Lipscomb University announced on Friday that Dr. Candice McQueen, former commissioner of education for Tennessee, will serve as the school’s new president.
McQueen, who previously served as the school’s dean of the university’s College of Education, will be the first woman to lead the 130-year-old institution.
“I am confident that her vision, deep expertise, passion for faith-based education and love for Lipscomb will lead us boldly into a new season of greatness, exemplified by excellence, diversity and immersion in our community as together we work to transform the lives of our students,” said David Solomon, chair of the Lipscomb Board of Trustees.
The former education commissioner under Governor Bill Haslam currently works as CEO of the National Institute of Excellence in Teaching, a nonprofit that assists teacher development in K-12 schools and higher education.
“I am honored and humbled to be chosen to serve as the president of Lipscomb University,” said McQueen. “Lipscomb is a truly remarkable place where students grow in their faith and character while building toward their careers — all in partnership with exceptional faculty and staff who are leaders in their field. I know firsthand how life changing this community can be, and I want to ensure that experience for countless others for many years to come.”
Under McQueen’s leadership, the Tennessee Department of Education faced multiple setbacks, including those from numerous issues in the TNReady tests and teacher evaluations.
However, former Haslam praised the decision by Lipscomb to hire his former education chief.
“Dr. McQueen clearly has a passion for education and is uniquely prepared for this new role. She was an excellent member of our cabinet. As commissioner of education she led 1,100 state employees and managed a $6 billion budget with vision, intelligence, skill and always with a smile on her face. Under her leadership, Tennessee experienced its highest graduation rates and highest average ACT scores in the state’s history while moving the state’s substantial K-12 and higher education reform agenda forward. She is an excellent choice for Lipscomb University,” said Haslam.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Candice McQueen” by Lipscomb University.Â
“Siri, show me someone who has a rancid hatred of women.”
So Lipscomb is now led by a liberal educator? Is anyone surprised?