Lipscomb announces the Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership at Nashville Business Breakfast

President Lowry announced the newly established Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership at the quarterly Nashville Business Breakfast today. Several distinguish guests were in attendance including Governor Bredesen and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. Bearing the names of influential community leaders Nelson and Sue Andrews, who significantly shaped Nashville and the Middle Tennessee community throughout their lives, the institute will continue to promote the Andrews’ legacy of civic leadership through academic programs, community engagement and a leadership council. Former corporate executive and White House veteran Linda Peek Schacht will serve as the institute’s executive director. Since arriving at Lipscomb in 2008, Schacht has taught as associate professor within the departments of history, politics and philosophy and communication. The new institute will focus on establishing a master’s degree in civic leadership in fall 2011. Also, a website (leadingvoices.lipscomb.edu) devoted to civic entrepreneurship will serve as a national interactive link among community leaders, including working papers, regular blogs and results of research. “Nelson Andrews was the model of a successful civic leader, with Sue at his side as partner and friend,” said Lowry. “Over the past couple of years, Mr. Andrews and I discussed the importance of leadership education and training”. The morning’s breakfast concluded with Governor Bredesen speaking on Tennessee’s economic development over the past eight years. Several executives and vice presidents stood behind him as evidence: Hemlock Semiconductor Group’s Rick Doornbus, Volkswagen Group of America’s David Geanacopoulos and Assurion’s Bryon Smith. “I hold a debt to repay Nelson Andrews”, says Governor Bredesen. “He played a huge role in mentoring and preparing me for leadership in government”. The late...

Online ‘bookstore’ offers textbook rental option, plants trees worldwide

Lipscomb students are finding relief at Chegg.com, a new site offering to rent textbooks at a reasonable price, providing an option from the campus bookstore. According to the National Association of College Stores, students can spend as much as $667 per year on required course materials.  This semester is well under way, but it won’t be long before it’s time to buy — or rent — books for the next semester. The Chegg label on textbook bindings means that students have at least shopped around. “I have used Chegg for two years, and I’m very satisfied with the service after saving nearly $500 dollars,”  said Elizabeth Hooper, a junior elementary education major. “Textbooks arrive within two days after the order was placed.” Hooper said students should use Chegg.com for all textbook-related deals. Several rental companies are involved at campus bookstores. Lipscomb’s campus bookstore — owned by Follett Higher Education Group — uses the “Rent-A-Text” program. But Chegg remains the leading rental company in the country. Chegg might be the only option for some students, according to senior Kyle Chapman. “I was disappointed to learn my books were not offered in the (Rent-A-Text) program,” Chapman said. “I’ll definitely explore Chegg.com next semester.” Chegg’s environmental commitment also is a plus to some students.  For every book rented, the company said it will plant a new tree in the country chosen by the renter. According to Chegg.com, the company planted over one million trees in...

Public relations students experience professional world

Students interested in pursuing careers in public relations should attend the next PRSSA meeting (Public Relations Student Society of America) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Ezell 109. This second meeting of the revamped chapter is designed to help students get a taste of their chosen professional field before graduating and seeking employment. “In an increasingly competitive job market, students need to explore every possible way to become stronger candidates,” said Kay McDowell, internship director for the Department of Communication and Journalism. “Professional organizations offer a wonderful opportunity to learn the latest industry trends, network with seasoned professionals and gain practical resume-building experience.” PRSSA offers professional development, resume enhancement sessions and networking opportunities. This year, the chapter is focusing on strengthening the students’ resumes by supplementing experiences and professional development outside of the classroom. The chapter brings in professionals and public relations practitioners for its monthly meetings covering specific topics. Past speakers include Jimmy Chaffin from Dye, Van Mol and Lawrence, and Julie Davis, the communications director for Cracker Barrel. October’s special guest is News Channel 5 reporter Rodney Dunigan who will explore the topic “From Pitch to Placement: Understanding a PR Practitioner’s Role in News.” PRSSA membership receives exclusive access to internship opportunities before the department publicly announces them. Members will also visit local agencies and corporate offices throughout the year. Academic portfolios will be developed for a student’s future internship and employment interview. Professionals will review and advise members of current trends in the industry, and professional development workshops will be offered to provide insight on becoming a successful practitioner. For more information about membership and dues, please contact Hunter...

Former Doobie Brother part of Nashville Symphony’s autumn concerts at Lipscomb

Michael McDonald’s visit to the Allen Arena stage Sept. 23-35 is proof of the strong tie between the Nashville Symphony and Lipscomb University that was born out of disastrous flooding on May 1-2. The Grammy-winning singer, a former member of the Doobie Brothers, is coming to Lipscomb as a part of the Symphony’s Bank of America Pops Series. The symphony also will continue to use the auditorium for a total of eight events, either pops or classical, during this semester as the Schermerhorn Symphony Center downtown continues to be rebuilt after the devastation caused by the floods that swept through Nashville. Having the symphony on campus is an exciting opportunity, according to Dillon Mayfield, a freshman music major. “I believe Lipscomb hosting the Nashville Symphony is strongly beneficial for music majors and minors,” Mayfield said. “Students should take advantage of attending a concert. It’s in our backyard.” The symphony also is using other facilities in Nashville as it continues its gypsy-like existence since the flood severely damaged its state-of-the-art home, located between Third and Fourth avenues . The symphony actually began using the Lipscomb University campus last summer, setting up shop for six concerts after the floods hit. And that relationship continues to flourish in the months leading up to the reopening of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center downtown.  SunTrust Classical Series events at Collins Alumni Auditorium included last weekend’s presentation of Andre Watts playing Beethoven and will continue Dec. 2-4 with cellist Steven Isserlis playing works by John Tavener and Edward Elgar & Bach. In addition to the former Doobie’s performances this weekend, the Bank of America Pops Series featuring the...