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Pewitt named College of Education's IDEAL program director

Tristan Brew | 

Lipscomb University has named Andrea Pewitt director of its IDEAL (Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb) program.

pewitt_300The IDEAL program, housed in Lipscomb's College of Education, provides young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities access to opportunities for growth and independence that promote inclusion, belonging and contribution that potentially lead to life-changing outcomes that can impact students, families and the community.

In her new role, Pewitt will focus her efforts on developing each IDEAL student on an individual basis and catering to each IDEAL student's own individual needs. She will aid in the creation, development and use of IDEAL student's’ unique skills and talents in and out of the classroom. She will also place an emphasis on the great options available to Lipscomb’s IDEAL students upon graduation that include job and networking opportunities in and around Nashville.

Pewitt has a passion for teaching children and young adults with disabilities and carries a strong belief about teaching them.

“All students can learn when given the right environment.,” said Pewitt. “My desire is not to just direct the IDEAL program and its students, but to develop their God-given talents, watch them grow into their passions and help them achieve their educational endeavours.”

A native of Ashland City, Tennessee, Pewitt has worked in education for the last 18 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1999 from Austin Peay State University. After a few years of teaching, Prewitt went on to complete her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Special Education in 2005 and completed her Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision in 2015 from Austin Peay State University. Pewitt is currently pursuing her  Doctorate in Education with a focus on leading organizations and strategic change from Lipscomb and hopes to be completed with it by Dec. 2018.

Pewitt, a  resident of Ashland City, Tennessee, Pewitt and her husband, Todd, have three children Kiah, Bryant and Gracelynn. A member of Ashland City Church of Christ. Pewit was awarded the Cheatham County teacher of the year in 2004 and 2007.

IDEAL is a two year, non-residential certificate program that is designed to encourage and support students with ID/DD to experience college as their peers do. IDEAL students take classes, go to sporting events, complete internships, eat in the cafeteria, attend chapel and enjoy just being a college student.

To learn more about the IDEAL program at Lipscomb University visit https://www.lipscomb.edu/education/special-programs/ideal-program