09/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/08/2024 15:25
This fall Lipscomb University launched a new Scholars Program, designed to offer incoming freshmen the opportunity to develop leadership skills and enrich their academic pursuits.
Kim Chaudoin | 09/08/2024
Lipscomb President Candice McQueen meets with the inaugural cohort of Leadership Scholars.
Through each of Lipscomb's Scholars Programs, freshmen will experience unique learning opportunities with a focus on professional development, mentorship opportunities with university deans and administrators; and faith-centered, academic programming. Lipscomb's Scholars Programs provides students with a blend of academic rigor, real-world experience and personal growth.
Currently, three competitive scholars programs are being offered to incoming freshmen: the Leadership Scholars Program, the College of Business Swang Scholars Program and the Raymond B. Jones Engineering Scholars Program.
The Leadership Scholars Program is a competitive and selective opportunity for incoming freshmen from any major who have demonstrated a commitment to their academic pursuits and have excelled in high school leadership opportunities, church involvement, work experience and community engagement.
This program offers students the chance to engage directly with Lipscomb University President Candice McQueen and other leaders in Nashville and beyond. They will also have opportunities for professional development, including a special travel program, will serve as freshman representatives on the President's Student Advisory Council, participate in leadership development courses and have VIP access to Presidential Signature Series events and speakers among other activities.
The inaugural Leadership Scholars are Josh Degrella, Ansley Hamilton, Gracie Hogan, Harry Hutchins, Jaden Rodriguez, Katie Mei Sharpe and Hannah Smith. The Leadership Scholars met with McQueen on Aug. 27 for an opening dinner and orientation session and to learn more about plans for the upcoming year.
The inaugural Swang Scholars met with College of Business Dean Ray Eldridge in August.
The Swang Scholars Program is designed for freshmen who are pursuing majors in the College of Business. This program provides participants with an immersive educational experience enriched by engagement with industry leaders and a strong emphasis on practical application.
These scholars will serve on the Dean's Student Leadership Council, will participate in networking events and leadership coaching and a global study grant. They will also have early access to career services and a guaranteed spot in the Aspire Program, enhancing their academic and professional trajectories.
The inaugural Swang Scholars are Anya Barkley, Gavin Cavender, Garrett de Araujo Jorge, Marielle Guarin, Gracie Hogan, Harry Hutchins, Jaden Rodriguez, Garrett Stephens and Bonnie Thompson. The Swang Scholars gathered for a breakfast orientation meeting on Aug. 22.
The Raymond B. Jones Engineering Scholars Program integrates technical education with practical experiences and faith-based reflections for freshmen majoring in one of the College of Engineering's offerings. The inaugural Raymond B. Jones Engineering Scholars are Drew Dimino, Andrew Firestone, Josh Jones, Luke Kirby, Jake Matthews, Jack Meifert, Caeden Rosen, Alisa Rowell, Mandy Wells and Allyanna Westcott.
These scholars will have the opportunity to grow in three areas through this program: growth in service, academics and spirit. They will engage in service-oriented projects, receive a one-time grant for a Peugeot Center for Engineering Service in Developing Communities engineering mission trip, receive mentorship from current and former college administrators, participate in spiritual reflection and mentorship with the Peugeot Center staff and have opportunities to discuss real-world issues at the intersection of engineering, faith and service. The group met for its first session together on Aug. 23 and got straight to work considering the recent challenge NASA was facing of how to bring home two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station and possible solutions.
Learn more about these programs here.