Enhancing Parent Engagement at Lipscomb

Under the leadership of Stacy Blackson since Fall 2022, the Parent Program has expanded significantly.

Keely Hagan | 615-966-6491 | 12/14/2023

members of the Parent Leadership Council — Parent Leadership Council

Lipscomb’s Parent Program, revamped in the fall of 2022, has seen substantial growth under the leadership of Stacy Blackston, the director of parent engagement, who has dedicated over a year to building and expanding the program.

The Office of Parent Engagement launched the program to provide opportunities for parents to interact with students, other parents and the Lipscomb community as a whole. The program also provides resources to support parents and collaborates closely with various departments on campus to host special events on and off campus.

Hispanic family of mother of son participating in orientation

“The university is so relational with our students, we are trying to offer that to our parents as well,” says Blackston. “I want parents to know that they can contact me when they have questions. I am happy to receive those calls and emails.”

A new, spiritually focused initiative of the Parent Program is the monthly prayer Zoom that provides a platform for parents to pray with faculty for students’ struggles and victories. The collaboration aspect of the program fosters a supportive community.

Parents on either side of female student praying together with their backs to us.

The most recent addition to the program is the Parent Leadership Council that reflects a commitment to two-way communication. The council, comprising 11 couples, serves as a liaison between parents and campus administration, sharing feedback and acting as ambassadors for Lipscomb.

To enhance communication with parents, the program produces a monthly newsletter, “The Loop,” that provides parents with updates on campus happenings, important dates, and events.

The Office of Parent Engagement collaborates closely with various departments on campus, including Student Life and Admissions to host special events.

Student with her mother and grandmother in Bison Square

Summer Send-Offs. These celebratory events welcome incoming freshmen, inviting current families, students and alumni to meet others in their area connected to Lipscomb. They are held in areas with significant numbers of incoming first-year students, families and alumni. Last year summer send-offs were hosted in Newport Beach, California, and several locations within the state: Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro and Memphis.
Student Orientations. Parents are introduced to the resources available through the Parent Program and learn how to get connected with the Office of Parent Engagement.
Bisons Weekend. Formerly Family Weekend and Homecoming, it is now a combined event, providing diverse activities to engage parents with all members of the Lipscomb community.
Move-in weekend. When students are moving into the dorms, the Parent Program offers spaces for parents to take a break, meet the team and connect with each other.

The Parent Program has evolved into a comprehensive initiative, offering a range of activities and support services to enhance parent engagement and foster a strong sense of community within the Lipscomb family.

For more information about the Parent Program, contact Blackston at parents [at] lipscomb.edu and follow these parent social accounts.