Spark-Lipscomb's Idea Center celebrates grand opening

Kim Chaudoin | 

Spark-Lipscomb’s Idea Center, celebrated its grand opening with the help of Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Williamson County Schools Director Mike Looney, Williamson County Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Brad Dunn and Lipscomb University President L. Randolph Lowry on Thursday, Nov. 8.

The 6,400-square-foot Spark is Lipscomb University’s first university-operated off-campus facility, now open in the Cool Springs area in Williamson County.

“We are passionate about ideas here at Spark,” John Lowry, executive director of Spark, told the crowd of Williamson County leaders and Lipscomb University officials. “We want this to be a place where people can come and share good ideas. We love to have the opportunity to serve the Williamson County community in this space.”

Blackburn said she is excited that Williamson County has such an innovative facility.

“What an incredible facility,” she said. “I am thrilled that this is available to the citizens of Williamson County. Seeking to do something more effectively and efficiently drives entrepreneurs. Having this center to help spark new ideas is great. We thank you for opening the doors for the opportunities for our citizens.”

Williamson County Schools officials have already used the facility and have been impressed.

“The level of professionalism and service has been incredible. In education, we are looking for innovative ways to partner with businesses and universities to prepare our students,” said Looney. “We are thankful to have Lipscomb University as a partner. I believe this setting is the frontier as we think about delivering adult education and we are thrilled to be on that cutting-edge with you.”

Dunn, said Spark brings collaboration between business and education.

“Education is a priority in Williamson County. At Spark, we see a crossroads of business and education. Together they are finding new ideas for the delivery of education,” he said. “At Spark they have not only met the customers’ needs, but have exceeded them. Spark is a great partner for us.”

Spark is quickly becoming a destination for corporate meetings because of the flexibility of its meeting space, the technology, custom-branding capability and customer service, among other features. Recently, the Williamson County Chamber opted to move its monthly board meetings to Spark and other partnerships are in the works.

The facility is designed to create an environment for innovative ideas in learning, business, faith and the community. A technology-rich facility, Spark offers flexible space and innovative delivery systems for corporations and community organizations in the area who are looking for a meeting venue that encourages fresh thinking as well as for Lipscomb graduate, executive education and certificate students.

President L. Randolph Lowry joined the celebration via the new technology as he brought greetings remotely while travelling.

“Thank you for coming and experiencing this with us,” he told the crowd. “Part of our future is how we deliver our product. We want to be a good citizen of Williamson County. We want to be servants in this community. We are here to serve and make it a wonderful place to be.”

Also, in just its first few weeks of operation, Spark is nearly at capacity for its academic programming. This fall, more than 76 students are enrolled across five academic programs, including graduate programs in business, information technology management, information security and marriage and family therapy in addition to a certificate program in behavioral studies in education.

For more information visit spark.lipscomb.edu.