Senior elementary education major Kelcy Smart died over the weekend, the university reported Monday afternoon.
President Lowry issued this statement to the Lipscomb community:
“As a university community, the Lipscomb family often gathers to celebrate milestones and achievements. And, from time to time, we also share very difficult moments.
“We were saddened to learn earlier today of the tragic death of Kelcy Smart, a senior elementary education major. Kelcy died over the weekend in her home from causes that are yet unknown.
“An active member of Delta Xi and the University Singers, Kelcy was a young lady who treated everyone she met with kindness and a smile. She had a heart for serving others from an early age. As a high school student, Kelcy spent a summer as an intern in Chennai, India, where she volunteered in orphanages and schools in that city.
“In moments like this, we share the sorrow of Kelcy’s family, we struggle for an explanation and, as a community, we seek to move through our own sense of loss. For many of Kelcy’s fellow students, this is the first death of a close friend or family member they have experienced. We are a community that wants to be especially responsive and comforting to them. We are also a community that claims a larger faith story and we rest on the eternal hope promised by an almighty God. We know that God will provide comfort and strength even in times of tragedy that only God understands.
“To provide an opportunity for the Lipscomb community to begin to process this tragic event, the McCaleb Mission Center in the Ezell Center will be open tonight at 9 p.m. Students, faculty and staff are invited to come together to comfort each other and to pray for the Smart family.
“As plans are finalized for the funeral as well as a memorial service on campus we will share those plans with the Lipscomb community. At this time the family is grieving the loss of Kelcy in a very deep and profound way. We ask that their wishes for privacy be respected as they seek to comprehend their loss.
“In the difficult times for our community, support staff and faculty are prepared to be helpful. Our professional counseling staff is available and can be accessed by calling Cathy Lincoln, at 615.966.6294, during business hours. Campus ministers are also available to meet with those who seek their comfort. Contact Jason Parker at 615-479-8245 or Caroline Morris 615-482-0881. In addition, our residence hall staff members have been alerted and are prepared to assist students who need their support.
“We pray that God will bless the Smart family and the Lipscomb community with a sense of His presence during this difficult time of loss.”