by Kathryn Farris & Camryn Given | Aug 5, 2021 | BREAKING NEWS, News Slider
Candice McQueen — who has spent much of her life at Lipscomb as a student, teacher and administrator — said she hopes to “bring light” to her alma mater when she assumes her role as the university’s new president. McQueen, who left her role as dean of the College of Education to serve as Tennessee’s commissioner of education under Gov. Bill Haslam, was presented to an applauding crowd Thursday morning in the George Shinn Center. “I now turn again to you, the faculty and staff and leadership here at Lipscomb, because I want you to be partners in this work, to bring light to our students and continue to bring light as they prepare for their work, their families and their service,” she told the gathering after the announcement was made that she will become the university’s 18th president and the first female to serve in that high office. Mitch Edgeworth, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees and chair of the search committee, explained the choice by singing the praises of the soon-to-be university president. “With [McQueen’s] extensive experience in the classroom and her extensive experience as a higher-education executive, she has proven leadership skills that you will be able to experience first-hand from your seat on this journey,” said Edgeworth. He explained the extensive search that led to the selection of a seasoned educator and executive from Lipscomb’s backyard. McQueen stood out to the search committee, he said. “Through that process, there was one who from the beginning stood out as somebody who we had no doubt could take the reins and continue to lead us forward into...
