1924:

High Point College Opens its Doors: The university was open to the public in September 1924. About 123 students were enrolled in the new college. There was only three buildings, two dormitories, and one academic/administration building.

Lindley, P.E. “High Point College: An Educational Romance; Vast Progress Has Been Made During Span of 14 Years.” High Point Enterprise, 4 September 1938, Vol. 54 – No. 247.

http://library.highpoint.edu/archives/hi-po/1920_30/1938-HPEnterprise.pdf.

 

1925:

HPC Football Star Dies During Game: Baxter Monroe Gillon Jr. lost his life during a football game at High Point College. He was a star football player and was very popular. He was on the Lenoir-Rhyne team. On November 7, 1925 his team played High Point College. During the game he received several hard hits to the head, causing serious injury. Gillon fainted on the field and was rushed to the hospital. The college had only been open for a year and this was bad publicity for the young institution, however, it was concluded that the injuries he sustained where an accident.

Tomlin, Jimmy. “Grief on the Gridiron: Football Star Lost his Life in Game at High Point.” High Point Enterprise, 2015, p. A2 and A5.

 

1927:

HPC’s First Graduating Class: High Point College graduated there first senior class in the 1926-1927 school year.

“Local College to Have Graduating Class This Year.” High Point Enterprise, 29 August 1926.

 

1934:

HPC Goes Bankrupt: During the Great Depression the school struggled to stay afloat. During this time High Point College went bankrupt.

“History of the University.” High Point University, https://www.highpoint.edu/visitorinformation/history-of-the-university/.

 

1937:

The Wrenn Memorial Library Opens to the Public: The $40,000 building was donated by M. J. Wrenn. The Wrenn building is no longer a library, but now sits in front of Smith Library.

Lindley, P.E. “High Point College: An Educational Romance; Vast Progress Has Been Made During Span of 14 Years.” High Point Enterprise, 4 September 1938, Vol. 54 – No. 247.

http://library.highpoint.edu/archives/hi-po/1920_30/1938-HPEnterprise.pdf.

​

1947:

Investigation by the Senate of the General Education Board of the Methodist Church: President Dr. G. I. Humphrey and Vice President Dr. N. M. Harrison had a feud that caused serious underlying problems throughout the university. The university became divided. The Senate of the General Education Board of the Methodist Church decided to bring together a group of members that would evaluate the school.

“The Unfortunate Situation at H.P.C.” 22 September 1947.

 

Senate Survey Announced: The Senate Survey was conducted by the University Senate of the Board of General Education of the Methodist Church. It was given to the Board of Trustees with a recommendation of what the university should change in the future.

“University Senate Survey of HPC To Begin Thursday.” 16 November 1947.

 

Mock Funeral Protest Held by Students: High Point College students held a mock funeral on campus to protest the Board of Trustees decision to release Vice President N.M. Harrison from his position. The mock funeral featured a casket to protest the “inspiration that died” when the Board of Trustees fired the Vice President. The protest followed not long after the fight between the President and Vice President that led to an evaluation of the University Senate of General Education Board of the Methodist Church.

“Mock Funeral by Students Protests Trustee Action.” 5 October 1947.

 

1949:

Dr. Dennis H. Cooke Elected President: Dr. Cooke was a native to North Carolina, he was a former professor, and an active member of the Methodist Church. Dr. Cooke was elected president to bring in new feedback after the alumni and college board of trustees had a serious falling out resulting in a divide within the college.

“High Point College Has a New President.” High Point Enterprise, 9 May 1949.

 

1950:

HPC Abandons Football: High Point College decided to get rid of the football team due to the lack of finances that is put into small college football teams. Football scholarships were too expensive at the small college. At an average game at High Point College only 900 of the people attending the game were paying customers. HPC moved its focus to basketball.

“Abandoning football.” 29 November 1950.

 

1953:

HPC Starts ‘College Sundays’: In an attempt to bring the community and students together High Point College decided to put together ‘College Sundays’. The school is affiliated with the Methodist Church, but reached out to all different denominations to allow students to explore different churches and become a part of the High Point community.

Leon, Burnett. “HPC To Observe Second ‘College Sunday’ Today.” 8 March 1953, High Point Enterprise, Vol 69-No. 67.

 

1954:

New $175,000 Science Building: The new science building was a plan that included two other additional buildings to be added to campus. This building was 13, 319 square-feet. It will be equipped with laboratories, home economic rooms with food and childcare, a physics room, a biology room, a small animal room, a greenhouse, three chemistry rooms, and an office.

“Trustees Approve Plans for $175,000 Science Building at High Point College.” 8 April 1954, High Point Enterprise.

 

Memorial Auditorium Built: The auditorium was built to gather students and professors together at High Point College. It was demolished in the 1960s. Philips Hall that houses the Business major now stands in its place.

“Philips Hall.” High Point University, https://www.highpoint.edu/business/phillips-hall/.

 

1957:

After 5 Years HPC Brings Back Football: HPC brought back football not long after they got rid of it due to financial problems. The second football team did not last long, and football has yet to return to the campus again.

“Purple Panthers Check in Victory in First Contest.” 1957, High Point Enterprise.
 

1958:

North Hall, Girl’s Dormitory, Built: North Hall opened in September 1958. It had 46 rooms that housed 92 girls. It was designed by Charles C. Hartman. All three floors have a club room where girls were expected to entertain their dates. Every floor also had a linen room, bathroom, storage room, and laundry room.

Robbins, Irene. “New HPC Dormitory Offers Comfort, Convenience, Good Looks.” 16 October 1958, High Point Enterprise.

 

Students Revolt Over Older Dorm Problems: Students protested by sleeping outside their dorms. They were unhappy with the conditions of older dorms. Complaints were about falling plaster, rusted out plumbing and broken floors and doors. A meeting was held and it was agreed that a grievance council would be held for students to voice problems. The “sleep out” never happened as students were told that if anyone were to “sleep out” the council would not be heard. Students also requested a visit from the city’s public health officials.

Cates, Forest. “Midnight Meeting Heads off College Students’ Revolt.” 15 May 1958, High Point Enterprise.

​

1960: 

President Patton Announces New Theme "Education of Leadership":  Dr. Patton made significant changes to the school. He brought in a nurse and guidance counselor and updated facilities. He also put the concept of "Education of Leadership" into place.

"New Philosophy Spelled Out By Dr. Patton." 27 September 1960. 

 

1965:

Philips School of Business Opens to the Public: The school was named after Earl N “Phil” Philips Jr. Philips was a businessman. He was president and chief executive of Philips Interests and Former U.S. Ambassador to Eastern Caribbean. In 1972, Philips and Dr. Nido Qubein met. Philips gave Qubein business tips. It is a 27 square-foot building that house the business major classes. 

Nivens, David. “Philips Business School.” High Point Enterprise.

​

1969:

President Patton Presents a New Policy: Dr. Wendell M. Patton President of HPC introduced a new policy that will protect all students seeking an education from discrimination. It ensured that all students would get the education they have the right to have. If anyone violates that law consequences would be put into place.

“Patton Outlines HPC Policy.” 9 March 1969.

 

1972:

Slane Student Center Opens: Slane Student Center is 68,000 square-feet. It has a patio, two-story atrium, a fitness center and indoor track. Today it houses the Café, Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A, Subway, bookstore, offices, and Student Life.

Nivens, David. “College Breaks Ground on Slane Student Center Project.” High Point Enterprise.

 

Chapel Opens on Campus: A auditorium, chapel, foyer, social rooms, music, and drama rooms was built on campus. It was the main area for social gatherings. 

Burnett, Leon. “New Auditorium – Chapel To Be Built on Campus; Work Will Begin in May.” 8 March 1953, High Point Enterprise.

 

1991:

HPC Becomes HPU: On October 9, 1991, HPC became HPU when the Board of Trustees approved a graduate school.

“History of the University.” High Point University, https://www.highpoint.edu/visitorinformation/history-of-the-university/.

 

1995:

Fence Built Around Campus: A 1,045 linear foot fence was put around the perimeter of campus.

McCants, Leonard. “Fence Completes HPU Make-Over.” Greensboro News & Reports, 12 August 1995.

 

1996:

President Cooke Resigns: Dr. Cooke, president of High Point University, resigned. He decided to go back to teaching. He firmly believed that the little college had potential, but would need more money.

“Dr. Cooke Prefers Teaching to Presidency of College.” 15 March 1996.

 

2000:

HPU Requests Expansion: HPU requested to buy 88 properties on West College Drive, Montileu Ave, O.A. Kirkman Way, Sixth Street, Fifth Street, Fifth Court, Woodrow Ave and North Ave. The land was planned to house classrooms, dormitories, offices, and parking lots. It was anticipated to take about three-five years to complete the expansion.

Muschick, Paul. “HPU Request Permission for Expansion.” 23 December 2000, Greensboro News & Reports.

 

HPU Neighbors Oppose Expansion: Barbee Ave residence spoke during a public hearing to voice their concerns over the expansion. They explained that it will be a challenge for the university to convince homeowners to sell. They also recommended that the university not request a rezone until the properties are purchased.

Brewer, Jenni. “HPU Neighborhoods Oppose Campus Expansion.” 1 February 2000, High Point Enterprise.

​

2002:

Norton Hall is Built: The 23 square-foot building was built as the International School of Home Furnishings. It housed all art and interior design majors.

Firesheets, Tina. “High Point University to Add Furniture Building.” 9 April 2002, Greensboro News and Reports.

 

Unveiling of Hayworth Fine Arts Center: The 47,200 square-foot building was completed in September 2002. It costs roughly $14 million and was designed by Christopher Smallwood a British architect who also designed for Queen Elizabeth II. It was furnished with high tech products such as the modern TV, radio, photographic and art studio.

Olson, Sean. “HPU Unveils Fine Arts Center.” 26 November 2002, High Point Enterprise.

 

2004:

Dr. Martinson Steps Down as President: Dr. Jacob Martinson was president at HPU for 19 years. He graduated from Duke Divinity School and later received a doctorate from Vanderbilt University. He was president of Andrew College in Cuthbert, Ga., Brevard College, and High Point University. He instead took the position of chancellor.

Olson, Sean. “HPU Chief Steps Aside.” 18 March 2004, High Point Enterprise.

 

2005:

Dr. Nido Qubein Becomes President: In January 2005 Dr. Nido Qubein became president of High Point University. Since then Dr. Qubein has expanded and developed both the university and campus.

“Dr. Qubein Biography.” High Point University, https://www.highpoint.edu/president/dr-qubein-biography/#:~:text=Of%20The%20President-,Dr.,forge%20new%20opportunities%20for%20HPU.

 

2007:

Slane Student Center is Renovated: In August 2007 Slane Student Center underwent a renovation. The new student center added restaurants, a welcome center, a post office, updated gymnasium facility, and an outdoor swimming pool.

“Slane Student Center Renovation and Addition – High Point University.” Athletic Business, https://www.athleticbusiness.com/project-galleries/architectural-showcase/40WQnQEtdk/slane-student-center-renovation-and-addition-high-point-university-high-point-nc#next-slide.

 

2008:

Nido Qubein School of Communication is Built: The communication school was built in 2008 and the 60,000 square-foot building was completed in 2009. The building was finished with new technology, classroom, and production facilities.

“Nido R. Qubein School of Communication.” High Point University, https://www.highpoint.edu/communication/.

 

2009:

Wanek Center Opens to the Public: Wanek Center opened as a new student center. It has a library, several restaurants including a 1924 Prime Steak House, a movie theatre, and dorm rooms.

“About R.G. Wanek Center and University II.” High Point University, https://www.highpoint.edu/residencelife/dormitory/rg-wanek-center-university-ii/.

 

2012:

HPU Student Dies After Hazing Incident: Robert Eugene Tipton Jr. died after a Delta Sigma Phi hazing incident on March 25, 2012. He died at High Point Regional Hospital. The medical examiner said the cause of death was oxymorophone poisoning. Members of Delta Sigma Phi Marshall Jefferson and Michael Qubein were sued for the death of the student.

Gamm, Joe. “Judge Won’t Seal Documents in HPU Student’s Death Suit.” 22 July 2014, Greensboro News and Report.

 

2015:

Announcement of $2 Billion Investment: Dr. Nido Qubein announced a plan to build a health of sciences building, as well as new student housing and an athletic arena. The money for the buildings will come from funding a new operational budget. The new investment has welcomed new majors including physical assistant and physical and occupational therapy programs.

Davis, Jonnelle. “HPU Makes Big Plans: $2 Billion Investment.” 24 January 2015, Greensboro News and Reports, https://greensboro.com/news/education/hpu-makes-big-plans-2-billion-investment/article_49c4d6bb-7fe8-586a-b8bd-b287ede44955.html.

 

2017:

Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy Opens: The Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy opened launching the school’s pharmacy program. The Pharmacy school was a part of the $2 billion investment plan launched in 2015.

“Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy.” High Point University, https://www.highpoint.edu/pharmacy/.

 

2019:

Wanek School of Natural Sciences Opens: Wanek School of Natural Sciences houses biochemistry, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and physic majors. The building has an astrology lab, biochemistry and molecular biology lab, collaboration lab known as “The Hive”, Culp Planetarium, and research labs. 

“Wanek School of Natural Sciences.” High Point University, https://www.highpoint.edu/natural-sciences/.

 

2020:

Caine Conservatory is Completed: The Caine Conservatory brought a new learning and research room for students that houses plants from all over the world. As well as a new restaurant called The Butterfly Café to campus.

"HPU Breaks Ground on the Cain Conservatory." 18 September 2018, High Point University, https://www.highpoint.edu/blog/2018/09/hpu-breaks-ground-on-the-caine-conservatory/.

​

2021:

Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena, Conference Center, and Hotel Opens to the Public: The 350,000 square-foot facility cost approximately $170 million. It can hold up to 5,000 people. The conference center can hold up to 1,500 people. The room also has a 43-foot screen. With the addition of the new hotel a hospitality major was started. The hotel also houses a new restaurant that students can dine at called Alo.

“About the Qubein Arena and Conference Center.” High Point University, https://www.highpoint.edu/arena/.