The new School of Education at High Point University is serving two major purposes on campus – to prepare aspiring teachers to effectively engage young students in learning, and to stand as a modern day example of energy conservation.

The new facility is filled with education-based technology that ensures future teachers will have the skills to implement new learning methods in the classroom. Smart boards and mobile lecterns are available throughout, and the facility houses two interactive touch screen monitors focused around math and science learning.

In addition, the facility is LEED certified, which means it fulfills sustainable building requirements established by the United States Green Building Council. Water usage inside the building is reduced by 30 percent, and its landscaping irrigation system uses 50 percent less water than other systems. Energy performance is improved by 24 percent, while an array of other features eliminate air pollutants and minimize its carbon footprint.

The building and its features mark another chapter in HPU’s history. This fall, the university is offering its first doctoral program, and it’s focused on educational leadership. The doctoral program is a practitioner-based, professional experience that focuses on creating systems that are grounded in research, are culturally responsive, and ultimately improve student learning. The 60-hour program of study reflects the visionary thinking needed for leadership in today's 21st century educational organizations.

"This doctoral program is truly taking academics at High Point University to new heights,” says Dr. Dennis Carroll, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “We are attracting some of the Piedmont Triad’s top leaders in our education system. That speaks volumes about our program as we continue to enhance our holistic education system."

Other academic programs are flourishing throughout campus. The School of Health Sciences continues to develop as a cutting-edge biomechanics laboratory, which will be utilized by the Department of Physical Therapy for research, is under construction. As these academic programs continue to attract more students, housing has been added to accommodate the growth.

Centennial Square is the seventh residential community constructed on campus since 2005, and it houses nearly 349 students in 11 townhome buildings. The townhome community features a learning commons and a fitness center.

These changes reflect the overall tremendous growth that continues to take place at High Point University. Since 2005, the number of fulltime teaching faculty has grown from 108 in 2005 to 232; undergraduate enrollment has increased from 1,450 to 3,900; acreage on campus has increased from 92 to more than 320; and 47 new buildings have been built or are under construction.