Continued expansion of High Point University
This artistic rendering depicts the interior of the new Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena. Photo by High Point University
By Nicholas Bainbridge
Editor in Chief
HPU is an institution that continually grows with new additions and larger numbers of incoming students each year.
Fourteen years ago, the school encompassed 91 acres. Today, HPU’s campus stretches across 460 acres. The number of students has also grown exponentially to match the development. In 2005, only 1,450 undergraduate students were enrolled. Currently, the university has more than 5,200 undergraduate students.
This expansion is something that the college prides itself on, which is why it continues to add more facilities and programs. There are always multiple major projects in progress.
Dr. Nido Qubein, president of the university, has been one of the primary drivers of the school’s development. When he became president of the college in 2005, he set out to transform the college into an institution of the highest caliber.
“At HPU we have created a learning environment where our faculty engage, inspire and educate students along their personal transformation,” said Qubein. “These projects further our mission and continued growth.”
To accomplish his goal, Qubein oversaw a remodeling of many preexisting facilities. He believes students need the right environment in order to become extraordinary.
The Wanek School of Natural Sciences, which is being built with a major gift from the Wanek family, will feature a 6,000-square-foot planetarium, high quality labs and multiple STEM field classes.
Expansion efforts are not solely for traditional academic courses. To facilitate the pursuits of athletically oriented students, the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena is being constructed. In addition to serving as a location for sports games, it will feature a conference center. These spaces will be used for concerts, visiting speakers and learning opportunities.
Tied to the arena is a small hotel, which serves not only as a place for important guests to stay, but it also facilitates one of HPU’s newest academic programs. The hospitality program will educate students on how to become experts in areas such as event management.
Large structures are not the only thing that High Point University continues to add. Smaller additions are also made over time. Historical figures are immortalized as bronze sculptures created by artist John Hair and are seated on benches throughout campus. They serve as icons for people to look up to and inspire them to excel, and new ones are added every couple of years.The various gardens added over several years beautify the campus and create a pleasant environment for students, staff and guests.
Dr. Qubein takes great pride in the university’s recent accomplishments and continuous growth, stating, “At High Point University, we are blessed to do what seems impossible, especially during one of the greatest recessions of our time.”
HPU’s development is not stopping anytime soon. New courses, buildings and programs will be added in further years.