Lipscomb, Tennessee World Affairs Council formalizes partnership to expand global education and engagement

Agreement establishes Lipscomb as host institution, creating new opportunities for students and community to explore international issues

Kim Chaudoin  |  10/26/2026

Lipscomb University and the Tennessee World Affairs Council (TNWAC) have formalized a strategic partnership designed to expand opportunities for global education, civic engagement and professional development while strengthening connections among higher education, business, government and community leaders across Tennessee.

Lipscomb President Candice McQueen and former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, chair of the TNWAC board of directors, gathered with university and council leaders on Oct. 15 to sign a memorandum of understanding establishing Lipscomb as a host institution for the nonprofit organization.

The agreement provides TNWAC with office space at Lipscomb's downtown Spark location and creates a framework for the two organizations to collaborate on educational programs, distinguished speaker events and other initiatives that connect international issues with local perspectives. The partnership will also provide Lipscomb students, faculty and staff with opportunities to engage with global affairs experts, participate in council programming and explore careers in international fields.

"At Lipscomb, we are committed to preparing students to lead lives of purpose and impact," said McQueen. "In an increasingly interconnected world, that means equipping them with the knowledge, perspectives and experiences to engage thoughtfully with complex global issues and contribute to the common good."

McQueen said the partnership reflects the university's commitment to connecting students with learning experiences beyond the classroom while contributing to the broader Nashville community.

"By bringing together perspectives from higher education, business, government and civic organizations, we hope to foster greater understanding of global affairs, encourage informed citizenship and provide valuable learning and professional development experiences," she said.

Dean, who served as Nashville's mayor from 2007 to 2015, emphasized the importance of relationships with universities in advancing the council's mission and expanding its reach.

"I think one of the things that makes a World Affairs chapter successful is building the relationships with local universities, and so this is key," Dean said during the signing ceremony.

He noted that the partnership provides opportunities for university faculty to contribute their expertise to council programming while bringing distinguished international affairs speakers and educational experiences to Lipscomb students.

"For us, it's very meaningful to be affiliated with a great university and with academics who are interested in this field, who can help us and guide us as we develop our programming," said Dean.

Connecting Nashville to the world

Founded in 2007 by Patrick Ryan, the Tennessee World Affairs Council is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit educational organization dedicated to increasing understanding of international affairs and their impact on Tennessee and the United States. A member of the World Affairs Councils of America network, TNWAC brings together business leaders, policymakers, academics, students and community members through educational programming, public discussions and networking opportunities. Ryan continues to serve as the council's president emeritus and a member of its board of directors.

The organization has expanded its programming in recent years, including its Distinguished Speaker Series, which features diplomats, international policy experts, scholars and other leaders. Its activities also include webinars, educational outreach and cultural experiences designed to promote greater understanding of the world.

Liane Hentschke, TNWAC executive director, said the council currently offers approximately 16 events annually and has focused on strengthening relationships with universities and Nashville's business community.

"One of the goals is also to prepare global leadership, global citizens," said Hentschke. "Our students, they leave university and they will work in international companies, so it's very important that they know what is going on and the culture of the place that they are going to work."

The partnership is expected to foster new collaborations across academic disciplines and create opportunities for students to interact directly with professionals engaged in international business, diplomacy and public policy.

Steve Joiner, dean of Lipscomb's College of Leadership & Public Service, said the agreement represents an opportunity to broaden students' understanding of the world and the role Tennessee plays in international affairs.

"I think this one can be special because it's different," he said of the partnership. "It is helping Nashville connect internationally and understand what's going on globally."

Joiner noted that the collaboration builds on the university's extensive network of community partnerships while offering new opportunities for students to gain a wider perspective.

"We're looking forward to providing our students the opportunity to see the larger picture," he said. "I think there's a lot we could do, and probably more we haven't even thought about yet."

Ralph Schulz, former president and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and executive-in-residence in Lipscomb's College of Leadership & Public Service, said the collaboration also supports Nashville's continued growth as a center for international business and engagement.

"Nashville is known around the world," said Schulz, pointing to the city's international reputation as Music City while emphasizing the opportunity to expand its global connections. "The World Affairs Council and Lipscomb working together is one of those ways that we're going to help Nashville become that global city.”

Building on a longstanding relationship

Although the October agreement establishes a new formal partnership, Lipscomb and TNWAC have worked together for more than a decade, particularly through the university's Department of History, Politics and Philosophy.

Susan Turner Haynes, associate professor of political science, served on the TNWAC board of directors from 2011 to 2021. She now serves on the organization's advisory board and has helped connect Lipscomb students with council programs and activities.

Over the years, the university and the council have collaborated on more than two dozen events, many of which have been held on Lipscomb's campus, said Haynes. These have included educational programs and international career panels that introduce students to opportunities in diplomacy, public service, international business and related fields.

More recently, Lipscomb students have participated in TNWAC's distinguished speaker events in downtown Nashville, where they have opportunities to interact with business professionals, policymakers and international affairs experts.

Haynes said these experiences allow students to see how their academic interests translate into professional opportunities and to understand Nashville's growing connections to the global economy.

Hentschke recognized the longstanding involvement of Lipscomb faculty and students during the signing ceremony, noting that students attending council programs consistently contribute thoughtful questions and perspectives to discussions.

The new agreement expands these connections by creating additional opportunities for collaborative programming, including guest lectures, campus events, professional networking and other educational experiences. Under the agreement, Lipscomb students, faculty and staff will also receive reduced-price admission to TNWAC events, and the university may collaborate with the council to host special lectures and discussions featuring international affairs leaders.

Lipscomb student selected for national scholars program

The partnership's value for students is already evident in the selection of Lipscomb student Arlie Akers for the prestigious 2026 World Affairs Councils of America Student Scholars Program.

Akers, who is pursuing bachelor's degrees in international relations and English, was nominated by the Tennessee World Affairs Council and selected as one of just 25 undergraduate students nationwide to participate in the program.

She will attend the World Affairs Councils of America National Conference Nov. 17-20 in Washington, D.C., where she will participate in specialized programming, engage with international affairs experts and explore career opportunities through visits to organizations in the nation's capital.

Akers, serves as features editor for Lipscomb's student news organization, Herd Media, and has participated in international service and documentary filmmaking projects. She has also been involved with TNWAC events, assisting with event activities and communications.

In nominating Akers, TNWAC leaders highlighted her academic achievement, leadership, cross-cultural experiences and ability to connect her interests in international affairs with journalism and storytelling.

"She does not merely study international affairs; she actively seeks opportunities to experience, communicate, and contribute to the world around her," Hentschke wrote in the council's recommendation letter for Akers.

The Student Scholars Program is designed to develop the next generation of globally engaged leaders through participation in the national conference, specialized educational experiences and professional networking.

For Lipscomb, Akers' selection illustrates the opportunities that can emerge when academic learning is connected with community partnerships and real-world experiences.

The partnership between Lipscomb and TNWAC is structured as a three-year agreement, with opportunities for renewal and continued collaboration. University and council leaders anticipate developing additional programs that will benefit students, faculty, business professionals and the broader community.