Community Pulse "Education"

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COMMUNITY EDUCATION PULSE A SPECIAL PROGRESS EDITION SUPPLEMENT TO THE

MARCH 30, 2014

Facility repairs top needs in Randolph schools Area has numerous private-school options Davidson County Schools faces growth challenges

What’s up with GTCC Aviation? South University meets growth demands LAURA GREENE | HPE

Montlieu Academy of Technology fifth-graders Grayson Crawford, Adrianna Barbee, Jaiden Burgess, and Alijah Jones hold up iPads with their school logo.

Guilford County Schools changes with the times BY JORDAN HOWSE STAFF WRITER

GUILFORD COUNTY ― Guilford County Schools came out of the combination of Greensboro City Schools, High Point City Schools and Guilford County Schools to form the state’s third-largest public school district in 1993. GCS has 72,388 students in 126 schools, with 54 magnet school or high school option programs. The district has more than 10,000 full- and part-time personnel, including nearly 5,000 classroom teachers. Because of the merger of three school districts, GCS has a mix of urban, suburban and rural schools and students. The district is 40.7 percent black, 37 percent white, 12.4 percent Hispanic, 5.6 percent Asian, and about 5 percent multi-racial, American Indian and Pacific Islander. Guilford County Schools receives funding from the federal, state and local government, the majority from the state. The majority of funding goes to salaries and benefits for employees while the rest goes to services, supplies, capital outlay and transfers. In the past six years, funding to GCS has decreased

by about $43 million. In 2008, Superintendent Mo Green came to GCS from Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and put together the 2012 Strategic Plan that focused around bring the Martin Luther King Jr. quote “Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education” to life. Green brought with him the implementation of character development, service learning and a focus on educational excellence. GCS awarded its first service learning diplomas and certificates in 2011 and was one of three districts nationwide to win the 2013 National District of Character award. The four-year graduation cohort rate has increased from 79.5 percent in the 2007-08 school year to 86.2 percent in 2012-13. Guilford County Schools led the pack in middle college high schools. The school system opened the first middle college in the state in 2001 at Guilford Technical Community College and Greensboro College. The following year, GCS opened the first early college high school in the state at Guilford College. Middle college high schools are high schools on a college campus which provide the opportunity to earn a high school

diploma, start college early while gaining credits towards a certificate or degree, and begin an internship or work experience in the community. Middle colleges aim to serve students who may be underperforming in HPE | FILE traditional schools Southwest Guilford Elementary School students are and students who shown during an art class. GCS has 72,388 students may have historical- in 126 schools, with 54 magnet school or high school option programs. ly limited access to higher education or was halted because of safety concould not afford college without cerns. The program will restart assistance. in the 2014-15 school year and go Early college high schools through the 2017-18 school year. are small schools designed so Green’s contract as superinstudents can earn both a high tendent has been extended to school diploma and an associ2017. ate’s degree or up to two years The school district plans to of credit toward a bachelor’s continue educating its students degree. to be ready to compete globally. In 2013, Green introduced his The vision in GCS’ 2016 strate2016 Strategic Plan, which still gic plan wants to increase stuemphasizes the King quote but dent success in graduation rate, with a strong focus on personalproficiency levels and character ized learning. education. A large part of Green’s personThe school district also inalized learning program was the tends to continue and perfect its one-to-one initiative that would personalized learning program give a tablet PC to each middle with and without the tablets for schooler through the 2016-17 every student. school year. jhowse@hpe.com | 888-3617 In October 2013, the program

Still growing ... and growing HPU expansions continue on several fronts By Paul B. Johnson STAFF WRITER

HIGH POINT — For more than a century, High Point’s name has gained visibility across the nation -— and then the world — because of its role in home furnishings. In the past 10 years, the city has gained a new platform for being noticed — scholastics. The rapid growth of High Point University since business-

man and motivational speaker Nido Qubein became its president has given the city a new reason to be noticed. As Qubein and his supporters have expanded the footprint of the campus and the base of student enrollment, the university and city have received notice in publications and social media sites with a national or global reach. That expansion is continuing, with HPU’s new building for the School of Health Sciences and

Special | HPE

This artist’s rendering shows the planned School of Health Sciences building at HPU, which will be built along what has been a section of Montlieu Avenue through the campus.

School of Pharmacy going up along what has been a section of Montlieu Avenue through the campus.

While the building won’t be completed for the next three years, a physician assistant SEE HPU PAGE 4

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EDUCATION

Area has numerous private-school options

www.hpe.com SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2014 COMMUNITY PULSE

HPU expansions continue FROM THE FRONT PAGE studies space is opening in the interim period at the old Circuit City store property next to Oak Hollow Mall. The Human Biomechanics and Physiology Lab opened there in November 2012, and a temporary space will provide some labs, offices and conference space for the physician assistant program. This fall, HPU will mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of what used to be known as High Point College. “High Point University is on a very dynamic track with a thoughtful and purposeful strategy, to continually nurture our position among institutions of higher learning,” Qubein said. The university not only wants to create opportunities for young people to secure a wellrounded education, Qubein said, but add jobs for people in the community and broaden the city’s recognition through the growth of the university. In the next 12 months, HPU will complete work on its Center for Student Success, Qubein said. The $16 million building will support students through pinpointing internships, providing leads for jobs, promoting entrepreneurship for students starting businesses and offering options for service learning in the community. “This is a very important step in the right direction for the university, and will distinguish and differentiate us from the multitude of universities in the country,” Qubein said. Also in the next year, HPU will complete Athletic Performance Center that will house the soccer and lacrosse team programs. “But it will also have significant programs in the building for all athletes, in terms of physical therapy and exercise,” Qubein said. HPU has 44 undergraduate majors, 43 undergraduate minors and 11 graduate-degree majors. The traditional undergraduate program has grown from 1,450 students in 2005 to a record 4,000 students in fall 2013. Of those students, 3,690 of the traditional undergraduate program students live on campus. The university has a total of 1,309 total positions, up 204 percent since 2005. HPU has become the eighth-largest employer in the city. Forty-nine new buildings have been built or are under construction on campus since 2005. University-owned property has grown from 92 acres to 350 acres and from 675,000 square feet of building space to more than 3 million square feet of building space. pjohnson@hpe.com | 888-3528

Facility repairs top needs in Randolph schools

Wesleyan Christian Academy High Point Early Childhood program enrollment: 270 Academy enrollment: 1,005 Teachers: 100 Wesleyan Christian Academy believes that Christian education is a process in which teaching and learning are accomplished through developmentally appropriate activities by Christian teachers who encourage a high standard of academic excellence. “We believe God’s Word is the highest authority and strive to bring all knowledge into a living relationship with His Truth,” according to school promotional literature.

Debbie Hightower | ATN

At Trinity High School, dropout prevention coordinator Sheila White talks with a student. Randolph County Schools’ 1.85 percent dropout rate for grades seven to 12 is lower than the statewide rate of 3.01 percent. The program is partially funded by the Archdale-Trinity Supplemental School Tax.

students in grades three to eight scored proficient as compared to 44.7 percent statewide. To better the scores, RCS has implemented a program, Achieve 3000, that prompts reading in all curriculums for elementary and middle school students. Holding true to its mission to have “high expectations for students and staff, while preparing students for multiple options to be competitive in a diverse 21st Century global society,” the district continues to require a graduation project for high school seniors, even though it is not mandated by state law. Superintendent Stephen Gainey, who manned the helm in July 2013, believes that the graduation project is necessary to prepare for the futures of both college- and careerbound seniors. “The graduation project involves the students’ use of important skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and communication,” he said. “Furthermore, the project

provides support for the following literacy framework skills: reading, writing, research, and speaking. The application of these skills promotes learning opportunities for students regardless of their posthigh school plans.” According to Tim Moody, public information officer, RCS also has met these benchmarks in recent years. • Educators rewrote curriculum for conversion to Common Core state standards which began in the 2012-2013 school year. • Educators switched from the outdated NC WISE to Home Base system, which provides digital tools and learning resources for educators, students and parents. • Elementary and middle school students have access to Achieve 3000, a supplemental online literary resource which provides instructional support and enrichment through student access to high interest articles.

High Point Christian Academy High Point Academy enrollment: 620 Teachers: 45 High Point Christian Academy is committed to Christ-centered, quality education and academic excellence in partnership with family and church within a loving, caring atmosphere.

FILE | HPE

Wesleyan Christian Academy is one of the largest private schools in the area, with an early childhood program enrollment of 270 and academy enrollment of 1,005.

Hayworth Christian School High Point School enrollment: 109 Teachers: 19 Hayworth Christian School is an extension of the Christian home and church. Our purpose is to train each student in the knowledge of God and the Scriptural way of life. Our goal is to provide the highest standards for intellectual and spiritual development in order that each student may be equipped with the necessary tools to effectively pursue the vocation to which the Lord will lead. Sheets Memorial Christian School Lexington School enrollment: 238 Teachers: 25 The school’s mission is to partner with Christian families to train spiritually, intellectually and socially balanced servant leaders whose reasoning and critical thinking skills are based on God’s word.

FILE | HPE

High Point Christian Academy, one of the larger private schools in the area, has an enrollment of 620.

Westchester Country Day School School High Point School enrollment: 350 Teachers: 73 Westchester Country Day is a college preparatory school that seeks to educate each child toward moral, academic, artistic and athletic excellence in a nurturing, family environment where students, teachers, and parents support one another. By respecting the student and honoring learning, Westchester aims to cultivate informed citizens who are ready for a rapidly changing world and to graduate students who view the pursuit and wise use of knowledge as a lifelong joy.

Charter schools Guilford County currently has seven charter schools, including College Preparatory and Leadership Academy and Phoenix Academy, both in High Point. The proliferation of charter schools began with the North Carolina’s Charter School Law in 1996. Charter schools operate under the supervision of a board of directors chosen by the school community, rather than a publicly elected school board. In addition, charter schools can employ innovative instructional methods and curricula, although the state requires all charter school students to participate in the state testing program. Charter schools also have more flexibility in hiring and compensation of personnel, and are exempt from class size and school-hour regulations. Unlike district schools, when a charter school is not properly serving its families, it closes. In 2011, the General Assembly lifted the 100-school cap on charter schools, allowing for about 50 more new charters to open in the last three years.

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High Point Christian Academy 800 Phillips Ave High Point, NC 27262 336-841-8702 hpcacougars.org

FILE | HPE

Andrews High School seniors get ready for the 2013 commencement exercises. The four-year graduation cohort rate has increased from 79.5 percent in the 2007-08 school year to 86.2 percent in 2012-13.

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In addition to the public school system, local parents have the options of several private schools to choose from. Here’s a look at some in the High Point area:

By Debbie Hightower Archdale-Trinity News

RANDOLPH COUNTY — The Randolph County Board of Commissioners have a daunting task before them — how to fund maintenance needs in Randolph County Schools. Roofs leak, windows are drafty, doors don’t function properly and traffic flows need adjustment. In all, maintenance needs total $11,689,140 at 26 of the county’s 31 schools, said Assistant Principal of Operations Marty Trotter during a January work session with the commissioners. “All our schools require routine maintenance, and our older schools usually require more attention,” Trotter said. “We have had a declining budget since the 2008-09 school year. Putting off the bigger items that need attention only makes the financial problems bigger.” The Board of Education prioritized the needs with Year One, including roof replacement at two schools, replacement doors at Franklinville Elementary and chiller pipe insulation at six schools, including Archdale-Trinity Middle School. Also listed as a Year One repair is improvement of the road entrance at ATMS. Needs for Year One total $1,186,080. Still listed in future plans is construction of a middle school for the Archdale-Trinity area at a cost of $19.4 million. Local middle schools remain overcrowded — Braxton Craven has 437 students on a campus designed for 352, and ArchdaleTrinity Middle School has a capacity of 746 but serves 878 students. “The new middle school will most likely feed into Trinity High School and will be constructed on 69 acres located on Surrett Drive already owned by the system,” Trotter said in January. According to school officials, that construction may be delayed for years unless a bond referendum is approved. Most recent school construction projects include Providence Grove and Wheatmore high schools in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Despite the need for a new middle school and facility updates, Randolph County Schools, which is made up of 31 schools with a student population of 18,391, continues to meet benchmarks on a less-than-average budget. According to the National Education Association, the district spends an average of $7,907 per pupil, as compared to $8,433 statewide and $11,068 nationally. Four-year cohort graduation rates and dropout rates compare favorably with statewide totals. Based on performance for 2012-13, Randolph County Schools had an 88.9 percent four-year cohort graduation rate as compared to 82.5 statewide. The dropout rate for grades seven to 13 was 1.85 percent as compared to 3.01 percent. Composite performance on SATs were 1410, as compared to the 1479 North Carolina average and 1498 national average. Student achievement is lacking in one aspect. On end-of-grade tests for the 2012-13 year, 41.7 percent of

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What’s up with GTCC? Aviation

Davidson County Schools faces growth challenges By Eliot Duke The Thomasville Times

DAVIDSON COUNTY — Davidson County Schools for the first time in 16 years is under new leadership. Dr. Lory Morrow earlier this year replaced the recently retired Fred Mock as the school system’s new superintendent and still is in the meet-and-greet process of a position with plenty on the plate. From overcrowding at two high schools to budget concerns that have hovered over school systems throughout North Carolina for several years, Morrow realizes the sooner she learns the ropes of her new surroundings, the better. “I have been able to visit all our schools and am in the middle of doing community, parent and staff meetings to seek their input and feedback so I can learn and understand the school system,� Morrow said. “I want to know what’s working well and what are some areas the we need to think about and maybe look at differently.� Morrow inherits a system with 35 schools, 1,248 classroom teachers, 19,960 students and an operating budget of more than $160 million. One of the first things on Morrow’s agenda is to address overcrowding in northern Davidson County. Ledford High School and North Davidson High School both are viewed as overcrowded campuses. Oak Grove Middle School on Hoy Long Road opened in 2012 to address overcrowding.

HPE | FILE

Oak Grove Middle School on Hoy Long Road opened in 2012 to address overcrowding.

There now are discussions that a new high school is needed in the same area. The Davidson County Board of Commissioners created a committee to raise support for a referendum in May that would increase the sales tax in Davidson County by a quarter cent to pay for construction of an additional high school. “It is certainly a priority for the school system,� Morrow said. “We have two comprehensive high schools that are overcrowded. We have kids in classrooms in mobile units outside in the parking lots. As we think about what is best institutionally and what kind of safe environment we need, we know we need a new high school so we can relieve these other two schools.� A new high school is projected to cost about $45 million. As North Carolina shifts to a new form of standardized testing with an emphasis on student growth, Morrow said he believes it’s imperative that

BY JORDAN HOWSE DCS stays competipus center as well as several of STAFF WRITER tive when it comes to the college’s degree programs. retaining teachers. The Greensboro campus HIGH POINT – Guilford Gov Pat McCrory in houses many of the college’s Technical Community College February announced continuing education courses started as Guilford Industrial teachers with five as well as several technology Education Center in 1958 as a years experience or programs and personal enrichtraining facility for technical less will receive a pay ment classes. jobs that were created by the raise. Finding a way GTCC has two aviation cengrowing manufacturing industo reward all its eduters that prepare students for try. The center was opened in cators is something an FAA Pilot certification with Jamestown on the site of the Morrow hopes will be commercial, instrument and THOMASVILLE TIMES | FILE former Guilford County TuLAURA GREENE | HPE announced as well. additional ratings through its DCCC in July held a STEM Camp as a way to introduce berculosis Sanatorium with 50 The Amphitheatre at the GTCC High “I think that it’s a ground school programs and rising fourth through eighth graders to careers in the Point Campus is shown. Once fully students and two classes. About LAURA GREENE | HPE start,� Morrow said. fields of science, technology, engineering and math. flight training in co-operation operational, the High Point campus The High Point campus of GTCC on Davidson County Schools wants to position itself to be eight years later, the school was should allow for all students enrolled “Certainly, I don’t with local flight schools. Stuauthorized to grant associate S. Main Street has five buildings that in Entertainment Technology, Human want our governor or in front of the STEM education movement. dents selecting the management house most of GTCC’s curriculum degrees and became Guilford Services Technology, Simulation and “It’s a big concern,� Morrow anybody else to disoption are prepared to enter the programs. Gaming, Pharmacy Technology and Technical Institute. count our experienced teachers, said. “It’s always a concern, evwork force in a variety of areas, Upholstery to take all the classes they More than 50 years later, because they are very important ery day. It’s also too early to tell. including aircraft dispatching, Point campus has five buildneed to graduate on the High Point GTCC’s mission remains mostly We haven’t received any official campus. and very valuable too. I hope cargo operations, state aviation ings that house most of GTCC’s unchanged: To provide access to information or notification from shortly that Phase 2 of the plan departments or as airport mancurriculum programs. Once Aviation III is expected to open lifelong learning opportunities the Feds or the state. Right now, will be rolled out, because we fully operational, the High Point agers. this spring, with classes beginfor personal growth, work-force we are not able to determine need to be fair and equitable In 2013, GTCC broke ground campus should allow for all stuning by August. productivity and community what our budget is going to look to all teachers. I’m certainly dents enrolled in Entertainment on its new aviation center. The “We’re here to train the work service for all of Guilford Counlike or how it will be different. concerned about our teachers new 41,000-square-foot-facility Technology, Human Services force for the future in the aviaty’s population. We are planning on moving and thinking what their salary will house the Aviation Manage- tion field,� said GTCC President Technology, Simulation and What has changed is the camforward with business as usual structure might be moving forment and Career Pilot programs Randy Parker. “It is growing Gaming, Pharmacy Technology pus. Over 56 years, the campus and working very hard to keep ward to make sure we retain the and additional classrooms for and Upholstery to take all the and will continue to grow. This has sprawled across Guilford everything and everybody in best quality teachers in Davidclasses they need to graduate on customized industry training. is not a pipe dream.� County, adding campuses in place.� son County.� Aviation III also will be the first the High Point campus. GTCC also is building the DonHigh Point and Greensboro. As jobs in North Carolina conBudget concerns are impactbuilding and land that GTCC The Jamestown campus, ald W. Cameron Center for the GTCC continues to add building the decision-making process tinue to evolve, DCS prepares owns at the Piedmont Triad GTCC’s main campus, houses Transportation and Logistics ings to each campus. The High its students for a 21st century of nearly every school system International Airport. the college’s resource and camIndustry. in North Carolina. Many school workforce. Science, technology, engineering and math, or systems, including DCS and FROM PAGE 5 Thomasville City Schools, have STEM, education is at the forePheonix Academy smaller classrooms, students thrive as they build relied on fund balances to make front of this movement. DCS is High Point a solid foundation for life. Students practice their a member of the Yadkin Valley up for budget cuts from the state School enrollment: 660 skills in small groups and with the one-on-one atRegional Academy, a Lexingand federal level in order to Pheonix Academy currently houses elementary tention.� ton based institution created to avoid teacher layoffs. develop a skilled work force that and middle school grades and plans to offer ninth College Preparatory and Leadership Academy Relying on fund balances can meet the demands of jobs and 10th grades in 2015-16, adding 11th grade in College Preparatory and Leadership Academy never was viewed as a permaseen as the future backbone of 2016-2017 and 12th in 2017-2018. It has acquired 45 is a public charter school in High Point serving nent fix to decreased budgets, the North Carolina economy. and next summer has been reacres on Clinard Farms Road, approximately one grades K-5 in 2013-2014, and expanding to K-12 over Laura Greene | HPE ferred to as a fiscal cliff by many Ella Timberlake plays Cleopatra at Westches- mile from the current K-8 campus, to accommo- the next few years. According to its website, it duke@tvilletimes.com | 888-3578 school systems. ter Country Day School’s Interactive Wax date the growth. Part of the school’s mission is provides “a unique environment that teaches stuMuseum recently. The private school in “to challenge the minds of our youngest students dents and parents to ‘Start Early, Start Strong’ in High Point has an enrollment of 350. by focusing on their individual needs. With our preparing for college.

Area has numerous private-school options

Impact of DCCC goes beyond academics By Zach Kepley The Thomasville Times

DAVIDSON COUNTY — A drive down Business 85 reveals an institution of higher education that has made an impact on students not only locally, but throughout the region. One look at the campus of Davidson County Community College tells the story of growth

Special | HPE

The leadership of DCCC President Mary Rittling has led to the development of new buildings across the campus with more planned for the future.

and visions for the future that have become a reality. Celebrating its 50th year in 2013, DCCC has grown by leaps and bounds under the leadership of President Mary Rittling. Her passion to bring fresh ideas and programs to the students has led to the development of new buildings across the campus with more planned for the future. The Davidson location is just one of many that have opened career doors for students. A Davie County Campus opened in 1994, followed by the opening of satellite centers more recently in Lexington, Thomasville and Davie. The North Carolina Community College President of the Year in 2012, Rittling helped open a new conference center in 2009 on campus. The center was named in her honor last year. “We have seen not only

Impact of DCCC FROM PAGE 6

Special | HPE

The North Carolina Community College President of the Year in 2012, Mary Rittling helped to open a conference center in 2009. The center was named in her honor last year.

change in the offerings on the college campus and the different courses offered, but we have also expanded access to people in our community,� Rittling said. The future could hold more expansion and growth for the college that serves about 16,000 students each year in more than 50 curriculums. The Link Campus across Business 85 is in the early stages of development.

“We are in the process of developing that property and getting an idea of what would be best on that property,� Rittling said. “It will not be in your traditional sense of how you see a college campus. It is going to be far more inclusive. We see educational and recreational things and a real opportunity there to bring together a lot of the communities’ needs as well as the college needs.� SEE IMPACT PAGE 7

Now Enrolling 1/2 DAY PRESCHOOL PROGRAM • 2, 3, 4 or 5 days available • Enrichment classes included in tuition

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“Encouraging each student to grow and develop as the unique individual that God created you to be.�

Archdale Friends School

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Growth at DCCC extends be- what they thought about the yond academics. Athletics have college. People identify with a become an important part of the college with athletics in North college. Upon arrival at David- Carolina. So I asked the Board if son, Rittling saw a need for the they would consider reinstating athletic program to be revived athletics, and they did, which is after decades of silence. In the great. I think if you have been in fall of 2007, sports returned in our gym, you can see what hapthe form of a basketball program pens when we have an athletic for men and volleyball program program. People are very excitfor women. They have both been ed about it and they think it is successful since day one. great.â€? Volleyball consistently has kepley@tvilletimes.com been a top team in the Region X conference. Two teams have qualified for the national tournament in years past. In basketball, the Storm are a perenniOur academy focuses al powerhouse both on academic excellence regionally and naand a well-rounded tionally. They have curriculum that encourages consistently ranked creativity, fitness and social consciousness. in the Top 10 for National Junior CollegWe have highly qualified es at the Division III teachers who provide students with the finest level. In six of seven possible education. years of competition, Davidson – led by head coach Matt “Bethany Stepping Stones and Bethany Ridge – have gained Christian School has been a true blessing for our family... the children absolutely love it, the at least a share of the teachers are loving and caring, and as result conference champiwe have joined Bethany Baptist Church and onship. They have have become involved in the ministries. I am made two national so thankful for the impact it has had on our tournaments, finfamily...God is definitely good and we are ishing a school-best excited and looking forward to growing at fourth in 2011. Bethany and in the Lord. â€? “Athletics is a big part of North Caro-The Stanley’s lina, and it is definitely a big part of • Low Student-to-Teacher Ratio/Small Class Size these communities,â€? • A beka Program Rittling said. “It really draws students • Programs to meet state curriculum standards together and teaches including reading, math, science, social studies, them a lot of other art, music, & physical education skills. When I came • Daily Bible study here, I realized there Now accepting applications for fall enrollment. was an athletic proTo schedule a tour & interview please call today. gram at one time, but it got dissolved. I Bethany Preschool & Christian School went out and talked “Where kids learn, play & growâ€? to the students and 584 Tower Rd., Thomasville • 336-472-3389 community about

You’ve Got Great Kids... Shouldn’t You Choose a Great School?

EDUCATION

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www.hpe.com SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2014 COMMUNITY PULSE

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South University meets growth demands

-Š›¤Â™ÂžÂ&#x;¤Â? ªž› ªžÂ&#x;¨Šª ÂĽÂœ ŠªÂšÂ›¤ªŠ ­ÂžÂĽ ¢Â›Â—¨¤ šÂ&#x;œœ›¨Â›¤ª¢¯. South University is located at 3975 Premier Drive in north High Point. By Paul B. Johnson STAFF WRITER

HIGH POINT — South University’s growth in the city is moving up — literally and figuratively — during this year and beyond. The Savannah, Ga.-based university that held its first classes in High Point at the first of last year already has more than doubled its local enrollment. Students, faculty and staff now occupy two of the three floors of the more than 40,000-squarefoot building in Premier Centre along N.C. 68 in north High Point. University President Michael Trembley said the university will invest in an expansion of classrooms into the third floor during this year to accommodate growth. “It’s going to be a busy future,� Trembley said. “We’ve seen tremendous growth, and we expect to have significant growth this coming year as well.� South University will expand into half of the third floor this year, he said. “There’s an anticipation that,

FILE | HPE

18 months later, we will take over the other half of that floor,� Trembley said. South University, which began with 101 students in January 2013, now has a total number of students “in the high 200s,� he said. “That is above where we thought we would be. We feel we are certainly meeting the needs of the Triad.� South University’s High Point campus offers classrooms, labs, a library and office space. Financial aid is available to students who qualify, according to the university. The university traces its inception to 1899, when John Draughon established Draughon’s Practical Business College in Savannah. Today, the university offers four year degree programs — undergraduate and graduate — through campuses in High Point, Austin, Texas, Cleveland, Columbia, S.C., Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, Montgomery, Ala., Novi, Mich., Richmond and Virginia Beach, Va., Savannah, and Tampa and West Palm Beach, Fla.

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