A Lipscomb professor has been taken into custody in Sumner County on charges of aggravated abuse of a 5-month-old baby.
Daniel Gordon, 36, was arrested on Wednesday. He is being held on a $200,000 bond.
“He has been suspended until the resolution of this unfortunate and sad situation,” according to a statement from the university. “We are supporting the family during this time by providing pastoral care and intentionally seeking other ways to assist the Gordon family.”
Gordon has been a full-time employee since August 2018 as a professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Science. Gordon previously taught for four years part-time in the College of Bible and Ministry at Lipscomb.
“Lipscomb is a community that — driven by our Christian faith — seeks to be authentic in who we are and what we do,” said President Lowry in an email sent to the Lipscomb Community on Friday.
“In any community this size there are a number of individuals at any given time who grapple with life circumstances — both joys and challenges that they would never have imagined would be part of their story — the birth of a child, academic accomplishments, challenging times in marriages, the loss of loved ones, financial struggles or a research discovery.
“We often share the joys of our work together but we also share the moments of sadness and uncertainty. In difficult moments, as we experienced this week when a faculty member was taken into custody for aggravated child abuse, this community seeks ways to be supportive of those involved. This is true even when we are surprised, don’t understand and are deeply saddened.
“I ask that you join me in praying for those involved in this specific situation. As those who seek to live in a larger narrative, we trust that God’s providential care will sustain and guide us.
“I also want you to know that throughout this difficult time you can be assured that there are administrators and outside professionals actively offering this family university resources as well as general pastoral care. While the full story of recent events may not be understood for some time, we will continue seeking ways to help in the weeks to come.”
Lumination will continue to update as the story unfolds.