What is your go-to snack and drink during your workday?
Coke Zero and water. Clif Bar Crunchy Peanut Butter and Luna Bar LemonZest
How do we balance the desire to be on the cutting edge of best practices without being on the bleeding edge? How do you value new and traditional and not let either choke out the strengths of the other?
You have to listen to see what people are saying and trying, and then you have to think beyond that. That gets you to the cutting edge. To avoid the dangers of the bleeding edge, you have to try things on a small scale and then be ready to go big if they show promise or hint strongly at success. I have heard this described as shooting bullets and then cannonballs. (A lot of violent metaphors here, huh?) As far as new vs. traditional, you have to look objectively at what is being done. What is the value? Changing something just to change rarely makes a positive impact. In fact, it usually works the other way. However, not changing when a change is needed will always come back to hurt the program and organization. This requires an organization to be nimble and ready for change even before it is evident to all.
We have heard that you have a student-oriented personality and don't hold back on making the learning environment fun. What do you have planned for students at Lipscomb Academy and does it include your hoverboard? Also, what costumes are in your closet that you wear for different events at school throughout the year?
It is hard to be specific since I have only had one day on campus the one time. However, I can say it is important to create exciting learning environments that add to the learning process. The hoverboard is definite. It is a bit of a distraction, so I do not ride it all the time. However, it is fun to see the kid’s responses. They love that it is GOLD, too. Bling Bling.
Costumes: Pirates, Prince Charming, Cat in the Hat, Ring Master and Referee. I’m sure there are more I am forgetting.
What does a day in the life of Dr. Schultz look like at Lipscomb Academy and on a Saturday?
It is difficult to predict what a day will look like at school, but I do typically like to start it at carpool. I love welcoming the kids to school. It is also a great way to learn names and to meet the parents. Although I do end up being in my office a lot, I always make time to walk through the halls and visit classrooms. It is great to see the learning and interactions that take place. I normally end my day at a school event. This could vary depending on the time of year and events taking place.
My Saturdays look completely different. No shaving and no suits. If the weather allows, I will go outside and read a book. If it is football season, that may take up the rest of my day.
When you chose to work at Lipscomb Academy, you also chose to bring your family to be a part of the academy family. Why do you believe Lipscomb Academy is a good choice for your son Dawson?
Well, I actually let Dawson make the final decision concerning our move. If he was against it, we probably would not have made the transition. Fortunately, he loved the campus and everyone he met. He is very excited about some of the unique classes he can take there, and he loves the idea of going to the University, too.
Where are y'all from in Tennessee?
Henderson, TN (West TN)
What is your favorite musical and why? Were you ever in a theatrical production in middle or high school? If so, which one and which character? What is your educational philosophy of the Fine Arts as it applies to students today?
Pirates of Penzance is my favorite musical. I was Old King Cole in a middle school production, but I do not believe I was in a program in high school. I see the Fine Arts as a great way for the school to nurture passions while promoting self-esteem and creativity. For many students, these are the programs that make a truly meaningful difference in their lives. In many cases, it also takes them down roads which lead to future careers, too.
Biggest pet peeve?
I am not sure if this is a pet peeve, but I can’t stand to touch velvet. It was hard to even type the word.
Do you eat lunch in the cafeteria, bring your own lunch or eat out? If you do eat often in the cafeteria, what is your favorite and least favorite food?
I do not typically eat in the cafeteria. However, Taco Tuesdays have always been my favorite. I like most foods, but I guess I would say beets.
What brings you joy about being in education and working with students?
I like to see a student get something or accomplish something they thought was impossibly hard. Those difficult successes mean a lot!
What is your trademark? What are you known for in the education community?
I am probably most known as an innovator. That is usually seen in creative “out of the box” ideas and programs that lead to incredible learning opportunities.
What do you hope to capitalize on and leverage at Lipscomb Academy that is positive that you have already picked up on?
I think it has to be the opportunities connected to the university. I also feel like the forced online learning environment in which we have found ourselves could lead to intentional opportunities in the near future.
How do you see Lipscomb Academy leveraging our diversity of students for the good of the academy?
Diversity is always a good thing. I think any way in which it is leveraged or considered will be positive.
What is the silliest thing you did for your students while you were a teacher?
I was duct-taped to a wall by a group of students one year as a reward. They had way too much fun!
What's exciting at this point about coming to Lipscomb Academy after being announced as the incoming head of school last month?
I’ve been meeting many of the teachers over the past few days on Zoom, and I would say getting to see and interact with them in person is exciting to think about.
How does your faith play a part in your day to day life? Describe how you blend together your faith and vocation.
Fortunately for me, I have always worked in an environment where my faith and work go hand in hand. It not only provides me with peace and understanding it also allows me to provide those things to others. So, I would say they blend together seamlessly.
If you could shrink down any animal and carry it around in your pocket, which one would you choose?
I guess a monkey.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
I would go back to 1993, when I was in high school, and give some advice to myself (plus some stock tips).
What are your first 90-day initiatives?
My first days will involve gaining a broader understanding of the school, the faculty, and the families. This involves a great deal of listening, asking questions, and listening some more. I do believe I have already identified several areas for growth and improvement, but those will need to be verified and more fully considered before making any changes.
What do you hope to accomplish in your first year as head of school?
I would love for my first year to be seen as one where momentum was created for the school in all areas. It has been my experience that this involves sharing a vision, creating enthusiasm and taking action. I look forward to looking back on the first year, once the momentum is profound, and seeing the progress we have made.
How will you build upon the excellence of Lipscomb Academy?
I love the fact that this question asks about building on excellence not creating excellence, because Lipscomb Academy is an excellent school. This is done by creating a “What’s Next” attitude within the school. Our goal must involve always working on new and exciting learning environments, programs and opportunities. This is typically built on the growing interests of our students and affinities of our educators. I love it when people come to me and begin with “Can we…” This question leads to greater and greater levels of excellence.
How will you, as head of school, unite the divided factions within Lipscomb Academy and bring positive changes?
This is not only a great question; it is probably the question. It is the question I heard most on my visit. It was not always in these exact words, but it was at the heart of what was being asked. I would answer this by saying as a school we must get back on mission. The mission of the school must drive our actions, interactions, and words. It is easy to get off track, especially when good causes and good intentions are brought into the conversation. However, where the school and school community are involved, we must not lose our focus. It is easy to wander off the trail and often difficult to get back. But we can and will by looking up and finding our point of reference which must be our mission. This will get us back where we need to be and all going in the same direction.
How do you plan to support and build up the morale of the teachers?
Once again, I need to listen and truly hear what is being said. Based on initial conversations, I do believe there needs to be an infusion of excitement and affirmation into the school culture. This would not necessarily be the answer, but it would build hope and confidence in a process to come.
What is your family’s favorite vacation location?
Amelia Island and Hilton Head have always been our favorite vacation getaways.
