About Lipscomb
Brief History of Lipscomb University
Lipscomb University was established in 1891 by David Lipscomb and James A. Harding. Growing from their own educational experiences, both men believed that a regular study of the Bible was foundational to any course of study. Since that time, the university -- first as the Nashville Bible School, then David Lipscomb College, now Lipscomb University -- has taught Bible classes daily for all full-time students. But neither man intended the university to be a seminary. Rather, "We aspire to stand in the front ranks of the great educational institutions of the world," Harding declared. By adding a medical doctor to teach the sciences in only its second year, Lipscomb University began a heritage of academic excellence that has grown with each passing year.
Their founding concept continues to be reflected in the university mission today: to integrate Christian faith and practice with academic excellence. This mission is carried out not only in the classroom but also by involvement in numerous services to the church and the larger community. Lipscomb served as a junior college until graduating its first senior college class in 1948. The institution received its first accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1954. In 1988, that organization's Commission on Colleges advanced Lipscomb's accreditation to the master's degree level. Today, approximately 2,600 students are enrolled at the university and choose from 80 undergraduate major and several pre-professional programs, or from master's degree programs in accountancy, biblical studies, business administration, conflict management, counseling and education. In 2006, Lipscomb University announced to would establish the first College of Pharmacy in Middle Tennessee. This would become the university's first doctoral level program.
Undergraduate programs of the College of Business are accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. The Graduate Bible Program is an associate member of the Association of Theological Schools. Lipscomb's professional chemistry major is on the approved list of the American Chemical Society. The Computer Engineering and Engineering Mechanics programs in the Raymond B. Jones School of Engineering are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The didactic program in dietetics is approved by the American Dietetics Association. The dietetics internship program holds developmental accreditation from the ADA’s Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. The department of education and the Teacher Education Program are accredited by the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The department of music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The institution is associated with the churches of Christ.
Lipscomb is a member of NCAA Division I in athletics and fields men's intercollegiate teams in cross country, tennis, soccer, golf, baseball and basketball. Women's intercollegiate teams are offered in cross-country, volleyball, tennis, soccer, golf, basketball, and softball. Lipscomb became a full member of the Atlantic Sun Conference in fall 2003. A vital part of the Lipscomb University system is David Lipscomb Campus School, which annually educates nearly 1,500 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in a college-preparatory curriculum.
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