by Cory Woodroof | May 21, 2013 | News Slider
The following is a press release issued by the University: Lipscomb University announces the creation of a Master of Arts in Film and Creative Media, the university’s first academic major in film and a graduate program unlike any other film program in Nashville. Currently, plans are to deliver the new 36-hour curriculum in a 17-month time frame beginning this fall semester. The inaugural enrollees will receive 20 percent off the cost of the program. Applications for the inaugural cohort are due by Aug. 2. “The master’s degree in film and creative media prepares graduate students to operate within all digital media, making their skills more marketable in today’s multi-platform world,” said Mike Fernandez, chair of the Lipscomb University Department of Theatre and acting director of the new program. “These students will be able to do so much more than just feature films. They will be prepared to film commercials, music videos, training and education videos as well as content for social media,” he said. The program takes a unique entrepreneurial and experiential approach to learning. Students will be expected to create digital content each semester. Additionally, they will be encouraged to find creative ways to make business connections and digital content for local companies and organizations or for university departments on campus that need it. As part of that approach, the program requires a one-year internship with a production company. AFFIRM Films/Sony Pictures Entertainment, Veritas Entertainment, Cartoon Pizza and Klausner Creative have signed on as Lipscomb’s first internship partners for the program. “I’m encouraged by the methodic and careful planning by Lipscomb University in launching the new master’s degree...
by Cory Woodroof | May 19, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
Lipscomb formally introduced Casey Alexander to the community as the new coach of the men’s basketball team Sunday afternoon at the Ezell Center. The university officially confirmed Alexander’s hire Saturday evening. Alexander was a former Belmont Bruin player and coach who has spent the past two seasons coaching at Stetson. Lipscomb Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson kicked off the event, talking about the process of hiring a coach. Hutcheson said that when looking for a coach, “what we care about here is excellence, and what we care about are people who are connected and committed to what the mission of Lipscomb is about.” The selection committee, consisting of Hutcheson, Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Student Life Scott McDowell and women’s basketball coach Greg Brown, interviewed a number of candidates who were interested in the vacant position. Former coach Scott Sanderson resigned in April. Hutcheson praised the quality of the candidate that applied for the job, but said that the committee decided that Alexander was the best for the program. “There was one guy whose name rose to the top, and he contacted me very early on about the job and said he was interested,” Hutcheson said. Hutcheson said he had conversations with people close to both Lipscomb and Alexander who reassured him of what a good coach and person Alexander was. In an early conversation with Alexander, Hutcheson said he was impressed with the candidate’s vision for the school after being asked why he was interested in the coaching position. “[Alexander] said ‘I want to be at a place that still values the Christian mission that Lipscomb...
by Cory Woodroof | May 18, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
The university officially confirmed reports Saturday evening that former Stetson head coach and Belmont assistant Casey Alexander had been named the new coach of the Lipscomb men’s basketball team. The news first broke Friday night after a story was filed by Mike Organ of the Tennessean. Alexander comes to Lipscomb after serving two seasons as the head coach of the Stetson Hatters, a fellow Atlantic Sun team. During his time with the Hatters, Alexander posted up a 24-36 overall record. A member of the 1992-95 Belmont Bruins squad, Alexander worked as an assistant coach for Belmont for 16 seasons before making the move to DeLand, Florida in 2011. Alexander replaces former head coach Scott Sanderson, who resigned from the university in April after 14 seasons. Lipscomb Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson shared his excitement in the hiring through a press release issued by the university. “Casey has been part of successful programs wherever he has been,” Hutcheson said. “But, what I’m most impressed with is his understanding of the spirit, character and mission of Lipscomb University. He shares our values and is a proven player and coach. Casey has observed the Lipscomb program for a long time, and he understands in his bones who we are.” In the statement, the newly hired Alexander said that he’s looking forward to beginning his time as coach for the Bisons. “I’m very grateful to Lipscomb for giving me the opportunity to lead this great program,” Alexander said. “I appreciate their belief in me. Lipscomb University is a perfect fit for my family and me. We couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity. The philosophy...
by Cory Woodroof | May 14, 2013 | News Slider
Written by Kim Chaudoin for the Lipscomb University website Patty Landon Dugger had quite a reputation at one time in the Tennessee Governor’s office. No, she didn’t have a reputation as a dissatisfied constituent or a lobbyist. Rather, she was legendary for training the best office administrators in the area. Today, the Lipscomb community is mourning the loss of Dugger, longtime business faculty member and director of the Lifelong Learning Program, who died May 13 at the age of 80 following a lengthy illness. “Patty Dugger was one of a generation of department of business faculty members who devoted their lives to teaching at Lipscomb,” said Turney Stevens, dean of the College of Business. “Without her guidance, many who achieved great things in their careers would have been far less successful.” For decades, officials in the governor’s office called on Dugger, when they needed to fill an administrative staff position, for candidates to hire. Dugger, who was a member of Lipscomb’s business faculty for 43 years, earned a reputation for producing the most skilled and ethical office administrators in Middle Tennessee. Her former students were in great demand in companies throughout Nashville. Her students became affectionately known as “Dugger’s Girls.” In 1981, eight of Dugger’s former students were part of then-Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander’s staff. One day they invited her to the state capitol for a visit and was unexpectedly greeted by the governor. “So this is the Dugger of ‘Dugger’s Girls,” Alexander said when they met. “I’ve been wanting to meet you for a long time.” He complimented her on the quality of her students and honored her...
by Kelly Dean | May 9, 2013 | News Slider
Most of us will be lucky enough to go on one or two mission trips throughout the span of our lives. Nineteen trips and counting over the span of 11 years is the number for Lipscomb Bible professor Phil Kinzer, who finds importance in going on mission trips through the strong relationships he has built over the years of leading trips at Lipscomb. Even after a conversation with Phil Kinzer, you will ask yourself how this man has the time of day to serve in the capacity he does. The stories he tells about his life are amazing enough to write his very own book. But where does he find his time? You’d think his daily job as an adjunct Bible professor, pulpit minister at the West End Church of Christ, and grandfather of three would be enough to fill a day’s work. For this man, it’s not enough. In his early twenties, Kinzer started going on mission trips to the Philippines. He described his passion for these trips, saying it that it runs through his blood. Kinzer has traveled all around the world, teaching the Word of God to countries such as Australia, Haiti, Mexico, Egypt and Israel. The Lipscomb professor leads two annual trips with students to Mexico and Haiti. “Going on a mission trip changes your perspective about your country. It opens your mind to people who live in other cultures and other countries,” Kinzer said.“I think there’s a deepening of spirituality because you are so focused for the week. “Anytime you get outside of your comfort zone and focus intently for a week or two on...
