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center
Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center
Cottrell Hall at High Point University

In the mid-19th century, the Methodist Protestant Church, which is now part of the United Methodist Church, became active in educational pursuits in North Carolina, and at the 1852 state annual convention in Fayetteville, Yadkin College was founded in northern Davidson County. Following the Civil War, the Yadkin College fell into financial difficulty, and had by the 1890s become a preparatory high school. In 1921, after some years of consideration, the statewide governing body of the Methodist Protestant Church voted to establish a new college. Shortly afterward, the church accepted an offer from the citizens of High Point to contribute 60 acres (240,000 m) of land and $100,000 to the project, placing the new school in the city of High Point. The Georgian-style campus, featuring some architectural elements of Colonial Revivalism, was designed by R. E. Mitchell of Washington, D.C., with assistance from Herbert B. Hunter of High Point.The school was founded in 1924 as High Point College, a joint venture between the Methodist Protestant Church and the citizens of High Point, and officially opened on September 14, 1924. When the college opened, the campus consisted of three buildings, attended by nine faculty members, with a student enrollment of 122. The same year, Yadkin College closed its doors, and its assets including its library and bell were transferred to High Point College.

The steadfast growth that characterized the birth of the college ended abruptly with the Great Depression. In 1932–33, faculty salaries were cut and expenses were sometimes bartered. Despite a $50,000 fundraising campaign, the college declared bankruptcy on June 15, 1934, and reorganized in an effort to reduce its indebtedness.

On October 9, 1991, under the guidance of President Jacob C. Martinson Jr., and the board of trustees, High Point College changed its name to High Point University to reflect post-graduate degree programs. Coinciding with the offering of graduate studies, every building on the campus was renovated and new ones were constructed with a campus quadrangle added to replace a former city street that bisected the campus, and by 2004 the university's endowment increased to $40 million.

In 2005, the university was 92 acres and landlocked with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,450. Its operating budget was $35 million with approximately 100 faculty members. Since Nido R. Qubein became president of High Point University in 2005, the growth of the university has had significant impact on the city, region and state. Qubein is the fourth highest-paid college president in the United States, paid $2.9 million a year.

Since 2005, High Point University has grown from three academic schools to 14: the Congdon School of Health Sciences, the Earl N. Phillips School of Business, the Wanek School of Natural Sciences, the David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design, the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, the School of Optometry, the Webb School of Engineering, the David S. Congdon School of Entrepreneurship, the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law, the Stout School of Education, the Workman School of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, the Douglas S. Witcher School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication, and the Teresa Caine School of Nursing.

In early 2012 Businessweek reported that about $700 million in new building and campus upgrades was financed by heavy borrowing and Moody's Investors Service downgraded the school's bonds to junk status in 2009 due to the school's position as one of the most heavily leveraged colleges in the country. Businessweek responded by inviting the school to make financial documents available to support any challenges to the article's accuracy, but none were offered in response. In addition to questioning debt levels, Businessweek challenged whether the school's relationships with its lenders and vendors were at an appropriate arm's length, citing in particular that the school spends large amounts on marketing with a public relations firm headed by Qubein's daughter. The college's claims to a growing reputation in higher education were challenged as based more on high-end student amenities and marketing strategy than on academics. The U.S. Department of Education's "financial responsibility" score for the 2012 and 2013 fiscal year has High Point University scoring the highest possible score of 3, putting the university ahead of Elon University, Duke University, and Davidson College.

The Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac of April 19, 2016, noted that Qubein was the third highest-donor university president in the country from 2006 to 2016. He committed $10 million to High Point University. In 2010, the university announced plans to invest about $2.1 billion in overall growth in the next decade. To date, HPU has spent $1.2 billion on four new schools plus facilities, faculty and student services.

Ashley Furniture Industries Chairman Ron Wanek donated $10 million to HPU in 2013 after visiting Qubein. Wanek's gift to the university is the tenth contribution of $10 million or more that Qubein has received during his tenure.

In April 2016, HPU announced plans to invest $160 million in new building projects including a 5,000-seat arena and conference center, undergraduate science center and residence hall. The Caine Conservatory opened in the spring of 2020 to support botanical research and the growth of HPU's arboretum and gardens. The facility also includes HPU's newest eatery, the Butterfly Café. The following year, the $170 million Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center, and the adjoining Jana and Ken Kahn Hotel, opened. It is home to HPU's men's and women's basketball teams, as well as a venue for major events, speakers, concerts, entertainment, academic symposia and recreational activities.

In June 2023 the university was placed on Warning status by its educational accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, after the accreditor's board found significant non-compliance with its standards of student support, student outcome, and disclosure of accreditation status. This Warning status was continued in June 2024.

HPU received a $32 million gift from the Rick and Angie Workman Foundation to establish the new dental school, which will welcome its first cohort of students in the fall of 2024. HPU named its dental school the Workman School of Dental Medicine.

Doug Witcher, the founder and CEO of Smart Choice, an insurance network based in the Piedmont Triad, has donated $20 million to HPU, his alma mater. HPU's School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences and its 36,000-square-foot athletic center are named after him.

High Point University has started a pro bono law clinic within the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law that will focus on ethically helping veterans receive military benefits after they are denied. It was established after receiving a generous gift from Bergmann & Moore, LLC, a law firm that practices in the area of veterans’ benefits.

On May 1, 2024, Madison Crowell, a senior at Liberty County High School in Hinesville, Georgia, announced that she had decided to attend High Point University after being accepted into 231 colleges and universities and receiving nearly $15 million in scholarships. Crowell received national attention for the number of schools she got accepted into and the total amount of scholarships she received.

Location

Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem, along with the surrounding suburbs and townships, form the Piedmont Triad region, an area with a population over 1.7 million. Of that number, approximately 108,285 live in High Point. Both Greensboro and Winston-Salem are 20 minutes from campus. East of the university are Raleigh (1⁠1/2⁠ hours away) and the Atlantic Ocean (3⁠1/2⁠ hours away); south are Charlotte (1⁠1/2⁠ hours away) and Atlanta, Georgia (5 hours away); west are the Appalachian Mountains (2 hours away); and north is Washington, D.C. (5 hours away).

Academics

Main campus at High Point University

High Point University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. The average freshman retention rate is 81%.

HPU offers 61 undergraduate degree programs (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science), 65 undergraduate minors, and 14 graduate degree programs (Master of Arts, Master of Education, Master of Public Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Pharmacy, and Doctor of Physical Therapy).

Rankings

High Point University has been recognized as a College of Distinction for the 2024–25 academic year, marking the 14th consecutive year that HPU has received the honor.

For the third consecutive year, The Princeton Review ranked HPU's game design program as one of the Top 50 Undergraduate Game Design Programs in the country in 2024.

High Point University earned three No. 1 rankings in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" edition. HPU was named the No. 1 Best Regional College in the South for the 13th consecutive year, the No. 1 Most Innovative Regional College in the South for the 10th consecutive year and the No. 1 Best Undergraduate Teaching for Regional Colleges in the South for a second consecutive year.

Schools

High Point University has ten schools: School of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Congdon School of Health Sciences, Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, Webb School of Engineering, Wanek School of Health Sciences, Nido R. Qubein School of Communication, David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design, Earl N. Phillips School of Business, School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, and School of Education. Workman School of Dental Medicine and the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law will have their first classes in 2024.

Student life

High Point University is a residential campus, with 19 residence halls in total. In 2019, The Princeton Review ranked High Point University #5 in the nation for Best College Dorm Rooms. All High Point University students are required to reside on campus until senior year, unless they commute from their parent's permanent address.

Greek life

There are currently 17 Greek organizations on campus.

Athletics

Main article: High Point Panthers
A Panthers baseball player during a 2009 game at Erath Baseball Field

The High Point Panthers include HPU's 16 athletic teams that compete at the NCAA Division I level, mostly in the Big South Conference. HPU's 16 varsity sports are baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's indoor track & field, men's and women's outdoor track & field and women's volleyball. In recent years, HPU has won nine Big South Conference Championships, produced 10 Conference Players of the Year; and more than 130 HPU athletes have received Big South All-Academic Honors.

High Point dancers during a 2009 basketball game at Qubein Center

In the spring of 2021, the Division I athletic department won 13 of 16 possible conference championships. Led by a 2nd round appearance by the men's soccer team in the NCAA Tournament. Just two seasons later the feat was accomplished again with a 2-0 first round win against North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Prior to the Spring of 2021, the 2010–2011 season was the most successful since High Point University joined NCAA Division I in 1999–2000. In the fall, the women's soccer team and women's volleyball team won Big South Tournaments and the men's soccer team won the Big South regular season. In the spring, the women's lacrosse team won the National Lacrosse Conference tournament and set a record for wins by a first-year program, with 15.

The 2010-2011 women's lacrosse team success led to other accomplishments in 2013. Women's lacrosse assistant coach Lauren Norris was selected to coach the 2013 Israel National Lacrosse Team in the 2013 FIL Women's World Cup.

In the fourth round of the 2013 Major League Soccer (MLS) Supplemental Draft, the Columbus Crew picked High Point University senior midfielder Shawn Sloan.

In 2016, Christine Rickert of the High Point University women's track and field team qualified to compete in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Rickert placed 12th in the javelin throw, just nine places away from a spot on the Olympic Team. She remains the Big South Conference Record Holder in javelin with a throw of 52.47m (172–2 ft).

High Point University also fields the following sports at the club level: men's and women's basketball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's rowing, running, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's swimming, men's and women's tennis, women's field hockey, softball, ultimate frisbee, equestrian and ice hockey.

In the fall of 2013, the High Point University field hockey team qualified for the national tournament in Virginia Beach with a 6-2-0 season. The club equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

Donations to High Point University's Athletic Department have exceeded $30 million. The primary athletics facilities at High Point University are the Qubein Center (basketball), Millis Center (volleyball), Williard Stadium (baseball), and the Witcher Athletic Center at Vert Stadium (track, soccer, lacrosse).

At the beginning of 2017, High Point University announced plans for a new basketball arena and conference center to be built on campus. The facility will be named for High Point University president, Dr. Nido R. Qubein, and his wife, Mariana Qubein. Construction on the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center began in 2018; the facility was originally projected to open in 2020, but construction was delayed due to COVID-19 issues. The facility opened in late September 2021, with the first basketball game to be played on November 4. The Qubein Center includes 4,500 arena seats, 2,500 conference center seats. It was also announced in early 2017 that the basketball court in the new arena was named after High Point men's head coach and High Point University alumnus Tubby Smith. Smith and his wife, Donna, donated $1 million to the construction of the new facility.

In spring 2018, HPU announced the hire of hiring of Hall of Famer and NCAA Championship Winning coach Orlando 'Tubby' Smith as the Panthers' head coach for men's basketball. Smith, who becomes the 12th head men's basketball coach in HPU history, joins the Panthers after serving as the head coach at Memphis for two seasons.

Dan Hauser has served as the HPU athletic director since 2014.

Publications and media

  • High Point University Magazine, for alumni
  • The Apogee, the literary magazine
  • Black Script
  • Hi-Po, a monthly publication by students for fellow students
  • Zenith, yearbook
  • HPU Vision, on-campus broadcast club
  • HPU Sports Link, broadcasts HPU athletics live online
  • HPU+, online professional and personal coaching

Sechrest Gallery

A permanent collection of original works was donated to the university by High Point Alumnus Darrell L. Sechrest. The collection includes works by Christian Dietrich, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Allesandro Gherardini, El Greco, George Harvey, Emile Louis Picault, Elsie Popkin, and Antonio Zucchi and Angelica Kauffman. The gallery is housed within the Hayworth Fine Arts Center.

Notable faculty

Notable alumni

References

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  4. Ruth Little and Paul Touart (1983–1987). "Yadkin College Historic District" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved 2024-04-06. Section 8, Page 3.
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  43. "Schultz selects D-1 baseball". troyrecord.com. November 17, 2008. Retrieved April 10, 2015.

External links

Private colleges and universities in North Carolina
Big South Conference
Full members
Women's lacrosse-only members
Championships and awards
Related
International Association of Methodist-related Schools, Colleges, and Universities
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