High Point University Receives Prestigious National Award for Undergraduate Research Excellence
HIGH POINT, N.C. — High Point University has been selected by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) as the recipient of the 2025 Campus-Wide Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments (AURA). This distinguished national award recognizes institutions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to providing high-quality research experiences for undergraduate students across all academic disciplines.
Recognition of Exemplary Undergraduate Research Programs
The AURA award draws upon CUR's Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research (COEUR) framework, which outlines comprehensive criteria for exceptional undergraduate research programs. To qualify for this recognition, universities must demonstrate both depth and breadth in their undergraduate research initiatives, along with evidence of continual innovation and improvement in their research offerings.
"On behalf of CUR, we congratulate High Point University on this recognition, which reflects HPU's exceptional commitment to fostering a culture of inquiry, mentorship and discovery," said Lindsay Currie, CUR's executive officer. "By prioritizing meaningful research experiences for undergraduates across disciplines, the university is empowering students to think critically, engage creatively and contribute to solving complex challenges. We applaud their leadership and dedication to advancing undergraduate research as a transformative educational practice."
University's Comprehensive Research Support System
High Point University's emphasis on undergraduate research is evident through its impressive statistics: more than 90% of undergraduates complete at least one experiential learning opportunity before graduation, with a substantial proportion of those opportunities involving students engaged in original research across various academic fields.
The university supports this work through multiple channels:
- Robust funding for student travel and presentation opportunities
- Dedicated research days and academic symposia
- Strong faculty-student collaboration that frequently results in conference presentations
- Support for peer-reviewed publications featuring undergraduate researchers
Strategic Investment in Student Research Success
HPU's strategic investment in undergraduate research, combined with its emphasis on mentorship and interdisciplinary exploration, demonstrates a sustained, measurable impact on student success. This approach positions the institution as a national leader in high-impact educational practices that prepare students for professional and academic futures.
"The AURA is the highest honor an office of undergraduate research can earn, and we are excited to be a recipient," said Dr. Joanne Altman, HPU professor of psychology and founding director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Works. "The recognition affirms the academic rigor that defines undergraduate research and creative work at High Point University and reflects our commitment to engaging students early in collaborative research with faculty mentors. These high-impact experiences help students develop the critical skills that prepare them for exciting futures no matter what career path they choose."
Demonstrated Impact on Student Development
The university's research programs have shown significant results in student development, with participants gaining valuable experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative work. These skills translate directly to success in graduate programs and professional careers, making HPU's approach to undergraduate research a model for other institutions seeking to enhance their educational offerings.
High Point University's recognition by the Council on Undergraduate Research represents a significant achievement in higher education, highlighting the institution's commitment to providing transformative research experiences that benefit students across all academic disciplines.
