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 and in 2007 to the doctoral degree level. Today, more than 4,000 students are enrolled at the university and choose from 135 undergraduate programs and several pre-professional programs, from 24 master's degree programs in 41 areas of study such as accountancy, biblical studies, business administration, civic leadership, conflict management, counseling, computing and technology, education and exercise and nutrition.
In 2006, Lipscomb University announced it would establish the first College of Pharmacy in Middle Tennessee. In 2012, the college graduated its first class of 71 pharmacists, becoming the university's first doctoral level program. Doctoral degrees are also offered in education and Bible.
All of Lipscomb’s academic programs are accredited by their respective educational organizations. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Lipscomb University. 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 is a full member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. A vital part of the Lipscomb University system is Lipscomb Academy, which annually educates nearly 1,500 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in a college-preparatory curriculum.
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