Matt Nordgren speaks to students about Leadership Foundation, a charity he founded to help children develop character and strength through sports and educational programs Wednesday. (Kathleen Strauss/The Daily Campus)

“To whom much is given, much is expected.” Civic leaders and activists have conveyed this renowned Bible verse for years in order to inspire an audience.

After a special guest speaker spoke to a room full of SMU’s LEAD organization members in Hughes-Trigg on Wednesday afternoon, many students realized that not all recognized leaders come in the form of Mother Teresa or the President of the United States. For instance, some community leaders may be young football-playing, reality star-status bachelors in Dallas.

Meet Matt Nordgren. Not only did Nordgren lead the University of Texas Longhorns to a national championship in 2005 as the team’s backup quarterback, but Bravo channel fans have probably seen the local socialite on the hit reality show “Most Eligible Dallas.”

When Nordgren observed the small room filled with an intimate audience, the speaker threw his notes to the side and turned the lecture into a Q&A, welcoming questions regarding everything from his charity work to his on-screen love life.

“Sometimes you have to take a risk,” Nordgren said as he provided a stream of tips and pointers for the future student leaders. “Just follow your heart.”