History of High Point University in Timeline

High Point University (HPU) is a private institution located in High Point, North Carolina, and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1924 as High Point College (HPC) by the Methodist Protestant Church and the City of High Point, it succeeded Yadkin College. HPC was renamed High Point University in 1991.

1921: Church selects High Point for new college

In 1921, the Methodist Protestant Church voted to establish a new college in High Point after accepting land and money from the city.

September 14, 1924: High Point College Officially Opens

On September 14, 1924, High Point College officially opened with three buildings, nine faculty members, and 122 students. Yadkin College closed its doors and transferred assets to High Point College that same year.

1924: High Point College Founded

In 1924, High Point College (HPC) was founded by the Methodist Protestant Church and the City of High Point, succeeding the Yadkin College.

1932: Faculty Salaries Cut

In 1932, due to the Great Depression, faculty salaries at High Point College were cut, and expenses were sometimes bartered.

June 15, 1934: High Point College Declares Bankruptcy

On June 15, 1934, despite fundraising efforts, High Point College declared bankruptcy during the Great Depression.

1951: Accreditation by SACS

Since 1951, High Point University has been fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

October 9, 1991: High Point College Renamed High Point University

On October 9, 1991, High Point College was officially renamed High Point University to reflect its expanded curriculum.

1991: High Point College Renamed

In 1991, High Point College was renamed High Point University.

1999: Joined NCAA Division I

In 1999, High Point University joined NCAA Division I.

2000: Joined NCAA Division I

In 2000, High Point University joined NCAA Division I.

2005: University Growth and Leadership Change

In 2005, High Point University had 92 acres, 1,450 undergraduate students, a $35 million budget, and about 100 faculty members. Nido R. Qubein became president, leading to significant growth.

2005: University Academic Expansion

Since 2005, High Point University has grown from three academic schools to fifteen.

2006: Qubein as Top Donor

From 2006 to 2016, Nido Qubein was the third-highest donor university president in the country.

2009: Moody's Downgrades School Bonds

In 2009, Moody's Investors Service downgraded High Point University's bonds to junk status, citing its heavy debt load.

2010: $2.1 Billion Investment Plan

In 2010, High Point University announced plans to invest about $2.1 billion in overall growth over the next decade, already having spent $1.2 billion on new schools, facilities, faculty, and services.

2010: Successful Sports Season

In 2010, the women's soccer and volleyball teams won Big South Tournaments, and the men's soccer team won the Big South regular season.

2011: Lacrosse Team Success

In 2011, the women's lacrosse team won the National Lacrosse Conference tournament, setting a record for wins by a first-year program with 15.

2012: Businessweek Reports on University Finances

In early 2012, Businessweek reported that High Point University financed $700 million in construction through heavy borrowing and questioned relationships with lenders and vendors.

2013: Ashley Furniture Donation

In 2013, Ashley Furniture Industries Chairman Ron Wanek donated $10 million to High Point University after visiting Qubein, marking the tenth contribution of $10 million or more during Qubein's tenure.

April 19, 2016: Qubein Recognized for Donations

On April 19, 2016, The Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac noted that Nido Qubein was the third-highest donor university president in the country from 2006 to 2016. He committed $10 million to High Point University.

2016: Rickert Competes in Olympic Trials

In 2016, Christine Rickert of the High Point University women's track and field team competed in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in the javelin throw, placing 12th.

2017: New Arena and Conference Center Plans

In 2017, High Point University announced plans for the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center.

2018: Construction Begins on Qubein Center

Construction began in 2018 on the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center.

2020: Projected Opening of Qubein Center

In 2020, the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center was originally projected to open.

September 2021: Qubein Center Opens

In late September 2021, the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center opened.

2022: $32 Million Gift for Dental School

In 2022, High Point University received a $32 million gift from the Rick and Angie Workman Foundation to establish the Workman School of Dental Medicine.

June 2023: University Placed on 'Warning' Status

In June 2023, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools placed High Point University on 'Warning' status due to non-compliance with standards of student support, outcome, and disclosure.

2023: Law Firm Supports Veteran's Benefits

In 2023, High Point University received money from Bergmann & Moore, LLC, to start a pro bono law clinic focused on helping veterans receive military benefits.

2024: $20 Million Donation from Doug Witcher

In 2024, Doug Witcher, founder and CEO of Smart Choice, donated $20 million to High Point University, his alma mater. The School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences and the athletic center are named after him.

2024: 100th Anniversary

In 2024, Yadkin College was officially named the predecessor of High Point University during its 100th anniversary.

July 2025: Warning Status Lifted

In July 2025, the 'Warning' status given to High Point University in 2023 was lifted by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

August 18, 2025: Largest Freshman Class

On August 18, 2025, High Point University welcomed the largest freshman class in its history, with 1,671 students, and the total enrollment grew by 3.4% to 6,550 students.

2025: U.S. News & World Report Rankings

In 2025, High Point University received three No. 1 distinctions in U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges 2025" rankings including No. 1 Best Regional College in the South for the 13th consecutive year.

2025: Ranked #2 for Best Dorm Rooms

In 2025, the Princeton Review ranked High Point University #2 in the nation for Best College Dorm Rooms.

2027: Charman Library Opening

In 2027, the John and Lorraine Charman Library is scheduled to open as the university's flagship library. The construction of the library began a week after welcoming the largest freshman class in August 2025.