Lipscomb University was established in 1891 by David Lipscomb and James A. Harding, evangelists among the churches of Christ. Growing from their own educational experiences, both men believed that a regular study of the Bible was foundational to any course of study. Since that time, the university -- first as the Nashville Bible School, then David Lipscomb College, now Lipscomb University -- has taught Bible classes daily for all full-time students. But neither man intended the university to be a seminary. Rather, "We aspire to stand in the front ranks of the great educational institutions of the world," Harding declared. By adding a medical doctor to teach the sciences in only its second year, Lipscomb University began a heritage of academic excellence that has grown with each passing year.

Lipscomb served as a junior college until graduating its first senior college class in 1948. The institution received its first accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1954. In 1988, that organization's Commission on Colleges advanced Lipscomb's accreditation to the master's degree level. Today, more than 2,500 students from more than 40 nations are enrolled at the university and choose from among more than 100 major areas of study leading to bachlelor's degrees, or from master's degree programs in biblical studies, business administration, and education. The athletic training program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Undergraduate programs of the College of Business are accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. Lipscomb's professional chemistry major is on the approved list of the American Chemical Society. The didactic program in dietetics is approved by the American Dietetics Association. The department of music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Lipscomb's academic program is organized in five colleges: the College of Arts and Humanities, including the School of Fine and Performing Arts; College of Bible and Ministry, College of Business, College of Education and Professional Studies, and the College of Mathematics and Sciences. More students major in a business-related field than any other academic discipline, but Lipscomb is also widely recognized for its success in many areas. Examples include but are not limited to these: More than 1,000 graduates are teachers in public or private primary and secondary schools in Tennessee alone. The acceptance rate of premedical graduates to medical schools has been comparatively high for more than 20 years. Pre-law graduates have attended such prestigious law schools as Harvard, Duke, and Vanderbilt. Dietetics graduates are accepted to highly competitive post-graduate internships at an almost 100 percent rate. The music department is consistently successful in placing students into prestigious post-graduate programs, and in various teaching and performance opportunities. The number of students majoring in Bible has more than quadrupled in the last five years. Lipscomb features a campuswide fiber-optic data network, with PC connections in every dormitory room, dorm lab, classroom, faculty office and microcomputer classroom on campus.

Lipscomb University is also noted for an exceptional intercollegiate athletics program. Lipscomb fields men's intercollegiate teams in cross country, tennis, soccer, golf, baseball and basketball. Women's intercollegiate teams are offered in cross country, volleyball, tennis, soccer, golf, basketball, and softball. Lipscomb teams have consistently competed for national championships in the NAIA, and in August 1999, the university was granted provisional membership in NCAA Division I, beginning a four-year transition process toward full membership. Student athletes have received many team and individual awards, including NAIA All-American honors and NAIA Scholar-Athlete awards. A variety of intramural sports are also offered each year.

Services for International Students
Dr. Tom Seals is director of International Students at Lipscomb. His role is to provide students with assistance through the admission process, maintaining status on campus, and helping to develop community among international students on campus. You may contact Dr. Seals at Tom.Seals@lipscomb.edu with questions about Lipscomb or about the enrollment process.

 

Melodie Miller is director of Multicultural Affairs at Lipscomb. The purpose of this office is to provide programs and services to support the academic social and personal development of international students and students of color; and enhance and nurture a positive, system-wide appreciation for cultural and ethnic diversity. One function of this office is the Multicultural Association, which exists to build a feeling of belonging and unity for all students with a primary focus on minority and international students, through discussing and addressing relevant issues concerning these groups, and promoting cultural awareness to the student body, faculty and staff. The association consists of unique individuals of all ethnic groups but recognizes their common bond in God. This association conducts an annual Friendship Dinner and the annual International Square Fair, among other, more personal projects designed to enhance community and understanding. Ms. Miller may be contacted at Melodie.Miller@lipscomb.edu.