History of High Point University in Timeline

High Point University (HPU), located in High Point, North Carolina, is a private university 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. The institution was renamed High Point University in 1991.

1921: Church Voted to Establish a New College

In 1921, the governing body of the Methodist Protestant Church voted to establish a new college.

September 14, 1924: High Point College Officially Opens

High Point College officially opened on September 14, 1924. The campus consisted of three buildings, attended by nine faculty members, with a student enrollment of 122.

1924: University Founded

In 1924, High Point University was founded as High Point College by the Methodist Protestant Church and the City of High Point, succeeding the Yadkin College.

1932: Faculty Salaries Were Cut

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

June 15, 1934: College Declared Bankruptcy

On June 15, 1934, despite a $50,000 fundraising campaign, High Point College declared bankruptcy.

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

On October 9, 1991, High Point College was renamed High Point University to reflect its expansion beyond a traditional college curriculum.

1991: Name Change

In 1991, High Point College was renamed High Point University to reflect its expansion.

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: Dr. Nido R. Qubein Becomes President

In 2005, Dr. Nido R. Qubein became president of High Point University, leading to significant growth for the university and the surrounding area.

2005: University Expansion

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

2006: Dr. Qubein began to be recognized as top donor

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

2009: Moody's Downgraded School Bonds

In 2009, Moody's Investors Service downgraded High Point University's bonds to junk status.

2010: Investment Plan Announced

In 2010, High Point University announced plans to invest about $2.1 billion in overall growth in the next decade.

2010: Successful Sports Season

The 2010–2011 season was the most successful since High Point University joined NCAA Division I in 1999–2000. In the fall, the women's soccer team and women's volleyball team won Big South Tournaments and the men's soccer team won the Big South regular season.

2011: Successful Sports Season

The 2010–2011 season was the most successful since High Point University joined NCAA Division I in 1999–2000. In the spring, the women's lacrosse team won the National Lacrosse Conference tournament.

2012: Businessweek Reported Financial Concerns

In early 2012, Businessweek reported concerns about High Point University's debt and financial relationships.

2013: Ron Wanek Donated to HPU

In 2013, Ashley Furniture Industries Chairman Ron Wanek donated $10 million to High Point University.

April 19, 2016: Dr. Qubein Recognized as Top Donor

The Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac of April 19, 2016, noted that Dr. Qubein was the third highest-donor university president in the country from 2006 to 2016.

2016: Rickert Competed in Olympic Trials

In 2016, Christine Rickert of the High Point University women's track and field team qualified to compete in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

2017: Announced plans for new basketball arena

At the beginning of 2017, High Point University announced plans for a new basketball arena and conference center to be built on campus.

2018: Construction began on the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena

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

2020: Projected Opening of the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena

The facility was originally projected to open in 2020, but construction was delayed due to COVID-19 issues.

September 2021: Qubein Center Opens

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

2022: $32 Million Gift for New Dental School

In 2022, High Point University received a $32 million gift from the Rick and Angie Workman Foundation to establish the new dental school.

June 2023: University Placed on "Warning" Status

In June 2023, High Point University was placed on "Warning" status by its educational accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

2023: Law Firm Money Received

In 2023, High Point University received money from Bergmann & Moore, LLC, a law firm that practices in the area of veterans' benefits and started a pro bono law clinic in the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law focused on helping veterans receive military benefits after they are denied.

2024: Placement Rate for Graduates

Data collected by HPU shows an overall placement rate of 99.2% for all graduates in the Class of 2024.

2024: Doug Witcher donated to HPU

In 2024, Doug Witcher, the founder and CEO of Smart Choice, donated $20 million to High Point University, his alma mater.

2024: 100th Anniversary of HPU

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

July 2025: Warning Status Lifted

In July 2025, High Point University's "Warning" status was lifted by its educational accreditor.

August 18, 2025: Largest Freshman Class Welcomed

On August 18, 2025, High Point University welcomed the largest freshman class and largest total enrollment in the university's history.

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 and No. 1 Most Innovative Regional College in the South for the 10th consecutive year.