THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE In the next two years, HPU will tackle its largest single investment in university history at $120 million — the School of Health Sciences and School of Pharmacy. The university will break ground on an $85 million complex to house programs in physical therapy, physician assistant studies and pharmacy. The four-story, 220,000-squarefoot facility will be located on Montlieu Avenue across from the university’s main entrance on land that was transferred to the university from the city and state. At maturity, more than 125 faculty and staff will lead 700 students in these new fields of study. The building will be home to the School of Health Sciences, which currently offers programs in exercise science and athletic training, and the School of Pharmacy. It will grow to include master’s level programs in physician assistant studies and doctoral degrees in physical therapy and pharmacy. Collectively, the schools will create a cornerstone for medical innovation at HPU.
A BRIGHT FUTURE RECORD ENROLLMENT In the last year alone, remarkable things have happened. The university welcomed the largest number of incoming students — 1,470 — in its history. That’s larger than the entire traditional undergraduate population when Dr. Qubein arrived. These students represent the greatest geographic footprint of any incoming class. California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina — vehicles that flocked to campus on Move In Day in August carried these license plates and many others as word continues to spread about the HPU educational experience. Gina Paez, mother of freshman Jonathan Paez from Orange County, California, is one of the many parents who entrusted her child to HPU this year. She summarizes the consensus of other parents: that the value of HPU lies within the education, environment and sense of caring each student receives. “I’m sad to leave him, but I trust HPU wholeheartedly,” Paez said while her son moved into his residence hall. “I know he’s going to grow into a young man while he’s here. We are so grateful to find this extraordinary university.” HPU now enrolls 4,300 students, nearing its strategic maturation point of 5,000 undergraduate students. The Class of 2019 is already set to break another record as new programs in health care-related fields, faculty with distinguished credentials and innovative learning programs continue to attract students.
“If you’re the same today as you were yesterday, then you’re behind.” President Qubein shares those words with students, but also with audiences at major speaking engagements throughout the world. As the recipient of the Cavett (known as the Oscar of professional speaking), the Horatio Alger Award for Distinguished Americans, the DAR Americanism Medal and numerous others that are too many to list here, he has inspired millions with his story, and the story of High Point University. It continues to resonate with many — students who flock to HPU, parents who entrust their children here, philanthropic supporters and alumni who invest in its mission, and thousands of others who frequently say, “You’ve got to see what’s happening at High Point University.” It’s safe to say that the campus has gone through a profoundly transformed growth cycle at every level and in every way under the guidance of Dr. Qubein. “I am naturally an optimistic person, so I entered the hallowed halls of this institution with a positive attitude and eager spirit,” says Qubein. “What I did not anticipate was the power that a group of optimistic individuals — students, faculty, staff and trustees — could harness to achieve extraordinary results. Thanks to our approach, our culture and our spirit, we’ve compressed time. “I am proud of HPU’s 90-year history, but I’d much rather talk about our vision for the future. The best is yet to come.” ■
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