Hilton Dean, a retired vice chairman of Ernst & Young, New York, was elected chairman of the Lipscomb University Board of Trustees on Saturday, President Stephen F. Flatt announced.
Dean, now of Nashville, succeeds former HCA executive Thomas E. Batey, who has served as chair since Flatt became president in 1997 and remains on the board. The board's bylaws limit officer terms to three consecutive two-year terms.
"Hilton is an outstanding leader in every respect. He is visionary, energetic, and expects progress. He believes deeply in the mission of Lipscomb University and will work to accomplish our vision of being a nationally recognized, premier Christian university," Flatt said.
Dean said he was "honored to have been asked" by the board to serve as chair.
"I strongly believe in Lipscomb's mission of providing an outstanding education to our students in a Christian environment," Dean said. "I look forward to working with the board, President Flatt, the administration and faculty as we work to take Lipscomb, with God's help, to even greater heights."
Of Batey's term as chair, Flatt said he "could not have asked for a better board chair" during the first six years of his administration.
"We have worked hand-in-glove. I am so appreciative not only of his leadership, but his friendship as well," Flatt said.
Other members elected officers during Saturday's meeting: J.D. Elliott, president and chief executive officer, Memorial Foundation Inc., vice chair; Neika Stephens, retired television and advertising executive, secretary; and Richard S. Peugeot, retired president of Peugeot Technologies, treasurer.
In addition to leading Lipscomb's 30-member board, Dean is on the board of directors for Printpack Inc., Atlanta, and Xspedius Communications, St. Louis. He continues to do consulting work for Ernst & Young and is treasurer of the Christian Scholarship Foundation, Atlanta.