College of Business, The Beignet Bar partner in service to Tennessee Children’s Home

Lipscomb's College of Business is making a difference in the community one child at a time.

Cate Zenzen | 09/27/2019

The College of Business at Lipscomb University takes seriously its mission to act on the virtues and values of Jesus through education and service. On Friday, Sept. 20 the college took part in a Skills Development Day at the Tennessee Children’s Home, a residential facility for boys in Spring Hill. The home hosts approximately 35 boys ages 13 to 19 years old and provides a Christian environment to promote physical, mental and social health. 

The Skills Development Day was hosted by The Beignet Bar, a Nashvilled-based business, and was co-sponsored by students and faculty in the College of Business. Volunteers provided the young men instruction on personal and professional skills including graphic design, supply chain management, health and fitness, personal and professional grooming, and money management. 

For Natasha Johnson, instructor in management at Lipscomb, this event was simply a continuation of her charge as a business owner and university instructor. 

“It was our pleasure, but also our responsibility, to serve others,” said Johnson. “We are grateful for the ongoing partnership that we have had with the Tennessee Children’s Home and for them allowing us to serve and assist an otherwise underserved demographic of young people.”

Chris Doughtie, Lipscomb alumnus and director of development and community education at TCH, said this was the first event of its kind to be hosted at the residence. Volunteers provided materials and instruction to demonstrate skills the boys hadn’t learned before. 
 

“A lot of these kids come from low-income families, so they haven’t been necessarily been taught that you often must work hard to get the things you need,” said Doughtie. “This event taught them the skills they need to get the job they want and encouraged them to reach their full potential.”

Doughtie said the boys were excited to use what they’d learned right away. Some of the young men decided to wear the new shirts and ties they were given at the event to church on Sunday. Together they reviewed the correct way to secure their ties.

While a new wardrobe certainly helps these boys find courage, Doughtie said, the information they accessed will embolden them for the rest of their lives. 

Lipscomb officials said the powerful influence of education is something the institution knows well. 

"One of the five key values and virtues espoused by the College of Business is being a Servant,” said Ray Eldridge, dean of the College of Business. “This event is a great example of our faculty living this out while being an inspiration for these young men to have confidence, live up to their potential and be exposed to the power of education."

As a representative of both the College of Business and The Beignet Bar, Johnson was able to serve in a dual capacity. Other speakers included Superbowl Champion Corey Harris, MiTech Partners CEO Bill McCleskey and representatives from NASBA, Northwestern Mutual and Johnson Capital LLC.  Owners of Experience This Barbershop (Brandon Anderson) and The Future Classic Barbershop (Jeh Braden) were on site provided complimentary haircuts to the boys as well. 

“Our prayer for this event was that the boys would gain value-added skills that will help them throughout the remainder of their lives,” said Johnson. “Mission accomplished.”