Flatt to be inducted into the TICUA Hall of Fame
Kim Chaudoin |
National Healthcare Corporation (NHC) CEO and former Lipscomb University President Stephen F. Flatt has been named a member of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) third class of Hall of Fame inductees. Flatt is one of 24 alumni selected by TICUA and its member institutions as part of the 2022 class for their contributions to the community in a variety of disciplines.
Flatt, a 1977 Lipscomb graduate, served as the university’s 16th president from 1997 to 2005. He joined NHC in 2005 as senior vice president of development, was promoted to the role of president in 2009 and became CEO in 2017. Prior to his appointment as president at Lipscomb, Flatt served as president of Ezell Harding Christian School in Nashville from 1986-1990 and from 1986-1997 served as pulpit minister of Madison Church of Christ.
“Steve Flatt has embodied the values of Lipscomb University throughout his career, and has had a tremendous impact on the lives of countless individuals through his work in Christian education, in ministry and in health care,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “His commitment to developing pathways to a Christian education for as many students as possible continues to impact students today. We are proud that Dr. Flatt is representing Lipscomb University in this year’s prestigious group of inductees.”
Flatt began his career with Lipscomb in 1977 as assistant to the vice president. He also served as director of admissions, vice president/business affairs and vice president/institutional planning. As a student, Flatt was also a member of the Bison basketball team.
During Flatt’s tenure as Lipscomb’s president he established a number of academic programs including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the School of Engineering, the Master of Divinity, and Master of Business Administration. In addition, three study abroad programs were added. Through these new programs, there was an opportunity for more students than ever before to study in a Christian environment, preparing them to impact the world around them. Flatt also oversaw the construction and completion of Allen Arena, among other facilities, and Lipscomb’s move into the NCAA Division I. Both of these processes ultimately built a strong foundation for Lipscomb’s continued growth and opportunity for transformative experiences outside of the classroom. During this time he also served as board chairman of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association. In this role, Flatt led the charge for all private and independent colleges to be included in the HOPE Scholarship Program.
Today, Flatt also serves on the executive committee of the Council for the Post Acute Care, the board of directors of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, and the board of directors of the Nashville Inner City ministry. He is a member of the Nashville Health Care Council and was named one of Middle Tennessee’s “Health-Care Heroes” by the Nashville Business Journal.
This is the third year for TICUA to honor alumni from member schools as inductees into its Hall of Fame.
“The TICUA Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022, once again, demonstrates the incredible value a liberal arts education provides throughout a person’s lifetime,” said TICUA President Claude Pressnell. “We are proud to recognize this impressive group of alumni who have made significant contributions to their institutions, communities, and society.”
The 2022 class of inductees includes civil rights activists; veterans; civic and faith leaders; medical pioneers; sport and business professionals; and passionate philanthropic and humanitarian leaders, all hailing from Tennessee private nonprofit institutions. Joining Flatt in the TICUA Hall of Fame Class of 2022 are: Dr. Robert Bowers (Southern Adventist University), Dr. James Cantrell (Bethel University), Sherrie Claiborne (Lincoln Memorial University), Governor Frank G. Clement (Cumberland University), Dr. William Cochran (Southern College of Optometry), David Coffey (King University), Adam Dale (Lee University), Dr. Judith Kofroth Domer (Tusculum University), Dr. William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (Fisk University), Dr. David Eubanks (Johnson University), Nicholas Brody (N.B.) Hardeman (Freed-Hardeman University), Beverly Jordan (Baptist Health Sciences University), Frank H. Knight (Milligan University), Roy Kramer (Maryville College), Dr. Ryan Mire (Rhodes College), Mother Anna Grace Neenan, O.P. (Aquinas College), Major General (Ret.) Mastin Robeson (Bryan College), Dr. Beth Rushing (Carson-Newman University), Dr. Rondy Smith (Trevecca Nazarene University), Dr. Mildred Stahlman (Vanderbilt University), Rebecca Stevens-Hummon (The University of the South), Isaac Burton Tigrett (Union University), Jesse Tyson (Lane College) and Betty Wiseman (Belmont University).
TICUA engages Tennessee's private, nonprofit colleges and universities to work collaboratively in areas of public policy, cost containment, and professional development to better serve the State and its citizens. TICUA membership includes 34 member institutions comprised of four-year colleges and universities and professional colleges. In fall 2021, TICUA member colleges and universities throughout the State enrolled more than 78,000 students and employed 21,000 faculty and staff. For more information about TICUA, please visit our website at www.ticua.org.
Read more about the 2022 TICUA Hall of Fame class.