At HPU, students learn that their values are the foundation on which they stand.
Spend no more than 15 minutes on High Point University’s campus, and HPU’s values become clear.
American flags fly next to sculptures of bald eagles and a boy holding folded stars and stripes against his chest. Students gather around red, white and blue seats at Patriots Plaza, located in the heart of campus.
The Kester International Promenade is lined with historical sculptures such as Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Benjamin Franklin and Rosa Parks, while inspirational quotes are inscribed along the sidewalks.
You’ll find these words from Roy Disney, co-founder of The Walt Disney Company, there:
“When your values are clear, making decisions becomes easier.”
These words summarize HPU’s approach to values-based living and learning. It’s true that HPU has radically transformed its campus and culture. And it’s true that transformation is continually embraced here. New facilities equipped with innovative technology fill the entire campus.
But as HPU President Nido Qubein tells parents and students on their earliest visits to campus, HPU is first and foremost grounded in values — hard work, personal initiative, generosity, gratitude, faith and more.
“Values are everything in a world where technology is advancing at the speed and way in which decisions must be made,” says Qubein. “Parents spend their lives modeling values for their children. When they send their student to a university, they want it to uphold and further those values. And when students choose a university, they want an institution that will serve as an extension of their home.”
That’s where HPU’s values-based living and learning model comes to life. Qubein and other HPU leaders have intentionally designed a campus that reflects the university’s values.
“But values cannot merely be taught; they must be modeled for students,” adds Qubein. “I remind our faculty and staff that we live, students watch and students learn.
“At HPU, every faculty and staff member is empowered to positively impact students. Our culture promotes the values of generosity, gratitude, hard work, personal initiative and joy, among others. Values such as these built our nation, and we ensure students live in an environment that models those same values.”
For a deeper look at the benefits HPU’s values-based learning model provides students, click here.