High Point University is The Premier Life Skills University® working to transform the lives of its students. Students receive extraordinary classroom education in tandem with experiences that can be applied to their future careers.
Innovative educational initiatives like the president's First-Year Seminar on Life Skills, a required course for all 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 most critical skills necessary to succeed in the modern workplace.
With 73 majors, 70 minors and 20+ graduate degree programs, HPU offers a broad spectrum of academic coursework, all complemented by experiential learning programs that include internships, undergraduate research, global education and service learning. Their approach to life preparation is perhaps best showcased by their 99% placement rate of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days of graduating from HPU.
In addition to expert faculty who have been attracted from places like Duke University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University and many other impressive institutions, HPU has also attracted global leaders and industry giants to mentor students as part of a unique Access to Innovators program designed to foster Life Skills and leadership development.
- Steve Wozniak, Apple Co-founder and HPU's Innovator in Residence
- Marc Randolph, Netflix Co-founder and HPU's Entrepreneur in Residence
- Teena Piccione, Global Transformation & Operations Executive at Google and HPU's Data Expert in Residence
- Cynt Marshall, Dallas Mavericks CEO and HPU's Sports Executive in Residence
- Ellen Zane, Former CEO of Tufts Medical Center and HPU's Health Care
- Executive in Residence
- Russell Weiner, CEO of Domino's and HPU's Corporate Executive in Residence
- Joe Michaels, 20-year Veteran Director of NBC's TODAY Show and HPU's Broadcaster in Residence
- Byron Pitts, Journalist and Co-anchor of ABC's "Nightline" and HPU's Journalist in Residence
- Sue Downes, CEO of MyEyeDr. and HPU's Health Care Expert in Residence
- Bob Ryan, Famed Sports Columnist for The Boston Globe and HPU's Sports Reporter in Residence
By focusing holistically on the student's transformational education journey, HPU attracts students from all 50 states and nearly 50 countries. Since 2005, HPU has transformed its campus and culture under the leadership of President Nido R. Qubein. HPU has completed a nearly $3 billion investment in academic programs (eleven new academic schools added), student life facilities (including two student centers), 10 new residential communities, and a $500 million Innovation Corridor.
A new 4,500-seat basketball arena and conference center recently opened in 2021. Fans fill the purple stands with roaring energy and endless enthusiasm during Division I basketball games, while major speakers, concerts and academic symposia are also held here throughout the year. HPU is poised for long-term growth. Most recently opened to students in 2024 is the new Panther Commons residence hall with apartment-style suites, a hibachi restaurant and retail shops such as a nail and hair salon. The newest academic schools at HPU include the Workman School of Dental Medicine, Teresa Caine School of Nursing, David S. Congdon School of Entrepreneurship, Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law and the School of Optometry.
High Point University is a values-based institution that believes each member of its faculty and staff has the power to enhance the lives of the students entrusted to their care. Their call to action is simple and profound: Choose to be extraordinary! And they live by it every day.