President Nido Qubein unveils $1 billion growth plan
The billion-dollar investment will be allocated between student scholarships and academic facilities and programs. Photo by highpoint.edu
HPU President Nido Qubein proudly announces his new 10- year growth plan to the audience in the Hayworth Fine Arts Center. Photo by highpoint.edu
By Nicole Prince
News Editor
Since 2005, President Nido Qubein has been at the forefront of High Point University’s expansion. Under his administration, HPU has seen an immense increase in its student population, from about 1,836 students in
2004-2005 to this year’s highest enrollment yet of about 5,400 students.
What used to be a small campus of 91 acres with 18 buildings is now a vast and rapidly growing campus of 500 acres and 128 buildings. Originally, HPU had three academic schools. During the last 15 years; however, six new academic schools have been founded, two of which have doctoral programs, the Congdon School of Health Sciences and the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy.
On Sep. 17, Dr. Bob Brown, chairman of HPU’s Board of Trustees, announced to prominent community leaders, faculty, staff and media representatives that President Nido Qubein signed a renewal contract to serve HPU for another 10 years.
“The Board of Trustees voted unanimously and enthusiastically to persuade him to remain our leader,” said Brown. “Thank God, he has agreed. Today, I am honored to announce Dr. Qubein’s transformational leadership will continue for the next decade.”
Qubein then rose and began by enthusiastically expressing his plans for the university.
“Our transformation has been productive and purposeful,” said Qubein. “We have always believed that if you lead with faithful courage, anything is possible. We are excited to continue our university’s growth and broaden our impact.”
He unveiled a new 10-year, $1 billion growth plan. During the next decade, Qubein plans to allocate resources towards several groundbreaking advancements in the city of High Point. $700 million will be given in scholarships to support overall affordability, background diversity, first-generation students, students who achieve academic excellence and veterans. $300 million will be put towards the beginnings of a proposed School of Nursing and the construction of a new library, admissions center, academic facility and Division I ice hockey facility. It will also support the start of seven new programs, including hospitality management and event planning, both of which will make use of the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena, Conference Center and Hotel.
To make this plan possible, Qubein will be working with the newly formed Town and Gown Think Tank, consisting of philanthropic community leaders committed to fostering a stronger relationship between the city of High Point and HPU and creating a balanced environment for both to prosper.
“The world is not changing incrementally,” said Qubein. “The world is changing exponentially. The city of High Point has to grow exponentially. This is the age of acceleration.”
HPU enrollment has increased by 20% since 2013, and it continues to grow exponentially each academic year. A greater number of students attending HPU also means more community supporters for the city of High Point. The Nido and Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum will be one of the links to connect High Point to HPU, as Qubein expressed certainty of its affordability for everyone.
“We believe it is doable,” said Qubein, concerning the Transformational Growth Plan. “We believe it is bold. It is a privilege to be a part of this mission and a part of this city.”
Before the conclusion of his presentation, Qubein roused the audience, saying, “Rise to the occasion, and support your university,” prompting the listeners to give a standing ovation and cheers of inspiration.