Nido Qubein, President, High Point University

In an interview with Invest:, Nido Qubein, president of High Point University, discussed the institution’s multifaceted approach to preparing students for the workforce, emphasizing life skills, innovative programs, and global education initiatives to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

How do you measure the effectiveness of the university’s programs in preparing students for the workforce?

First and foremost, we are committed to student success. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reporting standards, 99% of our graduates are employed within 180 days. We work continually to ensure our graduates are prepared to achieve lifelong success in a changing world. 

We utilize numerous methods to assess the effectiveness of our programs, all centered around life skills. One key measure is through our HPU Survey Research Center, which conducts national and international surveys to determine what employers are looking for, ensuring our curriculum is relevant and applicable. At High Point University, we host a variety of institutes, such as those focusing on entrepreneurship and leadership, which provide targeted educational opportunities. Our HPU in the City externship program takes students to major metropolitan areas to connect with impressive employers such as the headquarters of Bloomberg, ABC News, NBA, NFL, and more.

Additionally, we offer a unique streaming service called HPU+, which is the only one of its kind known in American universities. HPU+ features interviews focused on professional development from prominent figures from business, science, and government, including Condoleezza Rice and the co-founders of Apple and Netflix. This service is available for free to our students, their families, and anyone interested in downloading the app. These are just a few examples of how we ensure our educational offerings are effective and relevant.

How is High Point University addressing the need for global citizenship among students in a rapidly changing international landscape?

High Point University is deeply committed to fostering global education, with students from 50 countries and all 50 states, supported by a diverse faculty and staff. We offer approximately 65 international programs, including opportunities for students to study abroad tuition-free during Maymester, which we provide to encourage global exposure. Additionally, our campus hosts numerous events featuring international speakers and discussions on global issues and geopolitics to ensure our students are well-informed.

We also have what we call in-residence experts across various disciplines, who are regularly involved with our students through classes, meetings, and social events. Our on-campus restaurants serve global cuisines, which not only offer a taste of international flavors but also educate students about different cultures and their global significance. This approach is comprehensive, integrating both horizontal and vertical learning strategies, and is meticulously designed to enhance the educational experience and prepare students for global citizenship.

How is High Point University working to ensure inclusivity and affordability across its programs?

We are committed to being an inclusive campus, which is reflected in our diversity initiatives and scholarship programs. For example, we offer full-tuition scholarships to a significant number of students who qualify. This year, marking our centennial, we introduced the Centennial Grant, which provides $10,000 over four years to all our students who enroll as freshmen this fall. We also extended an extraordinary opportunity to them through tuition-free master’s degrees. After completing their undergraduate degree, they can pursue one of 11 master’s degrees for up to two years at no cost for tuition; they only pay for room and board. That’s a $40,000-$80,000 savings.

We are focused on ensuring that our students not only graduate but are also prepared for a successful and significant life. To achieve this, we must make education affordable. We offer a wide range of programs, from international experiences to master’s programs and summer learning opportunities like Summer Advantage. High Point University acts as a large umbrella, under which we provide an extensive variety of programs that cater to the diverse needs and disciplines our students pursue. This comprehensive approach ensures we offer ample programmatic options to benefit all our students, regardless of their background.

How do you think AI and technology will impact the education landscape?

AI and technology are profoundly affecting every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. As a friend of mine humorously noted, while we can figure out artificial intelligence, the real challenge is overcoming natural stupidity. In the manufacturing sector, for example, AI is used to enhance speed, efficiency, and productivity.

In a university setting, the applications of AI are extensive, from administrative functions to classroom activities; however, there are complexities, especially regarding academic integrity. There have been instances where students used AI to write essays, which raises concerns about plagiarism. Thankfully, there are also technologies available to detect such misuse.

At High Point University, we have invested significantly in this area. Our faculty includes experts on AI, and we closely monitor developments to ensure that our applications of technology support both student learning and faculty teaching. We aim to remain at the forefront of these advancements.

However, as Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple, often says, while you can have artificial intelligence, you cannot have artificial wisdom. It’s crucial that as we integrate AI into education, we also focus on cultivating human wisdom, not just technological skills. This balanced approach is essential for the holistic development of our students.

How do partnerships with the business community enhance student experiences?

Ensuring our students are well-prepared for the business world is essential, and we achieve this through various innovative partnerships. We host employer career fairs with hundreds of employers interviewing our students. Additionally, we offer unique programs at two campus restaurants, where business leaders dine with students, providing a practical context to assess their etiquette, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Our extensive alumni network is vital in facilitating valuable experiences in major financial hubs like Charlotte. Students gain insights from top firms, such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America. We have many alumni who are thriving in the Charlotte area and frequently return to our campus to mentor our students and open doors for them.

We also offer programs like HPU in the City, which includes internships and externships with over 4,800 partner companies. For instance, sports management students might visit the Dallas Mavericks to learn from industry experts and get a behind-the-scenes look at operations. Finance students can go to New York to experience the markets firsthand at places like NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange.

Additionally, our Access to Innovators program provides dozens of connections with industry leaders like the chairmen of Domino’s Pizza and AT&T, who visit campus to engage with students, providing insights and networking opportunities. Many of our students have parents in C-suite positions, who help by providing internships and opening global doors with companies like Morgan Stanley and Coca-Cola.

High Point University has become a life skills university that prepares students for success. I discuss this approach in my upcoming book, Extraordinary Transformation, which describes how we transformed into a premier life skills university and inspired a new generation of leaders. This nearly 300-page book serves as an entrepreneurial blueprint for transformational growth.

What are your top priorities for High Point University over the next couple of years?

We are committed to remaining a relevant institution in these changing times. While some institutions face financial struggles — like Birmingham Southern, which closed due to financial issues — we maintain sustainable growth through cash funding and no debt. Our educational approach prepares students for the future, not just the present, by addressing complex challenges.

Our focus is on planting seeds of greatness in the minds, hearts, and souls of our students, ensuring they mature into responsible citizens. We emphasize the importance of making a meaningful impact in the world, fostering unity, and solving complex problems, rather than just achieving fame or accumulating wealth. We encourage our students to understand not just the “What?” but the “So what?” and then “What now?” This approach fosters a growth mindset, which is crucial for their development and success.

This philosophy has significantly contributed to our growing brand and reputation, as evidenced by nearly 30,000 applications for our undergraduate and graduate programs this year. We only intended to enroll 1,500 freshmen but exceeded that number. High Point University is becoming known not just for its exceptional education but also for its inspiring environment, which is essential for learning and personal growth.

We aim to be a sustainable institution that adapts to student needs in learning, maturation, and development. We support our students’ diverse aspirations, from business to teaching, reflecting our commitment to the American dream. We strive to create an environment that fosters personal success and societal contribution.