Dynamic. Relevant. Inspiring. PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference keynote speakers address key issues impacting public education and your role as a school leader. Learn from the research and experiences of these top experts.
Click on the photos below for details on each speaker.
President of High Point University
Dr. Nido R. Qubein is the president of High Point University (HPU). During his tenure, he has implemented dozens of strategic growth accomplishments, resulting in a 261% increase in enrollment and growth in net assets to almost $1 billion.
Prior to his role as HPU president, Dr. Qubein rose to prominence as an internationally known author and consultant who has given more than 7,500 presentations worldwide. He serves on the corporate boards of several Fortune 500 companies and is executive chair of the Great Harvest Bread Company.
Dr. Qubein came to the United States as a teenager with limited knowledge of English and only $50 in his pocket, before going on to build business partnerships in banking, real estate, publishing and retail businesses. His inspiring life story is one filled with adversity and abundance. It is through the lens of his life accomplishments that one appreciates his current role as an educator, philanthropist and passionate advocate for the development of our future leaders.
He was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans, along with Oprah Winfrey and Colin Powell. He is also the recipient of the DAR Americanism Award and, along with four U.S. presidents, the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Montel Williams is an Emmy Award–winning television host, decorated military veteran,
author, entrepreneur and global advocate whose career has been defined by service, storytelling and impact. For more than 17 years, he was a trusted presence in millions of American homes as the host of The Montel Williams Show, earning widespread recognition for his thoughtful, solutions-driven approach to complex human issues.
Before his career in media, Williams served 22 years in the United States Marine Corps and
Navy, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate with a degree in general engineering and a minor in international security affairs, he received numerous military honors, including two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals and two Navy Achievement Medals.
Williams’ commitment to service extends far beyond his military career. He is a passionate
advocate for veterans, patients and underserved communities, and has dedicated decades to philanthropic leadership. He currently serves on the boards of the Fisher House Foundation, the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases and RTM Global, supporting initiatives that advance care, innovation and quality of life.
Today, Williams continues to connect with audiences as the host of Military Makeover with
Montel on Lifetime, a series devoted to transforming the homes — and lives — of military families across the country.
A prolific author, Williams has written multiple books, including several New York Times
bestsellers. His latest work, The Sailing of the Intrepid, was published in May 2025 by Hanover Square Press, further expanding his body of work into military history.
Williams also reaches a global audience through his two podcasts. Across both platforms, he continues his mission to inform, challenge and inspire.
In addition to his work in media and advocacy, Williams has appeared in television series
including The Resident, All My Children and Guiding Light, earning a NAACP Image Award
nomination for his performances.
Across every chapter of his career, Montel Williams remains driven by a singular purpose: to elevate conversations, empower individuals and create meaningful change.