Nido Qubein

Below is a detailed, SEO-optimized biography of Nido R. Qubein, including his life, work, and notable quotes with citations.

Nido Qubein – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the inspiring journey of Nido R. Qubein: immigrant-entrepreneur, motivational speaker, university president, and author. Explore his biography, principles, and wisdom from his famous quotes.

Introduction

Nido R. Qubein is a Lebanese-American entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and the president of High Point University. He is widely respected for turning personal adversity into fuel for growth, and for his leadership in business, education, and speaking. His life story—arriving in the U.S. with $50 and limited English—resonates deeply with those striving for success and significance.

Early Life and Background

Nidal (Nido) R. Qubein was born on August 21, 1948 in Jordan to a Lebanese mother and a Jordanian father; he is the youngest of five children.

His father passed away when Qubein was six years old. He was largely raised by his mother, a seamstress, who instilled the values of discipline, perseverance, and education.

Qubein was educated at St. George’s School, Jerusalem before immigrating to the United States in 1966 at age 17. At that time, he had very limited English skills and only $50 in his pocket.

Upon arrival to the U.S., he enrolled in Mount Olive College (associates degree) and later transferred to High Point University, graduating in 1970. He then earned a Master of Science in Business Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1973.

Education & Early Career

As a young immigrant, Qubein began publishing a newsletter targeting Christian youth, called Adventures with Youth, and gradually moved into speaking, consulting, and business ventures.

Over time, he gained renown as a leadership speaker, giving more than 7,500 presentations worldwide.

In parallel, Qubein became active in business: he served as executive chairman of Great Harvest Bread Company, which has hundreds of stores across the U.S.

He has also sat on the boards of several Fortune 500 companies such as Truist, La-Z-Boy, and nThrive.

Presidency at High Point University & Impact

In January 2005, Qubein became the seventh president of his alma mater, High Point University (HPU).

Under his leadership:

• Enrollment grew tremendously (quadrupled)

• The campus expanded from ~90 acres to over 500 acres and the number of academic schools increased from three to fourteen.

• Net assets, fundraising, and giving soared, with hundreds of millions of dollars in philanthropic investment.

• Academic, infrastructure, and student retention metrics improved significantly.

Qubein also teaches a freshman life skills seminar called “The President’s Seminar on Life Skills,” imparting habits, values, and practical intelligence to new students.

He emphasizes a values-based, holistic education and experiential learning, preparing students to thrive in a dynamic world.

Honors & Recognition

Over his career, Qubein has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions:

• Inducted into the Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans (alongside figures like Oprah Winfrey and Colin Powell).

• Awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations.

• Golden Gavel from Toastmasters International and membership in the International Speakers Hall of Fame.

• Order of the Long Leaf Pine (North Carolina civic honor) and others such as DAR Americanism Award, “Citizen of the Year” and “Philanthropist of the Year” in High Point.

• He also holds Distinguished Alumnus awards from institutions like High Point University, Mount Olive College, and UNC Greensboro.

Philosophy, Legacy & Influence

• Qubein’s life is often presented as a model of immigrant success, turning adversity into opportunity.

• His leadership at HPU is often cited as a case study of transformative university management in higher education.

• He blends business principles with educational vision, treating the university not just as a campus but as a growth vehicle for student potential and community revitalization.

• His global speaking, consulting, and writing extend his influence beyond academia into leadership development, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation.

Selected Famous Quotes of Nido Qubein

Here are some of his well-known and frequently cited quotes:

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.”

“The price of discipline is always less than the pain of regret.”

“Success doesn’t come to you; you must go to it. The trail is well traveled. If you want to walk it, you can.”

“A decision is made with the brain. A commitment is made with the heart. Therefore, a commitment is much deeper and more binding than a decision.”

“When a goal matters enough to a person, that person will find a way to accomplish what at first seemed impossible.”

“Change brings opportunity.”

“Material success may result in the accumulation of possessions: but only spiritual success will enable you to enjoy them.”

“The time is now, the person is you.”

“Motivation without mobilization means only frustration.”

These quotes reflect his emphasis on action, vision, responsibility, and inner discipline.