Three donors pledge a total of $100 million to help launch new facilities, student residences and a library.
Dr. Nido Qubein, President of High Point University in North Carolina, spoke about the “art of the possible” and how higher education institutions must be pioneers with creativity and courage …and embracing connections outside of campus walls.
His vision has been evident in the huge increase in the number of faculty at High Point, its record enrollment, and the growing number of stunning and extravagant installations appearing on campus, bolstered by millions of donations over the past decade.
So how could he and this small private institution top that?
At a standing-room rally on Wednesday, Qubein announced that the university is implementing a $400 million academic expansion that will be fueled by donations from three families totaling $100 million over the past month. Qubein was not speechless, but he was devastated when he broke the news to his community.
“At HPU, we’re on a rocket to the moon,” he said. “Our growth is truly a miracle with the hand of God on it. Students and families across the country appreciate that HPU provides a values-based education framed by life skills. Our future has never looked brighter, and our faculty and staff continue to move forward with faithful courage.
The donors, who have not been identified by the university, all live out of state and own and operate businesses in health care, insurance and publishing. Their support will mean, like many other projects orchestrated by Qubein, that HPU won’t have to worry about dipping into its coffers to fund the new expansion.
“Thanks to Dr. Qubein’s leadership, the support of families like these, operating surpluses and university revenues, no new debt will be incurred to complete the projects,” said Robert Brown, Chairman of the Board of administration of HPU.
These projects include one that has been widely discussed – a new $80 million central library – as well as new schools for law, optometry, nursing and dental disciplines in its Innovation Corridor. . All will be housed in new facilities. HPU also plans to build an entrepreneurship school. In all, that would make 14 schools in total, 11 more than 17 years ago.
But that’s not all. High Point is spending $115 million on student living facilities that will accommodate an additional 500 students as the university continues to grow. He’s setting up new retail stores and apartments at an $80 million, five-story facility called Panthers Commons, as well as $10 million for 32 new student homes and cabins that started in December and a 25-storey parking lot. million dollars that will be completed. by the end of the year. Construction on Panthers Commons begins in a few weeks and will wrap up next summer.
The four new academic schools include the previously announced School of Dentistry and Oral Health (backed by a $150 million investment) which will open in fall 2023 with a new class of 180 students. Dr. Scott De Rossi, former professor and dean of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry, will serve as the first dean.
“HPU’s School of Dentistry and Oral Health will provide incredible opportunities and partnerships for local dentists,” said De Rossi. “They will be invited to participate in the educational process by speaking to or engaging with students, and they will be able to utilize the talent of these students by providing experiential learning opportunities in their offices.”
High Point officials said they have also found a dean to lead its new law school, although they are waiting to release the name until May. The university has not set a timetable for its opening or for the School of Optometry, which is looking for its academic manager. However, her nursing school is expected to start in the fall.
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