Office Hours with John Gardner
We are searching for big ideas that inspire hope and action in higher education around institutional transformation and innovation to advance student success and more equitable student outcomes. Joining John Gardner are higher education leaders and other relevant persons of interest who will discuss innovation and strategies that improve higher education.The Gardner Institute, a 24-year-old non-profit, has been at the forefront of innovation in higher education; our mission very clearly connects us to the broader societal efforts to increase social justice.The Gardner Institute connects with thousands of professionals in the higher education ecosystem; through a wide array of activities such as Transformative Conversations, the Teaching and Learning Academy, and the Socially Just Design Series, and through our work as an Intermediary for Scale supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. As a leader in the student success movement in higher education, we strive to provide support for institutions interested in social justice and institutional transformation.
Office Hours with John Gardner
Nido Qubein- Applying a Business Perspective
Dr. Nido Qubein serves as the president of High Point University where, even in the middle of the Great Recession, he increased enrollment by 261%, grew net assets from $56M to almost a billion dollars, created 10 new academic schools – most recently adding the Workman School of Dental Medicine, and attracted $500 million in philanthropic investments. His family is among the institution’s most generous donors. Qubein has led HPU’s total enrollment this year to a record-breaking 6,040 students this year, HPU’s largest ever enrollment.
He came to the United States as a teenager with limited knowledge of English and only $50 before going on to build business partnerships in banking, real estate, publishing, and retail businesses.
Prior to his role as HPU president, Dr. Qubein rose to prominence as an internationally known author and consultant who has given more than 7,500 presentations worldwide.
He serves on the corporate boards of several Fortune 500 companies including Truist, the 6th largest bank in the nation, La-Z-boy, and Savista. Qubein is also executive chairman of the Great Harvest Bread Company.
As a member of the Piedmont Triad Partnership executive committee, Qubein participates in discussions regarding industry recruitment and job-creation among many other important regional topics all tied Piedmont Triad economic growth. Additionally, President Qubein has previously chaired the Economic Development Corporation in High Point and the High Point Chamber of Commerce.
He is inducted into the Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans, along with Oprah Winfrey and Colin Powell. He is also the recipient of the DAR Americanism Award and, along with four U.S. presidents, the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Dr. Qubein has also been recognized as both the Citizen of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year in his home city of High Point. Most recently, he was named the Honorary Chairman for the internationally recognized PGA Wyndham Championship.
