A Brush with Greatness: Capturing the Spirit of High Point University
Opportunity rarely arrives with trumpets blaring. More often, it shows up quietly — in a single conversation, a passing comment, a question that catches you off guard and invites you to dream a little bigger.
Last September, during a conversation about growth and future possibilities, I sat across from one of the most visionary leaders I know — Dr. Nido Qubein, President of High Point University. Toward the end of our discussion, he leaned in and asked:
"Would you consider capturing the extraordinary story of High Point University with your art?"
That simple, sincere question was a powerful reminder:
Opportunities are everywhere — if we're willing to see them and say yes.
Trusting a Bigger Vision
When we step into someone else's vision — whether it's a university, a company, or a movement — we have the chance to amplify greatness beyond ourselves.
Dr. Qubein’s transformation of High Point University is proof of what happens when leadership is paired with bold imagination. Through this project, I was invited not just to paint illustrious buildings, but to capture the spirit of resilience, innovation, and excellence that HPU instills in every student.
Each of us, in our own fields, has the ability to bring someone else's vision to life — and in doing so, grow our own impact.
Building Dreams, One Step at a Time
Big visions don't take shape overnight. Each week, I create one or two field studies — early sketches, small steps toward the larger goal. It’s a process of exploration, collaboration, and trust.
Whether you're building a career, a company, or a creative project, the lesson is the same: Start small. Work faithfully. Invite feedback. Keep building.
Momentum isn’t magic — it's simply the result of showing up, again and again, for the dream.
Learning from Leaders Who Inspire
One of the greatest privileges in any journey is the chance to collaborate with leaders who lift others higher. Working alongside Dr. Qubein and Senior Vice President Roger Clodfelter has reinforced a powerful truth: When leadership and creativity align, extraordinary things happen. Surround yourself with people who encourage your best work, who see not just what you are — but what you can become.
The Invitation to Chase Something Extraordinary
At its heart, this journey isn’t just about painting High Point University. It’s about honoring the belief that we are all capable of more than we imagine.
"When you change a person's belief about themselves, you change their future." — Dr. Nido Qubein
Whatever your field, whatever your calling — opportunities to do something extraordinary are closer than you think. Sometimes they come as a loud announcement. More often, they come as a simple question, quietly inviting you to say yes.
👉 If you'd like to hear more about the power of pursuing extraordinary opportunities, I invite you to watch my PBS interview with Dr. Nido Qubein on Side by Side. 🎥 Watch it here.
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