High Point University’s campus is full of spaces that we like to refer to as “Hidden Gems.” Although these spaces aren’t so hidden from students, when their friends or family come to visit and catch a glimpse of one of these unique spots on campus, they express their awe.
1. Cottrell Hall: Home to the Flanagan Center for Student Success
Cottrell Hall is always bustling with students striving for success. In the building, you’ll find HPU’s Office of Career and Professional Development, Entrepreneurship Center, Office of Global Education and Mestdagh Learning Commons — the home base for HPU’s Freshman Success Coaches. Students also practice giving presentations in conference rooms with glass walls modeled after Fortune 500 companies. For that extra kick of motivation, there is also a Starbucks inside which adjoins the International Concourse and airplane fuselage.
2. Ms. Valerie
Valerie Baxter is a caring, dedicated security officer who lights up everyone’s day when they see her. She not only works to keep students safe, but she makes sure they know they are loved, too. If you haven’t already met her during one of your visits to campus, it won’t take long for you to know who she is when you arrive to campus. Students, faculty and staff know and love Valerie, and now the world is shining the spotlight on her kindness. Ms. Val and her love for students recently went viral when she said a a tearful farewell to her “babies” during HPU’s Commencement.
3. Qubein Center
The Qubein Arena and Conference Center is HPU’s largest hub of activity and enjoyment. As the home of HPU’s basketball teams, fans fill the purple stands with roaring energy and endless enthusiasm. Beyond basketball, the arena hosts major concerts, including Grammy Award-winning band Train and Chris Lane, along with numerous campus and community events.
4. Campus Concierge
In person, by phone, on social media and over email, HPU’s Campus Concierge team is an extraordinary foundation of customer service critical to the university’s daily operations. Every person who walks up to a concierge desk receives a welcoming smile and greeting from a friendly face. They answer phone inquiries, provide ticket pick up for events, assist in reserving meeting spaces, and help parents and students in the transition to college life.
5. Swings at Greek Village
These colorful swings are tucked in HPU’s Greek Village, home of Fraternity and Sorority Life housing, and across from Cottrell Hall, students’ one-stop shop for success resources. Students enjoy the swings when they need a change of scenery in their study session, a relaxing break between classes or to just hang out with friends in the fresh air.
6. Chris Quick
Most students know Chris Quick, AKA “Boss Man,” from the kiosk by the Qubein School of Communication, where he gives out snacks and drinks to students on their way to class. Wherever he is, he always makes sure students are taken care of and nourished with food and positivity. Quick’s genuine care for students knows no bounds. He crosses the street to hand bottled water to students rushing to class, loads up a student’s car with snacks for their journey home, and offers prayer for their success in upcoming exams. He is consistently going the extra mile to demonstrate his support and care for students.
7. Fire Island
Fire pits are located throughout HPU’s campus, with the largest being Fire Island, located behind the Slane Student Center. An actual island, the space is surrounded by water, accessed by a bridge, and is the perfect space to hang out with friends any time of day. While the area around the island is always flowing with students heading to and from class, the nearby basketball court, gym, The Café, it’s a great place for students to take a break between classes.
8. Ms. Vernell
Ms. Vernell is the rock star of the Slane Student Center. She works to keep the food court, Starbucks, study spaces and student recreation center clean. But her bigger job is to encourage students daily. She knows students by name, their class schedules, what internships they’re applying for and when they need some words of encouragement. She is one of many committed staff and faculty members who reflect an intentional campus culture that supports students at every turn.
9. The Butterfly Café
While this student-favorite dining location is certainly well-known on campus, you won’t find a college eatery like this anywhere else. This unique café offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu that is just as delicious as the space is beautiful. Plus, the yummy variety of handcrafted coffee, gelato and bakery items are perfect for a mid-day treat or pick-me-up.