High Point University is the Premier Life Skills University, working to transform the lives of their students.
High Point University is the Premier Life Skills University, working to transform the lives of their students.
HPU knows a thing or two about transformation after radically transforming the campus and culture under the leadership of President NidoR. Qubein, who became the seventh president of this 95-year-old institution in 2005.
That’s why HPU leaders commit to preparing students for the world asit’s going to be, not as it is. The promise HPU makes to each student and their family serves as a clear road map for faculty and staff to achieve that mission.
At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people. In addition to expert faculty who have been drawn from places like Duke, Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, and many other impressive universities, HPU has also attracted global leaders and industry giants to mentor students as part of its unique “In Residence” program designed to foster life skills and leadership development. Examples include:
• Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder and HPU’s Innovator in Residence
• Marc Randolph, Netflix co-founder and HPU’s Entrepreneur in Residence
• Cynt Marshall, Dallas Mavericks CEO and HPU’s Sports Executive in Residence
• Joe Michaels, 20-year veteran director of NBC’s Today show and HPU’s Broadcaster in Residence
• Karen Jacobsen, “The GPS Girl,” voice of Australian Siri, and HPU’s Global Artist in Residence
• Scott McKain, corporate consultant, author, speaker, and HPU’s Corporate Educator in Residence
• Byron Pitts, journalist, co-anchor of ABC’s Nightline, and HPU’s Journalist in Residence
By focusing holistically on students’ transformational educational journeys, HPU attracts students from all 50 states and nearly 37 countries. Since 2005, President Qubein has led a $2 billion investment in academic programs (six new academic schools have been added) and student-life facilities. New buildings include two student centers; 10 residential communities; a lacrosse/soccer stadium; a Division I athletics complex; and a 4,500-seat basketball arena, conference center, and hotel currently under construction.
Innovative educational initiatives like the President’s Seminar on Life Skills, a required course for all entering freshmen, ensure students grow not only in specific academic areas of expertise but also develop competencies in communication, networking, coachability, fiscal literacy, and service. These are among the traits HPU refers to as “life skills,”which employers rank as the mostcritical skills necessary to succeed in the modern workplace.
With 60 majors and 64 minors, HPU offers a broad spectrum of academic coursework, all complemented by experiential learning programs that include internships, undergraduate research, global education, and service learning. The approach to life preparation is perhaps best showcased by the 97% placement rate for graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation from HPU.
Beyond academic excellence, High Point University also focuses on values. President Qubein often remarks that HPU is a God, family, and country school. While all backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated on this inclusive campus, HPU appreciates and promotes the values of hard work, service, patriotism, private enterprise, joy, and generosity, among others.
Each year, HPU hosts 1,000 local military veterans to express gratitude for their service to our nation. In December, HPU welcomes more than 20,000 visitors to campus fora two-night Community Christmas event, complete with a life-size Nativity, falling snow, and Santa, who offers a gift to each child. The entire event is complimentary.
HPU’s culture can be summed up in a quote from Roy Disney that’s inscribed on HPU’s International Promenade: “When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.”
High Point University is a values-based university that believes each faculty and staff member has the power to enhance the lives of the students entrusted in their care. Their call to action is simple and profound: Choose to be extraordinary! And they live by it every day.
