Cox brings industry perspective, purpose-driven teaching to new online IT management program
Kim Chaudoin |
When Dr. Kimetrice Cox reviews a student’s discussion post or project submission, she isn’t just grading for accuracy and the completion of a project. She is looking for confidence and momentum — evidence that the student can apply what they’re learning, communicate clearly and keep pushing forward when the work gets challenging.
Dr. Kimetrice Cox
“I do not ask my students to be the smartest person in the room,” Cox said. “I ask them to be driven. I want them to problem‑solve, find solutions, push through challenges, and keep moving forward with a positive mindset. One of my most valuable teaching lessons is simple: communicate, be coachable, move with integrity and never give up.”
That mindset shapes Cox’s work as lead faculty member for Lipscomb Online’s new information technology management program, an accelerated, fully online option designed for students who want to pair technical know-how with the leadership skills employers expect from today’s IT professionals.
Cox, who has taught online courses at Lipscomb as an adjunct for five years, stepped into the lead faculty role in 2025. In this role she develops curriculum, helps interview and support faculty, and continues teaching multiple online courses each semester within Lipscomb’s School of Computing.
“The information technology management program was intentionally designed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic leadership,” explained Cox. “The curriculum blends core IT concepts with management principles, cybersecurity awareness, data‑driven decision‑making and real‑world application.”
The program also meets workforce demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects and 11% growth for IT-related employment and nearly 106,900 job openings in IT management and related fields over the next six years.
For Cox, the “why” behind that design is personal — and research-based. During Cox’s doctoral work at Trevecca Nazarene University, research for her dissertation, Curricular Adequacy for Employment Potential of Graduated Students at Middle Tennessee Universities, revealed that students were graduating without the practical skills and applied experience needed to succeed in entry‑level IT roles.
“That discovery sparked something in me,” said Cox, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Fisk University and a master’s in information technology management from Lipscomb. “I became deeply committed to ensuring that my students graduate fully equipped with both hard and soft skills, including leadership, communication, and problem‑solving. My goal has always been simple and bold: students should walk into their first professional role confident, capable and prepared to perform.”
As lead faculty for Lipscomb’s program, Cox has focused on building a learning experience that is “innovative, engaging and experiential,” emphasizing applied projects and professional skills alongside technical content. She describes the curriculum as intentionally active, less “paper-heavy,” more hands-on, so students practice building, testing, planning, presenting and communicating the way they will in the workplace.
“I am deeply passionate about helping students gain confidence in technology, develop leadership skills and view education as a pathway to purpose‑driven careers and a successful life,” she said.
Cox sees the online classroom as a space where professional formation can happen just as meaningfully as it does on campus.
“What I enjoy most about teaching online at Lipscomb is getting to know my students through their work,” she said. “I build relationships through their writing, their reflections and their growth. My assignments are designed to develop strong, confident and driven leaders.”
“Working through difficult assignments, tests and quizzes during challenging seasons of life builds character and mental toughness. Showing up, submitting the work and staying committed matters,” Cox continued. “I want students to leave this program with a survival mindset and life skills they can carry into their careers, relationships, adulthood and spiritual journeys. A strong mentality, discipline, and positive response to adversity open doors and create opportunities.”
That relational approach also reflects what Cox values about the broader Lipscomb community, a diversity of backgrounds grounded in a shared Christian foundation.
“My students bring positive attitudes, faith and purpose into their work, and it is evident that God’s hand is guiding them throughout their journeys,” shared Cox. “I often wish others could witness the depth of faith and authenticity that shows up in my students’ writing and work. You never truly know a student’s background or headspace until you read their words. Our students are expressive, thoughtful and deeply reflective. It is both an honor and a blessing to pour into their lives simply by taking the time to read their work, hear their thoughts and truly see them and their talents.”
Cox has a clear expectation of students who are considering online learning — online learning requires ownership.
“Students considering Lipscomb’s online programs should come ready to engage, ask questions, apply what they are learning in real time and enjoy the process,” she explained. “These programs are designed for motivated learners who want flexibility without sacrificing quality and being handheld. This experience is truly what you make it. Students who show up prepared and willing to take advantage of the opportunity will thrive.”
A former collegiate basketball and softball student‑athlete, Cox credits coaches, spiritual mentors and teachers and her parents for making a tremendous impact on her life, and she seeks to pay it forward as a professor.
“The people who surrounded me poured into me throughout my journey,” she reflected. “Each mentor has been influential and instilled something different in me that shaped the leader I am today. I strive to be that same blessing to my students and players, leading with heart, faith, discipline, a positive attitude and purpose.”