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Darren Smith

Lipscomb Faculty

Lipscomb is comprised of aspirational leaders whose lives are marked by service to others.

They are known for using their expertise to drive positive change and influence many, extending their reach far beyond the walls of the university into communities around the world. 

Today, countless members of Lipscomb’s personnel embody the same beliefs and values of its founder, David Lipscomb, who was known for his service to the Nashville community. Lipscomb’s faculty are respected leaders in healthcare, education, technology, and business, to name a few. Through their work, they are living out their faith and magnifying the God-given excellence in others. Additionally, they equip students to become experts in their fields, prepared to lead a life of purpose and impact the world with their talents, expertise and commitment to service. 

Faculty Stories


Discover Faculty in Each Program

student with microscope

Undergraduate Programs

Our curriculum is designed for students with passionate minds and big ambitions. In Lipscomb's faith-infused programs, you'll build on the knowledge and character you already have to fashion a future where your ideas become innovations.

View Undergraduate Programs

Tom and Tony Bancroft - Disney

When Disney great Tony Bancroft joined his twin brother Tom Bancroft as faculty in the animation program, Lipscomb became the only school to have three former Disney supervising animators and a former Disney director teaching classes.

Tom has served as artist-in-residence since coming to Lipscomb’s George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts in 2014 to launch the animation program. His goal was to create a unique academic program that prepares students for careers in animation through a faith-based perspective.

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Space

Activate Bold Faith

Explore Jeff Thompson's research at Lipscomb University on how awe enhances resilience, particularly in space. This study, in collaboration with NASA, investigates the positive impacts of awe on mental health. Thompson's diverse background enriches his insights into this unique emotional experience.

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Industry Renowned Faculty

Lipscomb’s extraordinary faculty are leaders in healthcare, education, technology, and business, to name a few. Their robust industry knowledge, strength of character and dedication to their students set them apart and enable them to uniquely prepare aspirational learners to become respected leaders in their fields. Learn more about our industry-renowned professors below!

  • Tom Bancroft headshot

    Tom Bancroft

    Artist in Residence

    Tom Bancroft has over thirty years of experience in the animation industry, most of which was for Walt Disney Feature animation where he was an animator for twelve years on...

    Meet Tom Bancroft
  • Lee Camp headshot

    Lee Camp

    Distinguished Faculty Fellow, Center for Vocational Discovery

    Lee is an Alabamian by birth. He met his wife Laura at Lipscomb as an undergrad (BA in Computer Science), and then did seminary at Abilene Christian University (MA and...

    Meet Lee Camp
  • Kirsten Dodson headshot

    Kirsten Dodson

    Associate Professor & Chair

    Dodson is the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering's first faculty member to have received an undergraduate engineering degree from Lipscomb to return to teaching at the college full-time. Dodson...

    Meet Kirsten Dodson
  • Steve Taylor

    Steve Taylor

    Assistant Professor

    Steve Taylor is a filmmaker, writer, producer and recording artist who earned his "Renaissance Man" stripes (Prism Magazine) from a body of work that's garnered him multiple Grammy, Billboard, Telly,...

    Meet Steve Taylor
  • Mike Nawrocki headshot

    Mike Nawrocki

    Visiting Professor

    As co-creator of "VeggieTales," co-founder of Big Idea Entertainment and the voice of the beloved Larry the Cucumber, Mike Nawrocki has been part of the pulse of the "VeggieTales" brand,...

    Meet Mike Nawrocki
  • Chelsia Harris headshot

    Chelsia Harris

    Executive Director, Nursing

    Chelsia Harris is originally from Hartman, Arkansas. She earned her bachelor of science in nursing degree from Arkansas Tech University in 2004, her master of science in nursing degree as...

    Meet Chelsia Harris
  • Steve Nordstrom headshot

    Steve Nordstrom

    Associate Dean School of Computing

    Dr. Nordstrom has served in several teaching and administrative roles in engineering and computing since joining the faculty of Lipscomb University in 2008. He currently serves as Associate Dean of...

    Meet Steve Nordstrom
  • David Collao headshot

    David Collao

    Assistant Professor

    Collao is a Lipscomb alumnus who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Next, he earned Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees from The University of Tennessee...

    Meet David Collao
  • Jeff Cohu headshot

    Jeff Cohu

    Executive Director, Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

    Dr. Jeff Cohu is an experienced management consultant, entrepreneur, and educator. In addition to his ongoing consulting practice, he currently serves as Professor of Management and Executive Director of the...

    Meet Jeff Cohu
  • Laurel Littlefield headshot

    Laurel Littlefield

    Associate Professor

    Laurel and her husband Brad are originally from West Texas, and moved to Nashville with their three sons in 2018. Laurel and Brad met while attending Lubbock Christian University (LCU)...

    Meet Laurel Littlefield
  • Beth Conway headshot

    Beth Conway

    Prof of Bio & Assoc Chair

    Beth Conway is associate professor of Biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Lipscomb University. She received her bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in Biochemistry and Molecular...

    Meet Beth Conway