Notable Alumni of Lipscomb University
Lipscomb University, a private Christian institution in Nashville, Tennessee, has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and impact.
A Legacy of Academic Excellence and Christian Values
Founded in 1891 by David Lipscomb and James A. Harding, the institution was initially named Nashville Bible School. It later transitioned to David Lipscomb College and finally to Lipscomb University. From its inception, the university has been committed to providing a liberal education grounded in Christian values. James A. Harding stated, "We purpose to present in the way of a liberal education as extensive a curriculum as can be found in any school, college, or university in the land, and at the same time to thoroughly drill its students in the Bible, the divine source of wisdom and goodness." This commitment has fostered a tradition of academic excellence and a dedication to serving the community.
Alumni in Arts and Entertainment
Lipscomb University has produced several alumni who have excelled in the arts and entertainment industry.
Kelsea Ballerini: Chart-Topping Singer-Songwriter
Kelsea Nicole Ballerini is an American singer and songwriter. A five-time Grammy Award nominee, she began having success in the 2010s, being honored with the Gene Weed Milestone Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Rising Star Award at the Billboard Women in Music.
Pat Boone: A Multi-Talented Entertainer
Patrick Charles Eugene Boone is an American singer, composer, actor, author, television personality, radio host and philanthropist. During his recording career, he sold nearly 50 million records and had 38 Top 40 hits; he also appeared in various Hollywood films.
Read also: Lipscomb University Legacy
Niki: Rising Indonesian Singer-Songwriter
Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as Niki (stylized all caps), is an Indonesian singer-songwriter. She is currently based in the United States and signed with the record label 88rising. She released her first full-length studio album, Moonchild, in 2020. It was followed by Nicole (2022) and Buzz (2024). Her debut headlining concert tour, Nicole World Tour (2022-2023), visited over 40 cities across North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe.
David Wright: A Cappella Historian and Arranger
David Lee Wright is a mathematics professor, barbershop arranger, and Associate Director of the Ambassadors of Harmony (AOH). He is a noted a cappella historian and arranger, especially in the barbershop style where in 12 of 18 years from 1999 to 2016, his arrangements resulted in chorus gold medals at the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International Contest. Wright travels the world as a barbershop historian, coach, and mathematics lecturer.
Michael Shane Neal: Renowned Portrait Artist
Michael Shane Neal is an American portrait artist who currently serves as the chairman of the Portrait Society of America. Senator Robert C. Byrd, 10th Architect of the Capitol Alan Hantman, and over 400 works of art depicting various public figures. Senator Arlen Specter for Yale Law School.
Briston Maroney: Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist
Briston Lee Maroney is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Knoxville, Tennessee who is signed to Canvasback Music and Atlantic Records. He has released two EPs through the labels, including his most recent collection, "Sunflower”.
Alumni in Politics and Law
Lipscomb University has also produced numerous alumni who have distinguished themselves in the fields of politics and law.
Read also: Scholarships and Aid
Fred Gray: Civil Rights Attorney and Activist
Fred David Gray is an American civil rights attorney, preacher, activist, and state legislator from Alabama. He handled many prominent civil rights cases, such as Browder v. Gayle, and was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1970, along with Thomas Reed, both from Tuskegee. They were the first black state legislators in Alabama in the 20th century. He served as the president of the National Bar Association in 1985, and in 2001 was elected as the first African-American President of the Alabama State Bar.
David A. French: Political Commentator and Attorney
David Austin French is an American political commentator and former attorney. He was formerly a fellow at the National Review Institute and a staff writer for National Review from 2015 to 2019. French is a former senior editor of The Dispatch, a visiting professor of public policy at Lipscomb University, and a columnist for The New York Times.
Beth Harwell: Former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives
Beth Halteman Harwell is a member of the board of directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives. She served as State Representative for Nashville and is a former chair of the Tennessee Republican Party. First elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1988, Harwell served as a Republican Minority Whip and Commerce Committee chair before being elected to the Speakership. She is the first woman to serve as Tennessee's Speaker of the House.
Kerry Roberts: Tennessee State Senator
Kerry E. Roberts is a Republican member of the Tennessee Senate for the 23rd district, which includes Robertson County, Dickson County, Cheatham County, Humphreys County and Hickman County. In January 2020, Roberts left his weekly radio show on Springfield's WDBL and moved to Nashville's WLAC morning show, "The Tennessee Star Report". In October 2021, Roberts rode his bicycle 100 miles to raise money and awareness for Humphreys County flood victims.
LaMar Baker: Former U.S. Representative
LaMar Baker was a Tennessee businessman and Republican political figure who served two terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1971 to 1975. Earlier, he had been a member of both houses of the Tennessee State Legislature.
Read also: Lipscomb University Costs
W. Mark Lanier: Trial Lawyer and Philanthropist
William Mark Lanier is an American trial lawyer and founder and CEO of the Lanier Law Firm. He has led a number of high-profile product litigation suits resulting in billions of dollars in damages, including Johnson & Johnson baby powder and Merck & Co.'s Vioxx drug.
Ken A. Miller: Former Oklahoma State Treasurer
Kenneth A. Miller is an American educator and Republican politician from Oklahoma. Miller was the 18th Oklahoma State Treasurer, having won that position in the 2010 state election and served the maximum 2 four year terms allowed under state term limits.
Alumni in Academia and Ministry
Lipscomb University's commitment to Christian values has inspired many alumni to pursue careers in academia and ministry.
Michael F. Adams: Former Political Staffer and Academic Administrator
Michael Fred Adams is an American former political staffer, educator, and academic administrator.
William S. Banowsky: Former University President
William Slater Banowsky was an American academic administrator. He served as president of Pepperdine University from 1971 to 1978, then as president of the University of Oklahoma from 1978 to 1982 when he resigned to become President of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. In 1983, Banowsky returned as OU president and served for two more years. Banowsky was also a member of the Republican National Committee for the state of California from 1973 to 1975.
Douglas A. Foster: Historian and Theologian
Douglas A. Foster is an American author and scholar known for his work on the history of Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement.
Russell Moore: Editor-in-Chief of Christianity Today
Russell Moore, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, is the author of several books, including “Losing Our Religion: An Alter Call for Evangelical America,” “The Courage to Stand: Facing Your Fear Without Losing Your Soul,” Onward: Engaging the Culture without Losing the Gospel” and “The Storm-Tossed Family: How the Cross Reshapes the Home.” An ordained Baptist minister, Moore served previously as president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission from 2013 to 2021. Prior to that role, Moore served as provost and dean of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he also taught theology and ethics.
Alumni in Athletics
Lipscomb University's athletic program has produced several notable alumni who have gone on to professional careers.
Garrison Mathews: NBA Player
Garrison Mathews is an American professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Lipscomb Bisons and was named the ASUN Conference Player of the Year.
Caleb Joseph: Former MLB Player
Caleb Martin Joseph is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Toronto Blue Jays from 2014 to 2020. His brother, Corban, also played in MLB.
Lipscomb University's Enduring Impact
Lipscomb University's notable alumni represent a diverse range of fields and accomplishments. Their successes reflect the university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education grounded in Christian values. As Lipscomb University continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to produce even more accomplished graduates who will make a positive impact on the world.
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