Hammond named Campus School headmaster, university vice president
Kim Chaudoin |
Dr. Michael P. Hammond, former dean of Lipscomb University’s College of Education and Professional Studies and principal of John Overton High School, has been named vice president and headmaster of David Lipscomb Campus School effective immediately, President L. Randolph Lowry announced today.
Hammond was selected for the position after a nation-wide search for a headmaster. Hammond served as interim director of the campus school since July 1, 2008.
“We’re thrilled with the appointment of Dr. Mike Hammond as the new headmaster of the campus school and vice president of the university. Following the nationwide search, led by Parker Executive Search and our search committee, we examined Dr. Hammond’s qualifications and experiences and found him to be a wonderful fit with the needs of the campus school,” said Lowry.
“His outstanding experience as a successful principal at Overton High School joined with his professional experience as dean at the university provides a background upon which we can continue to expand the relationship between the campus school and the university. When we requested feedback from the Lipscomb community, Mike’s name came up consistently as the candidate we should select. Based upon conversations with the search committee, campus school faculty and with Dr. Hammond, he appeared to be the outstanding choice for the position.”
A career educator, Hammond served as Dean of Lipscomb University’s College of Education and Professional Studies from 2003-08. He joined the Lipscomb faculty in 2001 as Professor of Education, Director of Teacher Education and Chair of the Department of Education. From 1990-2001, Hammond served as Executive Principal at John Overton High School, which is part of the Metro Nashville Public School system. Prior to that assignment, Hammond was Assistant Principal at Overton from 1978-89, Assistant Principal at McMurray Junior High School (Nashville) from 1972-78 and mathematics teacher at Apollo Junior High School (Nashville) from 1968-72. He holds a Ph.D. in educational administration from George Peabody College, a Master of Science in mathematics from Middle Tennessee State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Lipscomb University.
“I am excited to continue the work at David Lipscomb Campus School. We have a wonderful program, outstanding faculty, and strong parental support. Being able to contribute to a learning community with a heritage of academic excellence in a Christian context is indeed an honor and privilege,’” said Hammond.
Hammond said he has four areas of focus for the campus school.
“We will continue to focus on academic excellence and rigor, the spiritual formation of our students, increasing diversity in our schools and enhanced connections with the university,” he said.
This school year, a variety of new academic programs have been implemented including an integrated third grade curriculum, seventh grade honors English and 19 new dual enrollment courses through the university. In the 2009-10 school year, eighth grade honors English, dual enrollment courses college algebra and college trigonometry and an academically enhanced schedule for seventh and eighth grades.
Founded in 1891, David Lipscomb Campus School is a college preparatory Christian school, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Its enrollment of more than 1,400 students makes DLCS the largest private school in Middle Tennessee. DLCS is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the National Christian School Association and is affiliated with Lipscomb University.