Our mission is to advance the wellbeing of our students, employees, and community through our inspiring gardens, engaging programs, and academic opportunities.
Our vision is to be a hub of learning and engagement with the natural world, and a beloved part of the HPU experience.
The Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum & Botanical Gardens serves as a cornerstone of High Point University’s commitment to beauty, education, and student wellness. The gardens feature a diverse collection of plant life, thematic garden spaces, and tranquil landscapes designed to foster learning, reflection, and connection with nature. Established to enhance both the academic and aesthetic environment of HPU, the gardens have evolved into a dynamic resource for students, faculty, and the wider community.
We are free and open 365 days a year, from 8am-8pm. Plan your visit here!
The Gardens were founded in 2006 by HPU First Lady Mariana Qubein, who formed an Arboretum Committee and initiated the construction of a rose garden in front of the library. In recognition of her vision and leadership in establishing the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, the High Point University Board named the gardens for her in 2009.
With the help of faculty, staff, students, landscape designers, local garden clubs, and donors, a campus-wide arboretum and botanical garden was developed. These days, our talented horticulture team, student employees, and dedicated community volunteers maintain an extensive network of display gardens and horticultural collections.
Arboretum Committee
Our Arboretum Committee has been fundamental to the development of the gardens and continues to play an important role in our annual arbor day celebration.
| Ninja Column 1 | Ninja Column 2 | Ninja Column 3 | Ninja Column 4 | Ninja Column 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs. Mariana Qubein | Dr. Kelli Sapp | Dr. John Turpin | Mrs. Rachel Diaz | Mrs. Faith Stutts |
| Mrs. Nancy Warburton | Mr. Barry Kitley | Ms. Emma Martone | Mrs. Teresa Caine | Ms. Emily Merritt |
| Mr. Matt Mahoney | Mr. Troy Thompson | Dr. Jason Lattier | Mrs. Kay Maynard | Mr. Jacob Gilbert |
| Mrs. Phyllis Morgan | Dr. Nicky Hughes | Mrs. Donna Smith | Mrs. Melissa Marion | Mrs. Karen Gaine |
| Mr. John Paulin | Dr. Daniel Greene |
Meet Your Gardens Team
Emma is passionate about connecting people with nature in her role at HPU. With a Master’s in Public Garden Leadership from Cornell University, she oversees horticultural operations, manages new projects and programs, and leads the strategic development of the gardens.
Rachel studied Environmental Horticulture at Virginia Tech. She has spent the last decade combining her talents for horticulture, education, and community building at museums and public gardens.
Here at the HPU, she manages student employment, volunteers, tours, educational workshops, community outreach and more. Reach out to her to for ways to get involved or visit the gardens!
Education: B.S. in Environmental Horticulture, Virginia Tech.
Faith serves as a Horticulturist, Social Media Coordinator, and Plant Records Manager for the gardens. She oversees the care of multiple campus gardens, manages all garden-related social media, and maintains the plant records system to ensure accurate documentation of the collections.
Jacob cares for the gardens by pruning hedges and shaping topiaries, ensuring they look neat and well-maintained. He also cultivates and maintains pollinator-friendly plants, creating vibrant spaces that support nature and encourage biodiversity.