Honors Scholars & Academic Fellowship Programs
$3000 scholarship Receive a renewable annually!
LEVEL UP YOUR EDUCATION
An Enhanced Academic Experience
Are you ready for a more challenging and in-depth academic experience?
High Point University offers the innovative programs and fellowships outlined in the following pages to help you achieve those goals. Honors Scholars and Fellows collaborate with fellow students and faculty to deepen their connection to their education and engage in undergraduate research and creative works opportunities.
Honors Scholars and HPU Fellows apply their coursework to real-world issues. They have the time and space to think in depth about ideas and materials, to figure out what works and what does not. They practice reflecting on their experiences and presenting their ideas in public.
In addition to these academic benefits, each student accepted and enrolling in the Honors or to any Fellows program is awarded an additional $3,000 per year merit scholarship.
Yes, your grit will be tested, and your ideas will be debated. You will be challenged in ways that can be both scary and exciting. But that is the purpose of college!
I encourage you to continue reading for further information. Remember: if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at derb@highpoint.edu. I look forward to answering any of your questions.
Daniel Erb, PT, PhD University Provost
HPU HONORS AND FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS
FINDING YOUR ACADEMIC FIT
On the following pages, you’ll explore HPU’s Honors Scholars Program and a variety of HPU Fellowship Programs open for your application.
Fellows Programs include:
n Business Fellows
n Communication Fellows
n Creative Arts Fellows
n Education Fellows
n Health Science Fellows
n Natural Sciences Fellows
n Siegfried Leadership Fellows
n Social Science Fellows
n Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T. Fellowship
What is a Fellows Program? Fellows are groups of students looking to expand the passion they feel for their major or a specific skill set beyond the classroom and traditional curriculum.
Experiential learning is at the heart of the Honors Scholars and each Fellows Program, allowing students to engage in deeper interactions that further their course of study.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Honors Scholars and fellows will receive a $3,000 scholarship renewable annually based on academic performance and continued participation in the program. This is in addition to any Presidential or High Point Scholarship. Fellows must meet GPA and professionalism requirements to be awarded continuation of their fellowship into the next academic year.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for membership into Honors Scholars or any Fellows Program, you must first submit your High Point University undergraduate admissions application. Then, please complete the Fellows Program application that most suits you through your PantherPage. You may apply to multiple programs, but students are only offered admission into one program.
PRIORITY DEADLINE: JANUARY 15
FINAL DEADLINE: MARCH 1
HONORS HOUSING
HPU HONORS SCHOLARS
Program A Qualitatively Different Education
The HPU Honors Scholars Program is a highly-selective program for students in any major interested in an advanced and different college experience. Honors students complete their own core curriculum, one that replaces the general education curriculum and provides discussion-based courses, hands-on projects, cross-disciplinary research, and the ability to more easily double major and add minors.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
The Honors Scholar Program invites applications from students who wish to explore the wide array of intellectual traditions and research methods that define a liberal arts education. Students dedicated to pursuing intellectual curiosity and educational excellence are encouraged to apply.
Honors Scholars form a tight-knit, supportive community in Finch Residence Hall, which is located in the heart of campus, and is home to our Faculty-in-Residence. For their first two years, honors students use Finch Hall as their “home base,” engaging in cocurricular and extracurricular activities such as intercultural events, group meals, project building and study teams.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Students in the Honors Scholars Program will receive a $3,000 scholarship in addition to any Presidential or High Point University scholarship. The award is automatically renewable for all four years. Scholars must meet GPA and professionalism requirements for continuation of this award into the next academic year.
ALL UNIVERSITY HONORS
The ultimate benefit of the Honors Scholar Program is the chance to graduate from High Point University with the designation of “All University Honors.” This is the highest academic designation a student can receive upon graduation from HPU.
PRIORITY REGISTRATION
Honors students receive priority registration for courses every registration period. This enables honors students to build schedules that best fit their honors and major classes while also allowing time to consider cocurricular and extracurricular activities. For more information about the Honors Scholars Program, contact: Dr. Nathan Hedman | Director of Honors Scholars Program | nhedman@highpoint.edu | 336.841.9076
BUSINESS FELLOWS PROGRAM
The Business Fellows Program provides students with a four-year, experiential, team-based scholastic, business experience with like-minded students. Working with dedicated directors, students are provided personal mentoring, networking, travel and opportunities to learn about business careers and the ever-changing business world from scholars and practitioners. Students will engage in deep interactions with the business faculty from disciplines such as accounting, banking, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, project management, sales, strategy and supply chain and then have opportunities to see how these disciplines are applied in real-world business applications.
Business Fellows will also have priority access to High Point University’s In-Residence Professionals – world leaders who have committed their time and expertise to help HPU students stand out in a crowded market.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Successful applicants to the Business Fellows Program will have a declared major in accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, marketing or sales and have a track record of interest in studying business. Previous business courses, owning a business, participation in business competitions or conferences and other business-related experience will be an advantage for applications. The program is highly selective and is limited to the top 100 incoming business students in each entering class.
STUDENTS IN THE BUSINESS FELLOWS PROGRAM HAVE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO:
n Work closely with expert faculty members
n Complete core business classes as a cohort
n Have priority access to HPU’s In Residence Professionals and important networking events
n Participate in the Center for Creative Leadership’s Developing Leaders of Distinction Program
n Engage in service to our on and off-campus neighbors, including the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
n Travel to Orlando and participate in the Disney Institute’s Quality Service Certification Program
COMMUNICATION FELLOWS PROGRAM
Each year, the top 50 incoming communication majors are granted access into High Point University’s Communication Fellows Program. Students select a specialization as a media, sport, or publicity and event fellow and are mentored by faculty members with professional and academic backgrounds within that specialization. They work together on creative and research projects, travel to examine trends in their communication industry and receive extra training in professional development. They will graduate with a polished portfolio, a resume and the interviewing skills needed to launch a career in the communication industry of their choice.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
The Communication Fellows Program is available to students who plan to major in advertising, public relations and strategic communication; event management; game design; hospitality management; journalism; media production; social media and digital communication; sport management; or sports media.
MEDIA FELLOWS
The Media Fellows program provides students with an immersive, holistic understanding of media production and practices, with an emphasis on technical proficiency, aesthetics, storytelling and critical thinking. This fellows program will be especially appealing to students in game design, journalism and media production.
SPORT FELLOWS
The Sport Fellows program focuses on navigating the global sport business industry, including collegiate and professional sport management and network media broadcasting. This fellows program will be especially appealing to students in sport management and sports media.
PUBLICITY AND EVENT FELLOWS
The Publicity and Event Fellows program engages students in the world of advertising, campaigns, social media, persuasion, experience creation and service delivery, and emphasizes writing and visual content development. This fellows program will be especially appealing to students in advertising, public relations and strategic communication; event management; hospitality management; and social media and digital communication.
For more information about the Communication Fellows Program, contact: Dr. Stefan Hall | Chair of Game Design Department | shall@highpoint.edu | 336.841.9567
CREATIVE ARTS FELLOWS PROGRAM
The Creative Arts Fellows Program gives students a four-year, experiential scholastic experience within a diverse pool of creative minds. Working with dedicated program directors, students are given personal mentoring and networking opportunities to expand their professional options within the ever-changing world of the arts. Our programming is threefold, focusing on community building (personal and professional), experiential learning, and leadership development— culminating in a well-rounded graduate who can differentiate themselves in the public sphere.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Successful applicants to the Creative Arts Fellows program will have a declared major within the School of Arts and Design, including Studio Art, Graphic Design, Theater, Dance, Music, Interior Design, and Fashion Merchandising. The program is highly selective and is limited to the top 40 incoming students in applicable majors in each entering class.
STUDENTS IN THE CREATIVE ARTS FELLOWS PROGRAM HAVE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO:
n Complete creative exploration classes as a cohort
n Participate in closed master classes related to creative collaboration
n Have priority access to guest artists
n Engage with faculty mentors
n Serve in leadership positions with the Creative Arts Fellows
n Develop and present discipline-specific research projects with one-on-one faculty mentorship
n Receive professional development funds that can be used towards individual or collaborative research projects and discipline-specific travel
n Participate in fully funded yearly travel opportunities to cultural hubs within the United States (past trips have included Asheville, NC, Charleston, SC, New York City, and the International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World)
EDUCATION FELLOWS PROGRAM
The Education Fellows Program provides an integrated academic and experiential opportunity for students who demonstrate exemplary potential and a desire to impact the education profession. The four-year experience focuses on the themes of connection, engagement, challenge and leadership. The program supports students as they work together in common courses to co-design innovative solutions to educational challenges that are manifested in schools and communities. Opportunities for undergraduate research, professional development, and mentorship from faculty and experts within the field are key components of the Education Fellows Program.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Successful applicants to the Education Fellows Program will have a declared major or licensure area in the Stout School of Education and have a passion for education. Previous work with children or youth, club and organization leadership, educational shadowing or other related experience will be an advantage for applicants. The program is highly selective and is limited to the top 25 education students in each entering class.
STUDENTS IN THE EDUCATION FELLOWS PROGRAM HAVE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO:
n Take select education courses as a cohort
n Participate in special fellows-only seminars
n Provide service to local schools and the community
n Develop as content creators and pedagogical experts
n Travel to unique educational models within the Southeast
n Opportunities for mentorship with educator
HEALTH SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM
The Health Science Fellows Program provides students with a four-year, experiential, team-based scholastic experience with like-minded students. Working with a dedicated director of the program, students are provided personal mentoring, networking, travel and opportunities to learn about careers in the ever-changing world of health science. Students in the Health Science Fellows Program will participate in value-added learning experiences that embrace the university’s growth mindset philosophy and connect students to faculty, peers and professionals. To this end, the Health Science Fellows Program seeks to expose, nurture and develop knowledge and analytical thinking related to the health science discipline. The programming is threefold, focusing on community building (personal and professional), experiential learning and leadership development —culminating in a well-rounded graduate who can differentiate him/herself in the public sphere.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Successful applicants to the Health Science Fellows Program will have a declared major in the Department of Health and Human Performance. The program is highly selective and is limited to the top 40 incoming students that are majoring in either exercise science or health and wellness.
HEALTH SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM WILL:
n Complete select classes as a cohort
n Receive priority consideration to Congdon School of Health Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program
n Participate in tours of highly regarded research, clinical and professional health science facilities
n Engage with faculty mentors
n Complete group service projects
n Participate in closed Fellows Symposiums with faculty, visiting scientists and other community leaders
n Take a leadership role in the annual Health Science and Employee Wellness Annual 5k Run/Walk
n Travel and attend Scientific Symposia, Sports Medicine Conferences and other important events in the field
n Serve as an upper-class mentor for first year fellowship students
n Develop an electronic portfolio of completed projects
The Departments of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training reserve admission spots for Health Science Fellows. Applicants who meet each program’s admission requirements and are in good academic and professional/behavioral standing must apply through the respective schools and attend an interview day.
For more information about the Health Science Fellows Program, contact: Dr. Braden Romer | Associate Professor of Exercise Science | Director of Health Science Fellows | bromer@highpoint.edu | 336.841.9669
NATURAL SCIENCES FELLOWS PROGRAM
Natural Sciences Fellows are curious and engaged learners eager to contribute to our understanding of the natural and physical world. Our program enriches the academic experience of our fellows through curated professional development opportunities that will grow their skills, their confidence, and their professional networks. Key elements of the program include backstage access to leading scientists and innovators, community-building and networking opportunities with peers, faculty, and alumni, academic and career coaching and guaranteed research opportunities with faculty mentors.
As a result of their participation in this unique program, Natural Sciences Fellows will distinguish themselves from their peers as they enter the workforce and graduate or professional programs as poised, confident leaders who have mastered both the hard and soft skills that ensure success in their profession.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Successful applicants to the Natural Sciences Fellows Program will have a declared major in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, neuroscience or physics and have a track record of success in their studies of the natural sciences. Previous science-related experience will be an advantage for applicants. The program is highly selective and is limited to the top 60 incoming natural sciences students in each entering class.
STUDENTS IN THE NATURAL SCIENCES FELLOWS PROGRAM HAVE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO:
n Build community with faculty, peers, alumni, and leading scientists to grow their personal and professional networks
n Participate in 2 all-expenses-paid trips to investigate scientific careers and explore how science shapes our society and experiences
n Participate in and receive funding for mentored research projects in the natural sciences
n Priority access to participation in HPU’s Summer Research Program in the Sciences (SuRPS)
n Expert coaching on scientific communication and outreach through experts in residence and curated service activities
n Targeted coaching on professionalism, scientific communication, and developing a professional portfolio and persona
n Coaching for graduate and professional programs, job applications, and interviews
n Interact with and participate in our alumni legacy program for continued networking opportunities and connection with current fellows
SIEGFRIED LEADERSHIP FELLOWS PROGRAM
High Point University’s Siegfried Leadership Fellows Program is a premier transformative and empowering leadership experience offered through a renowned four-year progressive program. The program aims to cultivate influential global agents of change.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Successful applicants to the Siegfried Leadership Fellows Program will possess a high level of intellectual curiosity and be focused on pursuing academic and professional excellence. The program is highly selective and limited to the top students who want to be prepared to lead, give, serve and make a positive impact on our global community.
THE FOUR-YEAR PROGRAM:
YEAR ONE LEADING SELF
n Leadership Mentoring from a SLF Leadership Director
n Executive Leadership Coaching from a Certified Lumina Spark Coach
n Participation in Annual Leadership Visionary Summit
n EXP – 1111 SLF: Introduction to Leadership Theory (1 Credit)
n Certification as a Emergent Leader from Truist Leadership Institute
YEAR TWO
LEADING GROUPS AND TEAMS
n Leadership Mentoring from a SLF Leadership Director
n Executive Leadership Coaching from a Certified Lumina Spark Coach
n Participation in Annual Leadership Visionary Summit
n EXP – 1112 SLF: Leading Groups and Teams (1 Credit)
n Team Based, Civic Engagement Service Learning Project
YEAR THREE
LEADING CHANGE
n Leadership Mentoring from a SLF Leadership Director
n Executive Leadership Coaching from a Certified Lumina Spark Coach
n Participation in Annual Leadership Visionary Summit
n EXP – 1113 SLF: Building Leadership Resilience for Transformative Change (1 credit)
n Attend National Conference on Student Life focused on Leadership
YEAR FOUR
LEADING HOLISTICALLY
n Leadership Mentoring from a SLF Leadership Director
n Executive Leadership Coaching from a Certified Lumina Spark Coach
n Participation in Annual Leadership Visionary Summit
n EXP – 1114 SLF: Applied Executive Leadership (1 Credit)
n Attend National Conference on Student Life focused on Leadership
ROBERT L. SIEGFRIED JR., CPA CEO & FOUNDER, THE SIEGFRIED FINANCIAL GROUP, LLP
In 1988, Rob Siegfried had a dream to start his own CPA firm that would transform the accounting industry. What started as a small company in Wilmington, Delaware, has grown into a national firm employing hundreds of people. Accounting Today recognized him as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting.” Today, Siegfried provides unique leadership advice and exceptional talent delivery that enable financial executives to become better leaders and to exponentially improve their lives.
SOCIAL SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM
The Social Science Fellows Program, for those majoring in the Behavioral Sciences at High Point University, provides students with collaborative and interdisciplinary experiences, with majors in Criminal Justice, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology/Anthropology. Social Science Fellows will grow within a cohort experience. Social Science Fellows have enhanced opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and apply that knowledge to their own growth and scholarship.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Successful applicants to the Social Science Fellows program will have a declared major in Criminal Justice, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology/Anthropology. The program is highly selective and is limited to the top 35 incoming students in these four majors in each entering class.
STUDENTS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM HAVE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO:
n Work with faculty who are experts in their perspective fields, with unique opportunities to delve into research and utilize statistics.
n Experience greater depth across a breadth of training, through workshops and seminars.
n Discover connections across broad fields of study, through on-campus and off-campus experiences.
n Have exclusive opportunities for directed mentorship in the research process.
n Encounter and consult with external experts for exposure to additional knowledge and singular experiences in the field.
n Get hands-on exposure to advanced work.
n Receive exceptional opportunities to attend and present at conferences.
n Build a resume for success.
STRICKLAND WOMEN’S L.I.F.T. FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
LEADING AND INSPIRING FEMALE TRAILBLAZERS
The Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T. Fellowship Program provides networking, leadership development, mentorship and coaching for female students interested in becoming CEOs, leaders, entrepreneurs, executives and trailblazers in their chosen careers. The program is not limited to any one field of study. Rather, L.I.F.T. students will work alongside accomplished faculty and executives to strengthen their self-efficacy, confidence and leadership capacity. The Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T. Fellowship Program will generate a sustainable pipeline of women who desire to blaze a trail for themselves and all women as they progress in college and into the next stages of their lives.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Female students who excel in academics, leadership, and service and want to elevate their skills to new heights should apply for this highly selective fellowship, which has 36 spots. Participants receive invaluable mentorship, coaching, and experiential learning designed to empower them for career and personal success while also enhancing their leadership talents to make a positive impact.
STUDENTS IN THE L.I.F.T. FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM HAVE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO:
n Interact and network with accomplished female CEOs and business leaders on the Strickland Women’s Leadership Council, HPU alumnae and other students in L.I.F.T.
n Engage in unique experiential learning opportunities, professional development seminars and service projects
n Plan and host seminars and speaking events
The L.I.F.T. Fellowship is made possible through the vision and generosity of Elizabeth Miller Strickland. A trailblazer herself, Strickland attended HPU where she was crowned Miss High Point College in 1952. Betty and her late husband Bob, former chairman of the board of Lowe’s Home Improvement, believe in education, mentorship, experiential learning and the God, family and country values that HPU embodies. In 2020, Betty was recognized as HPU Alumna of the Year for her service to High Point University and her visionary leadership to her community.
“I have always believed that you don’t only go to college to simply learn how to make a living, but you go to college to learn how to live. HPU’s mentorship model and practice of equipping students with life skills allow that to happen.”
n Take unique courses together as a cohort For more information about the Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T. Fellowship, contact: Dr. Rhonda C. Butler | Director of the Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T Fellowship |
– Betty Strickland
At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people. ®
