Lipscomb University
 

Lipscomb University's global learning opportunities are on six of the seven continents and in more than 15 countries!

We seek to provide students with opportunities to develop a global, biblical perspective and understanding through distinct curricular and co-curricular experiences.  We hope studying abroad will better equip our students to reflect Christ to others.

Lipscomb University Global Learning Distinctives

  • Experiential learning in the center of another culture with guided preparation and reflection.

  • Integration of faith and learning with activities designed to help you develop in spirit, in knowledge, and in maturity.

  • Diverse opportunities from which to choose ~ short-term courses that focus on a specific discipline, mid-length language immersion or semester-long study.

Michael Winegeart, M.I.B.S.
Director

The Office of Global Learning is pleased to welcome Michael Winegeart as the new Director of Global Learning effective June 1, 2012. 

Mike comes to Lipscomb from Abilene Christian University with innovative academic global program development accomplishments, global market development experience, and designations as an award-winning teacher. At ACU, Mike served as the Director of Global Initiatives & Experiential Learning and Assistant Professor of International Business in the College of Business Administration (COBA). In his role as Director of Global Initiatives & Experiential Learning, Mike developed, branded and implemented programs for COBA, including the Leadership Summit, the LEAD honors program, the Global Apprentice consulting program, distinguished Speaker Series program, the Global Ambassador program, and numerous academic travel courses. 

Prior to joining higher education, Mike worked in marketing and product development for several international companies, including Eastman Kodak, Foster Grant Sunglasses, Fred Jones of Europe, Abbott International, and Schering-Plough Corporation. During this international work experience Mike lived in Germany for four years. 

Mike was born and raised in Germany as his parents were missionaries in the cities of Frankfurt and Karlsruhe.  He has been married to Nancy for 27 years and they have 4 children:  Caitlin (23), Global Auditor for Walmart in Bentonville, AR;  Lindsey (23), Customer Service Liaison for Schubert Packaging in Dallas, TX; Karsten (20), Junior at LeTourneau University in Longview, TX; and Austin (18), Freshman at Lipscomb University. Mike earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from ACU and a Master of International Business Studies from the University of South Carolina.

Melissa R. Swann
Site Director, Vienna

Melissa Swann joined the Office of Global Learning in 2009 as site director for the Vienna program. She also coordinates logistics for various travel courses offered by Lipscomb departments. Prior to coming to Lipscomb, she served the U.S. Navy for five years as an aircrewman, avionics technician and training department administrator. Swann earned a BA in German at Lipscomb. She is married to Jaren Swann and claims St. Charles, MO, as her hometown. Swann grew up in a bilingual home speaking German and English, and has lived in Germany, Austria, Japan and Bahrain for various periods of time.  She has also enjoyed traveling to Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Holland, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Wake Island.  Germany and Austria have a special place in her heart, but Swann feels blessed by all of her experiences abroad.  Swann can be reached by e-mail at melissa.swann@lipscomb.edu.

Linda Benthall Zelnik
Site Director, Santiago

Linda Zelnik joined the Office of Global Learning staff in 2010 as site director for the new Santiago, Chile, program. In addition, she coordinates logistics for various travel courses offered by Lipscomb departments. Prior to joining the Lipscomb staff, Zelnik was culture and international trade manager at Advent in Nashville. Zelnik’s other professional experience includes teaching English in China for four years, program management for Shiloh Ministries in New York City and cross-cultural marketing for CNA Life. She earned a BBA in international business from Harding University. Zelnik speaks Mandarin and Spanish and has spent time working with mission efforts in several countries and presently holds a board position with The Living Water Project. She recently married Ian Zelnik and grew up in Maumelle, Ark. Zelnik feels blessed to have spent varying amounts of time in Argentina, Austria, Burma, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Laos, Mexico, Thailand, Venezuela and Vietnam. It is hard for her to pick a favorite but considers a run, hike or sipping tea with locals and fellow travelers the best way to experience God’s creation. She may be reached by e-mail at linda.zelnik@lipscomb.edu.

Lipscomb University Office of Global Learning
One University Park Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37204
global.learning@lipscomb.edu | 615-966-2100 | Lower Level of Johnson Hall