HIGH POINT, N.C., Jan. 6, 2006 – Businessman, consultant, speaker, philanthropist and High Point University President Nido Qubein will soon don yet another hat -- professor. Qubein will teach a "Life Skills" class, which will be a requirement to graduate from High Point University, to give students a thorough understanding of how to successfully operate in the real world before they step into it.

"Most colleges already do an admirable job of teaching young people how to think critically," says Qubein. "That is the purpose of higher education. The thought process has traditionally been: 'Immerse them in theories and ideas and when they get that first job they'll learn practical applications.' But the pace of business has increased exponentially and few companies have time to nurture fledgling employees. They want graduates to come in knowing how the business world works -- and that's the need we're trying to meet at HPU."

Qubein's class will cover such topics as leadership fundamentals, fiscal literacy, stewardship, communication skills, time management, and the rules of business etiquette. It's an effort to bridge the gap between the hallowed halls of academia and the no-nonsense corridors of corporate America.

"The content of this course might seem like common sense to anyone who has worked in a professional setting," says Qubein. "But to most students, it's uncharted territory. Sending a young person with no life skills training into the workplace is a little like air dropping someone who speaks only English into, say, Russia. I want to familiarize them with the language and culture before they strap on the parachute and jump out of the plane."

The response to his course has been overwhelming; while voluntary this semester, 180 students are enrolled. Next fall, when the class will become a requirement, Qubein expects 500 students to sign up. Students are, of course, thrilled at the chance to learn firsthand from a highly successful business veteran who holds many national awards and honors. And Qubein insists he will gain just as much from the experience.

"I am truly looking forward to standing in front of these young people and teaching them about the business world," he says. "I've read books and I've written books. I love books. But there are things you learn by reading and there are things you learn by doing. I want to share what I've done out there in the trenches, help them prepare for their futures, help provide businesses with good employees, and help build a model other schools can follow. It's a win-win-win, and I'm grateful to be a part of it all."

High Point University offers students an extraordinary education in a fun environment with caring people. HPU is a liberal arts institution with approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 52 countries and 36 states at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by U.S. News and World Report 12th among comprehensive universities in the South and in the top 100 nationally. The university offers 45 undergraduate majors and five graduate-degree programs. It is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference.