Fundamental to our mission is respect for all persons and the diversity they bring to our community.
Lipscomb University promotes diversity and inclusion through academic inquiry, student life and programs and opportunities that reflect our foundational beliefs in the dignity of and respect for all women and men.
As a Christian liberal arts institution, Lipscomb integrates Christian faith and practice with academic excellence, a mission carried out in the classroom and by involvement in numerous services to the church and the larger community. This means we foster critical thinking alongside respect for others, service alongside learning, and compassion alongside competency and innovation. In all these areas, we are committed to following Christ in his call to love others across differences of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, age and other distinctions.
Only with a diverse set of people, backgrounds, experiences and ideas can we be a place that pursues and champions innovation, develops global citizens, leads with integrity, and serves communities with compassion and care.
By fostering inclusivity and welcoming the skills and talents of a diverse population, Lipscomb seeks to be a place where new ideas can flourish and the exploration of innovative solutions to complex problems can thrive.
This is an ongoing dialog within our community and this reference page with information and resources about this vital aspect of our community will be updated often with more initiatives and resources.
Latest Diversity News Spring 2022 Diversity Newsletter
Diversity Leadership
Meet the leaders who are striving to build a culture of diversity, equity and belonging at Lipscomb University.
This group of eleven individuals from among the university leadership and faculty will look at current policies and procedures with respect to faculty/staff hiring, promotion, tenure and student policies impacted by diversity.
- Dr. Candice McQueen (Chair), President
- Dr. William Lofton Turner (Chair), Distinguished Professor and Special Counsel to the President for Diversity, Equity and Belonging
- Dr. Leonard Allen, Dean of the College of Bible and Ministry
- Dr. Prentice Ashford, Dean of Community Life
- Dr. Craig Bledsoe, Distinguished Professor and Provost Emeritus
- Dr. David Holmes, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Dr. Richard Hughes, Scholar in Residence in the Center for Christianity & Scholarship
- Dr. Florah Mhlanga, Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Dr. Scott Sager, Vice President for Spiritual Life and Church Services
- Dr. Jennifer Shewmaker, Provost
- David Wilson (ex officio), General Counsel
The Respect Leads Council is in a year of restructuring. Having added several new members it is focused on being attentive to the Lipscomb community and serving as the research arm for the task force and university leaders.
- Dr. William Lofton Turner (Chair), Distinguished Professor and Special Counsel to the President for Diversity, Equity and Belonging
- Dr. Prentice Ashford (Co-Chair), Dean of Community Life
- Beki Baker, Chair of the Theatre Department
- Bethy Butler, Adjunct Faculty in English
- Rebecca Clark, Chair of the Social Work Program
- Dr. Kirsten Dodson, Assistant Professor of Engineering
- Dr. David Fleer, Professor of Bible and Director of the Christian Scholars’ Conference
- Dr. Chris Gonzalez, Director of Marriage and Family Therapy
- Julie Harston, Director of Library Services
- Dr. David Holmes, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Dr. Richard Hughes, Scholar in Residence in the Center for Christianity & Scholarship
- Dr. Cori Mathis, Director of the LIGHT Program and the Writing Studio
- Liz McKell, President of Student Government Association
- Dr. Florah Mhlanga, Senior Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Dr. Kam Nola, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the College of Pharmacy
- Dr. Lauren Pinkston, Assistant Professor of Business as Mission
- Dr. Douglas Ribeiro, Chair of Psychology, Counseling and Family Science
- Julie Simone, Instructor of Education
- Dr. Michelle Steele, Associate Dean of Academics of the College of Leadership & Public Service
- Candace Williams, Director of the Office of Intercultural Development
- Dr. DeAndrea Witherspoon Nash, Assistant Professor of Psychology
- Dr. Rebecca Zanolini, Director of Global Learning
Diversity Timeline
Let us not assume for one moment that our work is done, the struggle for equal justice continues.
— Fred D. Gray
