Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Mia Spies; Class of 2027
Hometown: Oak Island, North Carolina
Major: Religion; minor in Music
Internship plans: Mia will begin her Ministry Internship with First United Methodist Church (First UMC) in High Point, North Carolina. As a ministry intern, Mia will assist the church leaders with various aspects of ministry, including planning and reading liturgy for the worship services, leading musical worship and engaging with the congregation. Additionally, Mia will often help with administrative tasks, youth group and congregational care while gaining hands-on experience and spiritual development.
How HPU helped you get there: “Vice President and Minister to the University, Reverend Dr. Preston Davis helped connect me with staff at First UMC, which has led to unimaginable opportunities in the ministry world! ”
How you used the Office of Career and Professional Development: “I have used the Career and Professional Development Office for help on my resume, and it was beyond helpful! I had one-on-one sessions with Career Advisor, Samantha Gates Reese, who helped edit and refine my resume so that I was more marketable and ready for my future internship applications!”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “The most impactful mentor at HPU has been Reverend Dr. Robert Moses, who is an Associate Professor of Religion. Dr. Moses pushes students to be prepared for the world ahead. Whether that be Graduate or Doctoral School, future internships and jobs or ministry. He provides critical thinking skills that are so crucial in today’s world. Dr. Moses uses current world events to explore how the Bible and its teachings are applicable in today’s society. Not only is Dr. Moses an incredible professor, but he is also an incredible person. Dr. Moses volunteers regularly at Open Door with students in his “Biblical Justice: Experiential Learning Course”. He is a devoted father of two, who balances education, fatherhood and spirituality. He is the kind of professor that all students should take, as he will grow your mind in knowledge, your heart with compassion and your faith with conviction.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “The most impactful moment at HPU happened during the 2025 Spring Family Weekend Chapel service. I was leading musical worship for the congregation, singing “I Thank God” by Elevation Worship. After I finished, it was time for passing of the peace, in which members of the congregation have a chance to share the peace and love of Jesus Christ. As I was stepping off stage, President Qubein came over to me. He told me that he was so proud of me, and that he hoped that I was going into music ministry post-graduation. It was a moment that lasted all but 10 seconds, but it meant more to me than anything else that had been said that service. Dr. Qubein could have gone to anyone in that room and made conversations with the dozens of families that were waiting to shake his hand. However, he chose to come over and recognize something in me. God is working and moving in the Hayworth Chapel every week and to be told that your hard work and passion for your career is paying off, means the world to me, especially by the President of the University. God has a funny way of putting the right people in your life, exactly when you need them. That is exactly what this university is all about: connecting the right people at the right time. This connection gave me the opportunity to sing the hymn “How Great Thou Art” for the 2025 Arbor Day Celebration arranged by Mrs. Qubein.
HPU is constantly connecting students with the people who will transform them and take them to the next level. I am so grateful for the staff at HPU, who have given me countless opportunities to excel in my field. And to President Qubein, your words have great meaning, and I’m so grateful that you chose to share them with me.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “The life skill that has most prepared me for this internship that I learned at HPU is emotional intelligence! I am often working with individuals who are impoverished, unhoused, elderly, children or marginalized individuals, and it takes a certain kind of compassion and empathy to help these communities. In President Qubein’s “President’s Seminar”, we learned how to effectively communicate and control our emotions so that they are helpful, and not detrimental to our work. In my job, I work with some wonderful people who are on hospice (end of life care), and it is very helpful to be compassionate, yet in control of my emotions, as that is very emotional work.”
Advice for underclassmen: “I have not graduated yet, but the biggest takeaway that I have seen from my brother, who is an HPU graduate, is that you need to take advantage of every opportunity you are given. The world is constantly changing and evolving, and you need to adapt with it.”
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