$14 million to university from David and Christy Cottrell aims to prepare students for meaningful careers and leadership roles

High Point University (HPU) is celebrating the extraordinary generosity of David and Christy Cottrell, whose philanthropy to date totals $14 million, placing them among the university’s most significant benefactors.

Their giving, built over years of steady commitment, reflects both personal ties to the school and a shared vision for shaping HPU’s future.

The Cottrells’ philanthropic footprint at HPU began with their landmark investment in Cottrell Hall, the university’s premier hub for professional development.

The building, named in honor of the family, has become a centerpiece of HPU’s promise to prepare students for meaningful careers and leadership roles. Inside its walls, students learn critical skills, meet mentors, and access resources designed to position them for success in competitive industries.

Now, with their most recent $6 million gift, the family has added to this legacy of impact. The funds will support the launch of a Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, aimed at fostering innovation and leadership among female students, as well as the creation of a new Japanese Garden adjacent to Cottrell Hall.

Together, these projects represent a blend of academic empowerment and cultural enrichment—hallmarks of the Cottrells’ thoughtful approach to giving.

The couple’s connection to HPU is personal: their daughter is an alumna, and they have witnessed firsthand the university’s distinctive model of combining academic excellence with character development. This close perspective has fueled their decision to continue investing in projects that will touch students’ lives for decades to come.

HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein emphasized the magnitude of their sustained generosity:

“The Cottrell family’s $14 million in gifts has not only transformed our campus landscape but has also created opportunities that elevate generations of students. Their leadership in philanthropy is an enduring example of generosity in action.”

From bricks and mortar to bold new academic initiatives, the Cottrells’ $14 million commitment underscores the growing role of philanthropy in advancing higher education.

At High Point University, their legacy now spans physical spaces, career-focused programs, and cultural landmarks—an enduring gift that ensures future leaders will flourish.