Scholars Programs

Lipscomb offers competitive Scholars Programs that allow academically engaged students to dig deeper and get the most from a business, biology, engineering or leadership degree.

Scholars Programs

The College of Business Swang Scholars Program is for students interested in pursuing a major in accounting, data analytics, data science, entrepreneurship, finance, management or marketing.
The Lipscomb Biology Scholars Program is for students interested in pursuing a major within the Department of Biology.
The Raymond B. Jones Engineering Scholars Program is for students interested in pursuing a major in civil, mechanical, electrical, computer or software engineering, computer science, cybersecurity or information technology.
The Presidential Leadership Scholars Program is for students in any major who want to maximize their leadership potential. The program is designed for students who have demonstrated a commitment to their academic pursuits and have excelled in high school leadership opportunities, church involvement, work experience and community engagement.

Learning Opportunities

Through each of Lipscomb's Scholars Programs, you will have exceptional learning opportunities such as:

Professional Development. Engage with accomplished leaders across Nashville in your specific academic interest to gain hands-on industry experience and grow professionally. These opportunities will enable you to connect with the local community, build your postgraduate résumé and open doors for internships and career development.
Mentorship Opportunities. Many of our Scholars Programs are led by College Deans, Executive Leadership, and the President's Office. These mentorships will shape your Lipscomb experience and open up unique opportunities for you to have a seat at the table with university leaders, creating a supportive network that empowers you to make informed decisions, build essential skills and embark on a path to success with a sense of direction and purpose.
Faith-Centered, Academic Programming. Lipscomb’s Scholars Programs support students by nurturing curiosity, honing analytical-thinking skills, fostering innovation, and fortifying resilience. These programs cultivate personal growth and enrich your academic pursuits, creating a holistic and fulfilling educational experience.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a scholars program, you must have scored a:

30 or higher on the ACT
1360 or better on the SAT

a 97 or higher on the CLT, including superscores

Additionally, applicants must have a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.5 at the end of the junior year. Weighted GPAs will be considered.

Only students applying as first-time freshmen are eligible to apply for the Scholars Programs.

Students who apply to the university as test-optional must submit an official test score to be eligible for any of these programs.

Ready to Apply?

The application for Fall 2027 will open in late October. The application submission deadline is January 7, 2027.

See the links above for each program for program-specific application details. Students must be admitted to the university prior to applying.

Scholars Program FAQ

How should I decide which program(s) to apply for?

Since the College of Business Swang Scholars Program, the Raymond B. Jones Engineering Scholars Program and the Lipscomb Biology Scholars Program are discipline-based, all eligible students with an academic major offered within those areas are encouraged to apply for the respective scholars program. Students who have been actively involved with various leadership opportunities, such as high school and church leadership, extracurricular involvement, work experience and community engagement are encouraged to apply for the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program.

How many programs may I apply for?

All eligible students are invited to apply for the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program. To be eligible for the College of Business Swang Scholars Program, your academic major must be one offered within the College of Business. To be eligible for the Lipscomb Biology Scholars Program, your academic major must be one offered within the Department of Biology. To be eligible for the Raymond B. Jones Engineering Scholars Program, your academic major must be one offered within the College of Engineering.

Students are therefore limited to applying for a maximum of two scholars programs.

What happens after I apply?

Once the Scholars Decision Committee has received and reviewed your application, select applicants will complete an interview with several members of the decision committee, made up of Lipscomb faculty, staff and current students. Interviews will take place January 23, January 30, and February 21. Interview dates and times will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Our programs will offer both virtual and in-person interview options.

Interviews will be conducted for each scholar program, so some candidates may be offered multiple interviews if selected to move forward for multiple programs. All interviews, however, will be conducted on the same days.

Final decisions for each scholars program will be determined by March 15, and students will be notified through the Bison Portal.

Meet Our Scholars

Lily Koerber

Major: Finance
Hometown: Borden, IN

How are you hoping to get involved with the College of Business?

Within the College of Business, I cannot wait to take advantage of all of the networking opportunities and events that are offered, and really expand my connections. I am also very excited to complete an internship, and get involved in activities like the Finance Club.

Abbie Grace Cox

Major: Nursing
Hometown: Tullahoma, TN

Why did you choose Lipscomb?

I chose Lipscomb because I wanted more than just a college education—I wanted an environment that would help shape who I am as a person and as a follower of Christ. Lipscomb’s strong Christian community stood out to me because I knew I would be surrounded by people who would challenge me, encourage me, and help me grow in my faith. I also felt that Lipscomb would prepare me well for my future in healthcare while giving me opportunities to serve others.

Jacob Gardner

Major: Accounting
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN

Why did you choose Lipscomb?

Lipscomb has always felt like home to me. With the tighter community and the strong accounting program, this school was practically made for me.

Michael Zink

Major: Data Analytics
Hometown: Franklin, TN

How are you hoping to get involved with the College of Business?

I am hoping to have opportunities to connect further with my peers, faculty, and business professionals. I'm excited to develop the skills and relationships that will help me grow in the College of Business!

Jaiden Johnson

Major: Accounting
Hometown: Franklin, TN

Why did you choose Lipscomb?

I chose Lipscomb because I can tell that they really care about Christ and their students, even though there are many universities that I've toured that claim to but do not. Lipscomb has many opportunities to grow physically, intellectually, and spiritually, and I want to make the most of all of these opportunities while I'm here!

Claire Summar

Major: Management
Hometown: Lebanon, TN

How has the Scholars Program enriched your Lipscomb experience so far?

Even in my first week, the Scholars Program has already given me faculty members I can turn to and connections with like-minded students who are motivated to succeed. I am excited to see how the program continues to challenge me, help me grow as a leader, and connect me with new opportunities and experiences.

Sophie Parks

Major: Family Science: Mental Health Professions
Hometown: Franklin, TN

Addison Falat

Major: Management
Hometown: Jenks, OK

Why did you choose Lipscomb?

I knew I would be pushed here, for the faculty, staff, and peers have my best interests in mind! Lipscomb is not only fantastic for its Christ-Centered atmosphere but also for its social and academic opportunities. Most of all, the unmistakable joy I felt after visiting helped me know this was my place!

Camp Akers

Major: Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Morton, IL

How are you hoping to get involved with the College of Business?

As a Swang scholar, I look forward to networking at different College of Business events. I am also very excited to take part in the ASPIRE global study program.

Grant Baker

Major: Finance
Hometown: Collierville, TN

How are you hoping to get involved with the College of Business?

I am hoping to get involved with the College of Business by taking advantage of my professors' office hours, meeting one-on-one with them, and by being involved with unique opportunities outside the classroom.

Jackson Nichols

Major: Finance
Hometown: Rockvale, TN

Why did you choose Lipscomb?

I chose Lipscomb because of the way it integrates faith with learning. It is a strong Christian university. Also, I chose Lipscomb because of the business and internship opportunities with the campus being in Nashville.

Jay Gricco

Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: West Chester, PA

Why did you choose Lipscomb?

I chose Lipscomb because of the obvious passion that the faculty and professors have for their students which is evident as soon as you step into a room with one of them

Cleo Cofer

Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Signal Mountain, TN

How has the Scholars Program enriched your Lipscomb experience so far?

So far, the Scholars Program has encouraged me to think more about the environment, and how we impact everything around us. It has also given me a way to get to know a smaller group of people who share similar interests and passions.

Riley Cook

Major: Political Science: International Relations
Hometown: Chattanooga, TN

What’s been your favorite Scholars Program experience so far?

The kick-off dinner for the Presidential Scholars Program was a really good experience. Meeting with Dr. McQueen helped me learn a lot about the ways we get to serve our community.

Anna Kirby

Major: Neurobiology
Hometown: Nashville, TN

Why did you choose Lipscomb?

I love the welcoming environment on Lipscomb's campus, and the biblical focus not just of the classes and administration, but of the students. I was also drawn to Lipscomb's amazing service opportunities, which I found to be unique even among Christian schools. All in all, I felt that this is where God wanted me to be, and since coming to campus, my experiences have only confirmed that as I'm coming to love Lipscomb even more.

Luke Nadeau

Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Spring Hill, TN

How has the Scholars Program enriched your Lipscomb experience so far?

Though a freshman, I have already had the opportunity to speak with experts in the field of engineering. To me, this is an incredible opportunity. I am thrilled to be able to learn from their experience and develop the connections that will help me thrive in my career, eventually enabling me to create and contribute to my community as well.

Olivia Baker

Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Hometown: Crestwood, KY

How has the Scholars Program enriched your Lipscomb experience so far?

It has allowed me to meet new people who share the same goals and ideals as me, and has opened many academic doors for me as I progress in my college life.

Drew Mickholtzick

Major: Pastoral Leadership
Hometown: Franklin, TN

What’s been your favorite Scholars Program experience so far?

After my first week of classes as a Lipscomb student, I attended a dinner where I connected with my fellow Presidential Leadership Scholars and learned about the opportunities I will have to gain new experiences and grow as a student and leader. I look forward to engaging in these opportunities and learning from seasoned leaders throughout this year.

Will Brachey

Major: Finance
Hometown: Gallatin, TN

How are you hoping to get involved with the College of Business?

I plan to take advantage of the networking opportunities provided.

Ty Thomas

Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Zionsville, IN

What’s been your favorite Scholars Program experience so far?

During the few short weeks that I have been here, I have really just enjoyed getting to meet my fellow engineering scholars and thinking about what problems there are out in the world that we can help solve.

Nathan Theodosiou

Major: Electrical & Computer Engineering
Hometown: Franklin, TN

How has the Scholars Program enriched your Lipscomb experience so far?

I have had the amazing opportunity to connect with like-minded, high-achieving students who share not only an interest in engineering but also a common pursuit of knowing God.

Aubrey Buck

Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Anchorage, AK

How are you hoping to get involved with the College of Engineering?

I hope to find community within the college of engineering and get involved in engineering missions to bring solutions to people around the world.

Diana Lashmit-Peña

Major: Music Education
Hometown: Maryville, TN

Why did you choose Lipscomb?

I chose Lipscomb because I felt that I could truly grow in both my academics and my faith, instead of having to choose one or the other. Here I am able to integrate my faith into everything I do and learn.

Anna Rose Robinson

Major: Management
Hometown: Twin Falls, ID

How are you hoping to get involved with the College of Business?

I’m hoping to get involved by taking part in business related service projects. Using the things I’ve learned in class to help my community.

Scholars Trip to Oxford

Scholars Programs