Corporate executive, education leader Allen Long to lead Lipscomb Academy Upper School
Lipscomb Academy has appointed business leader and Williamson County educator Allen Long as head of upper school for the institution.
A corporate executive-turned-educator, Long was most recently with Williamson County Schools serving as a tenured faculty member at Edmondson Elementary School where he taught fourth grade for three years and fifth grade for four years. Recognized as Edmondson’s Teacher of the Year in 2017-18, he also served as the fifth-grade team lead during the 2018-19 school year. During his time at Edmonson, Long hosted and mentored student teachers, aspiring teachers and new teachers to observe and learn the art and science of effective teaching techniques in the classroom. He facilitated professional learning communities and worked with various teams to improve teaching effectiveness and outcomes.
“Allen’s success in the corporate world combined with his dedication to excellence in teaching coupled with his vision for the upper school give him a unique perspective and experiences to equip him to lead with confidence in the direction that Lipscomb Academy envisions,” said Greg J. Glenn, Lipscomb Academy head of school. “With his vision, we can boldly move forward as the faith-based school of choice in Nashville.”
In addition to his work for Williamson County Schools, Long has also served as adjunct faculty at Lipscomb University and Lakeland College.
“I am passionate about the power of education and transforming the lives of students,” said Long, a native of Cadillac, Michigan. “While I was not pursuing a new career opportunity, I firmly believe God led me to Lipscomb at this time as it quickly became clear that my experience in corporate America and my tenure in education could be combined in a powerful way to serve God, Lipscomb Academy and the Nashville community as Head of Upper School. With extensive experience in organizational development, training and education, I believe I am uniquely qualified to help Lipscomb enhance academic offerings, strengthen rigor, and provide an environment where teachers and students thrive. I’m excited to draw upon and utilize my skills and abilities to accelerate Lipscomb Academy’s progress toward becoming the premier faith-based private institution in Middle Tennessee.”
For nearly two decades prior to building a career in the field of education, Long specialized in corporate human resources and staff management for Tractor Supply Company, Carter’s/OshKosh B’Gosh Childrenswear and Batten & Shaw, Inc. Long’s expertise focused on training, organizational development, and performance improvement. In the corporate world, Long is known for his ability to be a strategic human resource partner to operational counterparts, helping individuals and corporations achieve success while realizing greater customer results.
He is a trusted leader with a special emphasis on student and teacher excellence, and his knowledge of academics will be advantageous for all students, faculty and staff at the upper school. Allen has a passion and vision for the student experience and is eager to invest in all areas of Lipscomb Academy’s upper school.—Lisa Bruce, Lipscomb Academy associate head of school for academics and student life
While serving the human resource needs of 350+ retail locations for the national retailer Tractor Supply Company, Long designed and executed organizational development and recruitment programs supporting growth initiatives and implemented best practices for manager training. Additionally, he developed performance appraisals for corporate and retail employees and partnered with compensation management for competitive compensation plans. As regional human resource director at William Carter Company, parent company of Carter’s and OshKosh B’Gosh, Long created programs to reinforce the strategic vision of the company and oversaw employee relations and coaching.
“Allen Long brings a wealth of experience to Lipscomb Academy from both educational and corporate environments,” said Lisa Bruce, Lipscomb Academy associate head of school for academics and student life. “He is a trusted leader with a special emphasis on student and teacher excellence, and his knowledge of academics will be advantageous for all students, faculty and staff at the upper school. Allen has a passion and vision for the student experience and is eager to invest in all areas of Lipscomb Academy’s upper school. We are excited to see how the upper school flourishes under his leadership.”
Allen holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in communications and management, a Master of Business Administration degree from Grand Valley State University, a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Middle Tennessee State University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in leadership and professional practice through which he is researching and writing his dissertation on culturally responsive teaching practices.
I am passionate about the power of education and transforming the lives of students.—Allen Long, Lipscomb Academy head of upper school
“Everything Allen does is done with excellence and he continues to impress the educational community with his depth, knowledge, skill and dedication to his work,” said Jason Thompson, Lipscomb Academy parent and executive minister at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ. “He is a ‘people first’ person and he will build relationships with academy parents, teachers, employees and students. Most importantly his work ethic, character and grace will make him a great asset for Lipscomb Academy.”
Allen is married to Dr. Charla Long, former dean of Lipscomb University’s College of Professional Studies, who owns a higher education and health care consulting firm and serves as the executive director of the nationally known Competency-Based Education Network. Allen and Charla have four children: Grace (19), Elise (17), Charleigh (15) and Alex (14). Their family is actively engaged as members of Harpeth Hills Church of Christ serving as leaders in the children’s ministry area, teaching Bible classes and leading children’s worship.
Long will begin work as Lipscomb Academy’s Head of Upper School on Wednesday, July 24.
Lipscomb Academy is a two-year-old through 12th grade faith-based college preparatory school located in Nashville. Lipscomb Academy is committed to caring for mind, body and soul to prepare its students for collegiate and global experiences leading to a lifetime of learning and serving. Its close connection to Lipscomb University provides unparalleled academic experiences that engage all students in unique learning environments. on the Lipscomb University campus. In April, school officials broke ground on the first phase of the forthcoming Brewer Campus expansion, a $25 million project to bring 21st century learning facilities to the lower campus at Granny White Pike and Harding Place.