Lipscomb Academy headmaster Mike Hammond returns to classroom
Kim Chaudoin | 615.966.6494 |
Michael P. Hammond, vice president and headmaster of Lipscomb Academy since 2008, is concluding his leadership role at the academy to return to the classroom at Lipscomb University effective at the end of the school year in May, President L. Randolph Lowry announced today.
Newly named Senior Vice President and Dean of the College of Education Candice McQueen will lead a national search for Hammond’s replacement.
“My years at Lipscomb Academy have been some of the most rewarding years of my career,” Hammond said. “I’ve had an exceptional team, and I leave knowing that, together, we accomplished more than we ever imagined at the beginning of my tenure. But it has always been my intention to go back into the classroom at the university level to prepare teachers for their careers. I simply love watching young adults becoming engaged and passionate about teaching. I am thankful to the university for allowing me to be a part of that in a more direct way at this point in my life.”
Hammond successfully led the institution through a transition from David Lipscomb Campus School to Lipscomb Academy in 2012. During his tenure, the academy also experienced ambitious curriculum growth; the launch of the SEED School; an aggressive fundraising campaign that included a $10 million commitment, the largest in academy history; facilities growth including the Griffith Family Soccer Field and Complex; and a closer connectivity with university learning resources through the IGNITE programs among other initiatives.
“Mike has guided Lipscomb Academy through some of the most amazing growth years in its history,” L. Randolph Lowry, Lipscomb president, said. “His experience in education at both the K-12 and university levels uniquely positioned him to grow the academy in new and innovative ways. We are fortunate that Mike will continue to have an impact on education as he takes his considerable expertise back into the classroom across campus to prepare future teachers.”
A career educator, Hammond served as dean of Lipscomb University’s College of Education for five years prior to his appointment at Lipscomb Academy. Hammond joined the Lipscomb faculty in 2001 as professor of education, director of teacher education and chair of the department of education. From 1990-2001, Hammond served as executive principal at Overton High School, which is part of the Metro Nashville Public School system. Prior to that assignment, Hammond was assistant principal at Overton from 1978-89, assistant principal at McMurray Junior High School (Nashville) from 1972-78 and mathematics teacher at Apollo Junior High School (Nashville) from 1968-72.
Founded in 1891, Lipscomb Academy is a college-preparatory Christian school, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Its enrollment of more than 1,300 students makes the academy the largest private school in Middle Tennessee. Lipscomb Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the National Christian School Association and is affiliated with Lipscomb University.