Inspiring Change: Nok Thatvihane's Dedication to Paying It Forward

NOK THATVIHANE, a graduate of Harding Fine Arts Academy’s class of 2009, currently serves on the School Board of Directors and is a Founding Board Member of the Harding Alumni Association where he currently serves as Treasurer. Nok speaks candidly about his time at Harding, stating that “I was not a very good student and had gone through five different high schools before ending up at Harding.”

After experiencing many adversities the average high school student wouldn’t face, including homelessness, Mrs. Peterson (one of his teachers at the time) helped him find stable housing, clothes, and other resources, and introduced him to a temporary employment agency, resulting in his first banking job at 17 years old. “And from there I fell in love with it! I owe all my knowledge and success to Harding. It’s a place where the faculty actually care about the students, and I can’t stress that enough.”

Nok’s fondest memory of his time at HFAA is of him playing in the orchestra program. At the time, the program had only three students which allowed him to receive in-depth teaching and individualized attention. Nok was also a member of the basketball team. There he developed strong bonds with his teammates. Many of them are still friends today.

I try to be intentional about loving people every day, whether it’s through a kind word or a gesture, or just by being present and listening to them. It only takes one person to change a student’s life. In retrospect, someone did that for me. It just took one person and look where I’m at now! - Nok Thatvihane

Nok believes that Harding’s arts-integrated curriculum has played an important role in his banking career by providing him with a wellrounded education that fostered creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. These skills are invaluable in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, where success often depends on adaptability and innovation. The arts are a powerful means of self-expression, allowing students like Nok to explore their emotions, thoughts, and perspectives in a safe and supportive environment. For Nok, this was particularly important, as it enabled him to find his voice and develop his unique vision. Ultimately, the arts-integrated education offered at HFAA not only prepared Nok for success academically but also equipped him with the skills and confidence to pursue a fulfilling career in banking. Since graduating, Nok has been slowly climbing the corporate banking ladder where he now works as Vice President and Treasury Management Officer at First Bank & Trust Co.

Nok’s experiences at Harding Fine Arts Academy have had a profound impact on his personal and professional life. His struggles and challenges have helped shape him into the successful and compassionate person he is today, and he remains grateful for the faculty who cared enough to challenge him and make a difference in his life.