High Point University President Nido Qubein will headline the Chancellor’s Dare to Learn Lecture on April 6 at 7 p.m. in the Burney Center, according to a March 18 announcement. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Qubein is recognized as one of North Carolina’s most influential higher education leaders. His appearance at this year’s signature campus lecture aims to bring a respected voice and compelling life story to the university community.
Qubein has served as president of High Point University since 2005, making him the longest-serving university president in North Carolina. During his tenure, he led significant growth at the institution, including a 322% increase in enrollment, an expansion of faculty from 108 to 502 members, and more than $3 billion invested in new or renovated campus buildings. High Point University also became a doctoral-granting institution and invested heavily in technology during his leadership.
Chancellor Aswani K. Volety said, “Nido Qubein’s extraordinary leadership journey and his long-standing contributions to North Carolina make him an exceptional voice for our Seahawk community to hear. We look forward to welcoming him to UNCW for a meaningful evening of insight and inspiration.”
Beyond higher education, Qubein has held leadership roles with organizations such as YMCA of the USA, United Way of Greater High Point, and several corporations including Truist (formerly BB&T), Great Harvest Bread Company, La-Z-Boy Corporation, and Savista. Raised by a single mother in the Middle East after losing his father at age six, he immigrated to the United States as a teenager and supported himself through college before earning degrees from Mount Olive College, High Point University, and graduate studies at UNC Greensboro.
The Chancellor’s Dare to Learn Lecture Series brings leaders from various fields who encourage exploration of diverse perspectives. Past speakers include former NASA astronaut Capt. Scott Kelly; Aldona Woś; political strategists Donna Brazile and Karl Rove; and former Vice President Mike Pence.
