Former THEC executive director Mike Krause named leader-in-residence in College of Leadership & Public Service

Lipscomb students have the opportunity to learn from some of the community's most successful leaders through in-residence programs.

Kim Chaudoin  |  03/09/2021

Lipscomb University’s College of Leadership & Public Service has named former Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) executive director Mike Krause its first leader-in-residence. 

"We  are  honored and excited to announce Mike Krause as our first leader-in-residence for  the College of Leadership & Public Service,” said Steve Joiner, dean of the college. “As a leader in both Governor Bill Lee and former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam’s administration,  Mike’s vision for public service, his experience in  higher education, his partnerships across the state and his unflagging energy makes him the perfect addition to our team."

Krause, who was appointed executive director of THEC in 2016, served as the chief advocate before the legislature and executive branch for the state’s $2.1 billion higher education budget and successfully launched multiple workforce training programs resulting in Tennessee being recognized nationally as a leader in education opportunity and economic development. His tenure culminated in THEC being named as the top higher education agency in the nation in 2020 by the State Higher Education Executive Officers association. Krause has served in Tennessee state government for 14 years.

In his role at Lipscomb, Krause will share his experiences and expertise with students, will serve on the college’s board of advisors as well as an instructor and mentor, develop internships and partnerships, serve as a liaison across the state and help with visioning for the college. In addition, Krause serves as a senior advisor for government affairs and economic development at Nashville’s Bradley Arant Boult Cummings law firm.
 
“There is a vacuum in this country for preparing public servants to thrive and to be individuals whom communities, states and the nation can rely on. Filling that gap is a process, and education is part of that process,” said Krause.

“Tennessee has the ability to build a unique pipeline of public servants largely because of Lipscomb’s College of Leadership & Public Service. This is a unique program that blends the faith perspective with public service,” he continued. “Our nation needs leaders who are called to this vocation. We need leaders to come to the table who are well trained and well grounded and who are in this work because it is hard work, but very, very rewarding.”

Krause said he looks forward to blending his passions for education and public service in his work with the College of Leadership & Public Service, which through its undergraduate and graduate programs intentionally addresses local, national and global issues to prepare leaders to navigate, shape and steer the direction of matters affecting communities and people around the world.

“I have seen the impact that higher education has had on my own family,” recalled Krause. “My father attended college as an adult when I was in elementary school, and was the first in his family to go to college. It’s not often that children get to experience their parents going to college. Usually it’s the other way around. But it made a tremendous impression on me.”

Krause is no stranger to Lipscomb. He was a camper at the famed Bison Basketball Camps with former men’s basketball coach Don Meyer in the late 1980s. In recent years, Krause has been a part of various special events and programs on the Lipscomb campus. 

“Lipscomb University is a special place, and I am very excited about this opportunity,” said Krause, a native of Cookeville, Tennessee. 

As Krause begins this new professional chapter in his career, he leans on several guiding leadership principles. 

• Never underestimate the impact of basic human kindness. “In my work in public service, I observed often that taking the time to understand a situation and not jump to a conclusion is important,” he reflected. “You never know what people are going through in life and how that shapes their perspective.”
• Beware of first reports. Krause said he borrows that principle from former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. “Over the 10-11 months that I was a part of the COVID-19 response planning that phrase was proven nearly every day,” he said. “Often, particularly in a crisis situation, the first report is almost never the reality of a situation. Calmly assess and then form a response.”
• Stay calm. “In the midst of a demanding situation, a leader’s most important addition to the team is to stay even-keeled,” he explained. “I can’t overstate the importance of this.”
• Check the small things. Krause explained that leaders serve their teams well by paying attention to details. “When leaders are looking for the little things, that helps make them aware of details. It’s the small things that make or break a situation, and leaders who are daily on the front lines need to see those along with the bigger picture,” he said.    

Prior to his THEC appointment, Krause served on Governor Bill Haslam’s senior staff, during which time he was the founding director of the Tennessee Promise, coordinating the launch of the nation’s first tuition-free college scholarship program and working closely with the legislature on an array of education and workforce issues. His public policy work has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Politico and CNN.

Krause, a U.S. Army veteran, served for six years in the 101st Airborne Division and had multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan during his service. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay State University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Vanderbilt University.

Learn more about the College of Leadership & Public Service.