Top 6 Unique HPU Experiences that Transform Students

They major in a variety of fields, join different clubs and find unique passions. But one thing all HPU students have in common is time spent in HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein’s First-Year Seminar on Life Skills. During the course, Dr. Qubein uses his life experience as an entrepreneur, leader and esteemed communicator to impart real-world wisdom on all freshmen. Taking the course during their first year allows students to view the rest of their coursework through the lens of practical application. After graduating, alumni often cite the class as a catalyst for their personal and professional transformation.

“Dr. Nido Qubein’s President’s First-Year Seminar on Life Skills has always stuck with me. The messages he would instill in us every session taught us to think about and build upon our character. From his seminars, I wanted to be a person that people can rely on and go to for anything. I wanted to be a leader and show companies that High Point University shapes students that move forward with faithful courage and choose to be extraordinary. The seminars allowed me to reflect and structure my life around the pillars that Dr. Qubein instilled in us – God, family and country.” -Emma Lynch, Class of 2022, Interior Designer at Timothy Brown Studio

HPU’s Access to Innovators Program has evolved into a robust lineup of change agents who come to coach, mentor and work with students. Students across campus learn from global leaders such as Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, HPU’s Innovator in Residence; Netflix Co-Founder Marc Randolph, HPU’s Entrepreneur in Residence; ABC “Nightline” Co-Anchor Byron Pitts, HPU’s Journalist in Residence; Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, HPU’s Sports Executive in Residence; and famed Boston Globe sports writer Bob Ryan, HPU’s Sports Reporter in Residence, just to name a few.

“HPU helped me grow as a professional and understand how the world of journalism intersects with politics. Through the Access to Innovators Program, I have met countless impactful professionals and developed close relationships with them, allowing me to grow and use those connections throughout my professional journey.” –Joseph Maronski, Class of 2023, Events Assistant at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

As the Premier Life Skills University, HPU not only instills necessary life skills in students but also provides opportunities across campus to test those skills. Executive boardrooms throughout campus allow students to practice their business pitches in a corporate setting. 1924 Prime and Alo, HPU’s fine dining learning labs, educate and test students on formal dining etiquette and international cuisine – skills put to good use beyond graduation when business deals and interviews are conducted over dinner. Inside Cottrell Hall is the International Student Concourse, home to the airplane fuselage – the profile of a plane’s interior that teaches students how to turn everyday encounters into networking opportunities.

"In addition to leadership, HPU taught me how to recover from mistakes, learn from those experiences and grow from them. These experiences also taught me how to rely on those around me. Each of us brings a unique piece of the puzzle, but an effective leader knows how to use each person’s strengths together.” –Nicholas Masalleras, Class of 2022, Global Graduate Management Trainee at Reynolds American Inc.

Whether it’s an encouraging phone call, a congratulatory email, a high-five after landing that dream internship or a much-needed closed-door meeting, mentorship matters at High Point University. HPU takes a cohesive approach to creating an ecosystem of support on campus. Students are connected with Success Coaches, a freshman-year personal advisor who assists in transitioning each student by plugging them into best-fit classes and organizations across campus. Mentorship continues with faculty mentors, peer mentors, academic advisors, career advisors and so many more. Support services such as an on-campus, full-time medical doctor, resident directors, counseling services, religious life staff and more are plentiful to ensure students feel at home. HPU surrounds students with caring heroes, models and mentors who connect with students as they prepare them to become future leaders. Successful HPU graduates note that the easy-to-find support offered at HPU propelled them to their dream job.

“High Point University has provided me with a supportive success network and invaluable networking tools. From my first day on campus freshman year, I have had so many opportunities to develop both personally and professionally. My advisors, professors and mentors at HPU have been there to support me throughout my undergraduate career and prepare me to succeed after graduation.” –Mia Clemons, Class of 2023, GE Healthcare’s Commercial Leadership Program

At HPU, 25% of classes have an experiential learning component that stretches students and pushes them to find out firsthand what “real” means. Whether it’s education majors conducting a reading program with local elementary students, physics students hosting community members for HPUniverse Day, or strategic communication majors running an on-campus public relations firm that services local nonprofits, opportunities to test their skills surround students. And, when students see an opportunity to expand their experience, HPU is there to help. Senior Logan Carter has grown a successful online show, “Game of Inches,” from inside HPU’s state-of-the-art TV studio.

“The Office of Career and Professional Development has always been there for me—from teaching me to put together the best ‘creative resumes’ for the communications industry, to prepping me for my interviews and teaching me how to make sure my applications were polished before submitting, their events and services prepared me for the real world.” –Ries Allyn, Class of 2023, Newsgathering Operations Intern at ABC News

If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. HPU is committed to instilling values in its students. HPU is a God, family and country school. Values are important — personal initiative, generosity, gratitude, civility and respect, among others, are treasured. Not only are they treasured, they are practiced by each and every member of High Point University faculty, staff and students. By modeling these values, students learn the importance of being grateful and giving back, as demonstrated by the 110,000+ hours of community service students accumulate each year. Not only that, but the physical campus environment reinforces HPU’s values. Hundreds of American flags fly, inspiring quotes are etched in the sidewalks where students walk to class, and sculptures of notable historical figures are found lining the Kester International Promenade. Students understand how to pave a path to success framed with significance, and they graduate grounded in strong beliefs.

“One of the core values that HPU instilled in me is a commitment to excellence. HPU pushed me to strive for my personal best and to never settle for mediocrity. HPU helped me develop a dedication to service. Through volunteer work and community projects, I learned the importance of giving back to others and using my talents to make a positive impact on the world. These values will continue to guide me as I embark on my career and achieve my goals.” –Emma Dalton, Class of 2023, Management Trainee Program at Lexus Headquarters USA