Lipscomb University to begin presidential search

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Lipscomb University officials will begin an immediate, nationwide search for a successor to President Stephen F. Flatt, who has been named senior vice president for development at National HealthCare Corporation, headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Hilton Dean, chairman of Lipscomb's Board of Trustees, said today that a search committee would begin work very quickly toward identifying and securing a new president, the 17th in Lipscomb's 114-year history.

"We're saddened that Steve is leaving and we wish him well in his new endeavor. Steve has been a very effective leader and has had a tremendous impact on campus. We will immediately launch a nationwide search to find someone who will build on what Steve and those who have come before him have accomplished here," said Dean.

Flatt said he looks forward to the opportunities that lie ahead at NHC.

"Thinking about leaving Lipscomb University, my alma mater, has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life. I truly believe Lipscomb is a premier academic institution, whose Christian context is unique, and I have been very pleased with the progress we've made and the position Lipscomb is in for future growth.

"Having said that, I am extremely excited about my new role at NHC and the potential it offers for serving in a different way. NHC has a great history as an industry leader in senior care. This represents a tremendous opportunity for me to join the leadership team of one of America's greatest companies," Flatt said.

"I see education and senior healthcare as aspects of ministry. Both provide opportunities to help people at critical times in their lives. At Lipscomb, I've had the wonderful opportunity to help students. As a large group of our population ages, demand for quality care for the elderly will grow exponentially. As senior vice president of development I look forward to helping NHC meet that demand by providing the highest quality of care available."

Lipscomb University is one of the few institutions in the nation that educates students from pre-kindergarten through the master's degree level in one system. Lipscomb University enrolls approximately 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in 80 major fields of study leading to bachelor's degrees, and through master's degree programs in business administration, biblical studies and education. David Lipscomb Campus School enrolls nearly 1,500 in pre-K through grade 12. Lipscomb is associated with the churches of Christ.

"We will be looking for a candidate who is well respected within the Church of Christ, who has demonstrated leadership skills and an aggressive vision for growth and the excellence that is demanded by faith at all levels of our institution," Dean said.

Flatt, a 1977 Lipscomb University graduate, began his tenure as Lipscomb's president in June 1997. Under his leadership Lipscomb's academic departments were reorganized into five colleges, and the Raymond B. Jones School of Engineering and the Lipscomb/Vanderbilt Nursing Partnership were established. Curriculum and degree expansions included a master of business administration, a master of divinity, bachelor of science degrees in computer engineering and engineering mechanics, and a bachelor of science in nursing degree; and study abroad programs were added in London, Athens and Montevideo. Other accomplishments during Flatt's tenure include transitioning the athletic program from the NAIA to the NCAA-Division I, creating an Office of Multicultural Affairs and establishing four competency centers - the Center for Leadership Excellence, Center for Character Development, Center for International Peace and Justice and the Center for Spiritual Renewal. Flatt also guided the university through a $150 million capital and endowment campaign which has raised $110 million to date. Campus enhancements during this time include the construction of the 5,000-seat Allen Arena, a parking garage, 148-bed addition to Johnson Residence Hall, a major renovation of the Student Center, several dormitory renovations, and the beginning of construction on the 77,000-square foot Ezell Center for Biblical Studies.

Flatt began his career with Lipscomb in 1977 as assistant to the vice president. He has also served as director of admissions, vice president/business affairs and vice president/institutional planning. From 1986-1990, Flatt was president of Ezell-Harding Christian School and was minister of Madison Church of Christ from 1986-1997.

Flatt will begin his role at NHC June 15.