HPU President Nido Qubein Records 100th Episode of “Side by Side” for PBS North Carolina
HIGH POINT, N.C., Jan. 13, 2025 – High Point University President Nido Qubein reached a TV milestone on Jan. 8 when he recorded the 100th episode of “Side by Side with Nido Qubein,” the weekly broadcast series that he hosts for PBS North Carolina, featuring the Rev. Franklin Graham.
“Side by Side with Nido Qubein” invites global leaders in a wide variety of fields for an introspective conversation with Qubein. The first episode of the series premiered on PBS NC on Oct. 5, 2021.
Since the show’s premiere, Qubein has interviewed innovators and thought leaders whose influence and impact are felt throughout the state of North Carolina and beyond. His guests have included Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, Netflix Co-Founder Marc Randolph, Biscuitville CEO Kathie Niven and retired University of North Carolina men’s basketball coach Roy Williams, among dozens of other intriguing personalities.
“When you take the time to get to know someone, something extraordinary happens,” Qubein said. “You learn what inspires them, excites them and gives them a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Being a part of this series for the past four years has allowed me to have inspiring conversations with global leaders from all walks of life.”
As the 100th guest of the show, Rev. Graham sat down with Qubein to discuss his life as the eldest son of American evangelist Billy Graham and his work as the president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Graham, who was born in Asheville, North Carolina, and lives in Boone, shared during the recording what it was like to see the destruction in western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. He also spoke about being involved in the hurricane relief efforts through Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational Christian organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to people in need around the world.
Afterward, the production team celebrated the 100th episode and the show’s continued success with a cake in the shape of “100.” The episode will air on PBS NC in the coming months, with an airdate to be announced in the near future. New episodes air every Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST throughout North Carolina and neighboring states.
“PBS North Carolina has had a long and fruitful relationship with Dr. Qubein and his talented team at High Point University,” said Will Mikes, the producer of “Side by Side with Nido Qubein.” “Through an amazing partnership, our network has shared Dr. Qubein’s inspiring conversations with fascinating people from many walks of life with viewers across North Carolina. We congratulate Dr. Qubein on this amazing milestone and look forward to collaborating on future episodes.”
As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services.