History of High Point University

In 1924 High Point College opened as a cooperative venture between the Methodist Protestant Church and the City of High Point. The campus consisted of three partially completed buildings, there were nine faculty members, and student enrollment was 122. Today the University has 122 buildings, is attractively landscaped, the full-time faculty numbers nearly 300, and approximately 4,600 students are enrolled in a wide variety of daytime, evening, and summer programs. Much has changed over the years. Yet the mission of High Point University may still be best expressed in the words of its founders more than nine decades ago.

Founded by the Methodist Church in 1924

The commonly quoted version of the College’s history can be found on the University’s website and states: “[the Annual Conference] accepted an offer from the thriving city of High Point to contribute 60 acres of land and $100,000 to the project. Classes began in September 1924, even as the finishing touches were still being added to the original buildings.” The truth is a little more involved! In the early 1900s Joseph Flavius McCulloch, one of the early founders of High Point College, felt so strongly about this endeavor that he moved to Greensboro NC where he purchased a printing operation and started publishing what would become the Methodist Protestant Herald.

High Point Transformation

High Point University announced in October 2007 that it was doubling its investment in academic programs, student life, scholarships and construction of new facilities. The university’s board of trustees approved doubling the investment in the university from $110 to $225 million over a period of three years. The campus transformation is made possible through gifts, bonds and operating revenues.

Students

Beginning with Freshman Move-In and continuing through Panther Palooza (last day of classes), students have an easy time getting involved and staying engaged. There are over 100 student clubs and organizations ranging from acapella groups to the paintball club. Student Government is active in offering a forum for leadership and civic development. From concerts to film series, to karaoke nights and more, every day at HPU is a special one! Daily announcements about upcoming events are broadcast via the Campus Concierge e-mail and computer kiosks located in the Slane Center and R.G. Wanek Center.

Come Visit High Point University

High Point University, an amazing place with extrordinary people. Come see for yourself today!