HPU nationally ranked No. 1 for fourth consecutive year
By Madeline Travell, Organizations Editor//
For the fourth year in a row, High Point University has been ranked the No. 1 Best Regional College in the South for 2016 by Best Colleges, which was published by U.S. News & World Report.
Best Colleges also ranked HPU No. 1 in two other categories: Most Innovative Regional Colleges and Best Colleges for Veterans in Regional Colleges in the South. Both recognitions had specific qualifications and parameters that the university had to meet.
Top college officials were asked by U.S. News to identify schools they considered to be the most innovative in terms of improvements to their faculty, students, curriculum, campus life, facilities or technology.
“Having been here 4-5 years, I have seen where this campus has come from and where it’s going in the future,” said Braxton Kubasko, senior. “I think that High Point deserved the recognition.”
This year, HPU completed Cottrell Hall, home of the Flanagan Center for Student Success, and Centennial Square II. The university is also in the process of constructing the Congdon School of Health and Sciences and the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy.
“It’s pretty impressive the progress the campus has achieved in such a short time,” Hannah Tardif, senior, said. “I am a biology major and the new science building will be awe-inspiring. I am so appreciative to be able to go to classes in such an amazing place.”
HPU’s campus is ever changing. It is creating, expanding and branding the university through up-to-date technology, new buildngs and a progressive curriculum.
“Our buildings always seem to be on the cutting edge with new technology and always working towards the next big thing, which is reflective of our inspiring environment,” Chris Graybert, senior, said.
HPU was also at the top of the list of the Best Colleges for Veterans Regional Colleges in the South.
“These are the top-ranked schools in the 2016 Best College rankings that participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees,” according to the Best Colleges.
In addition to these rankings, HPU’s Security Department was also ranked in the Top 25 University Departments for 2016 at the National Campus Safety Summit.
“Accolades like these are a validation of our administration’s commitment to a safe campus and our department’s pursuit of excellence,” Jeff Karpovich, CPP, Security Chief and Transportation Director, said.
As the university expands HPU Security is constantly evaluating risk and the need for additional resources or enhancements.
According to HPU’s Safest College summary, “in 2008 High Point University totally revamped the security department. A five-year metamorphosis has produced an innovative, effective and prestigious protection program, the South’s best. Many innovative efforts have been budget-neutral or cost-effective. We have re-branded and promoted the department services, in many cases at little to no cost.”
Payscale College ROI ranked HPU No. 4 for best return on investment in North Carolina Private Universities behind Duke, Wake Forest University and North Carolina Wesleyan.
“I feel lucky to be at a school that is so distinguished and I’m proud to call myself a panther,” Matthew Hollis, sophomore, said.