Center for Vocational Discovery
Exploring opportunities at the intersection of your academic aspirations and life purpose.
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eyes on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Eph. 1:11 (MSG)
The Center for Vocational Discovery (CVD) aligns with Lipscomb's reputation as a welcoming, Christ-centered community. In this supportive environment, the CVD offers you as a student a truly unique experience. The Center will take you through a journey of life discovery that unifies your entire university experience.
Through our CVD, undergraduate students explore four foundational questions that shape both their character and future direction:
- IDENTITY: "Who am I?" challenges students to examine their values, strengths, and moral compass
- PURPOSE: "Why am I here?" guides them to align their character with meaningful purpose
- VOCATION: "What will I do with what I've been given?" encourages them to transform personal gifts into ethical leadership
- LOCATION: "Where will I go next?" empowers them to choose paths that reflect their developed character
The Journey
Integrated with Quest Week when first-year students arrive on campus, year one builds a foundation for the journey. You will take a strengths assessment and your Lipscomb Experience, Story of Israel and Story of Jesus courses will help you discern character traits that align with various occupations and interests. Chapels, spiritual formation activities, workshops and retreats are all part of the first-year CVD experience.
Lipscomb’s CVD focus is on supporting students’ understanding of truth and discernment as they discuss identity and explore their source of truth. This is done in their initial course, Lipscomb Experience, and in their Bible courses. The intellectual virtues of reflection, critical thinking, and autonomy are grown as students explore their strengths and discern what their true north is for making judgments.
You will explore questions of life purpose through workshops, opportunity exploration, cross-cultural discovery and spiritual formation activities. In addition, through the sophomore Bible courses, Story of the Church and Faith and Culture, you will learn through case studies on community, discernment, empowerment and mission.
Moral virtues are grown as students consider their purpose as a focus in the CVD. Students explore how they find meaning through work, cross-cultural opportunities, and spiritual formation. Students learn respect, humility, and justice as they engage with others.
The CVD will work with you on college-specific integration and offers Faith + Work Fellowships and internship opportunities. Though these experiences, you will better understand how to use your gifts and talents to make a difference in the world. In year three, you can also engage in workshops, spiritual formation opportunities and an examination of Cross-Cultural Engagement and Reconciliation.
Lipscomb’s CVD focus is on students applying and integrating their skills, gifts, and talents to be good citizens and to serve those around them.
You will continue to explore and refine how you plan to use your gifts and talents to better the world. This focus includes continued college-specific integration and furthering initiatives you began during your junior year. As you conclude your undergraduate Lipscomb education, you will be prepared to leave confidently equipped and committed for the sake of the world.
As students enter their last year in the CVD, they are deeply working in their major to develop their skills, gifts, and talents to confidently enter the workplace and their communities.
Matching Gift Doubles Your Support
The Center for Vocational Discovery has received generous funding from the Dillard Family Foundation, established by Max and Gayle Dillard. The foundation has offered an additional matching gift of $100,000. Participate in the center's work through your financial support.
Give to the Center for Vocational Discovery
Learning Your Strengths
Lipscomb University is a Gallup StrengthsFinder institution. As a freshman, you will take your StrengthsFinder assessment as part of your orientation. If you are a transfer student, drop by the CVD office to discuss how you can plug into CVD at the right spot for you.
Learn more about StrengthsFinderReady to Engage?
The Center for Vocational Discovery experience works best in person. Director Rob Touchstone welcomes visits to the center, located in Crisman. You also can schedule a meeting at the center or The Well or somewhere on campus.
Email Rob Touchstone