McQueen joins national conversation on faith-based education
Office of Public Relations & Communications |
Dr. Candice McQueen with David Hoag, far left, president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and ACE President Ted Mitchell.
Nearly 2 million students across the United States attend faith-based colleges and universities — a fast-growing segment of higher education that is gaining new momentum and visibility.
This week, Lipscomb University President Candice McQueen joined more than 50 leaders of faith-based institutions along with policy makers and others in Washington, D.C. for the annual convening of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) Commission on Faith-Based Colleges & Universities.
As part of the convening, attendees had the opportunity to view the first episode of BYUtv’s new documentary series, “Higher Ed: The Power of Faith-Inspired Learning in America,” which highlights the unique contributions of faith-based colleges and universities and features stories from leaders and students across the country. Following the screening, McQueen was one of five panelists, which also included the presidents of Yeshiva, Notre Dame and Taylor universities, to discuss the documentary as well as challenges and opportunities facing faith-based institutions.
“It’s an honor to join colleagues from across the nation who share a commitment to providing transformative education grounded in faith,” said McQueen. “Gatherings like this are essential for the future of higher education—they provide a platform for us to collaborate, share our stories and advocate for the unique value faith-based institutions bring to our students and our communities.”
“At Lipscomb, and across the nation, we are committed to developing not only graduates who are knowledgeable and prepared for their careers, but also individuals of character, purpose and faith,” she continued. “These convenings remind us that our collective voice is powerful, and our mission is vital as we seek to ensure that faith-based institutions continue to thrive and serve students with excellence.”
Even amid a national enrollment decline, schools like Lipscomb are growing because students are seeking meaning and mission. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, enrollment at faith-based colleges has grown by 82 percent over the past 40 years, compared to 57 percent across higher education nationally.
The gathering featured an invitation-only morning program for college and university presidents, where leaders participated in working groups to share best practices on mission-driven hiring and elevating their institutions’ stories. The afternoon session opened with a welcome from David Hoag, president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and remarks from ACE President Ted Mitchell.
“Faith-based institutions are the bedrock of higher education. We have not paid adequate attention to that role and that responsibility,” Mitchell told the assembled leaders. “I hope that this group, along with other groups and associations, can return to the idea of a search for moral clarity, a search for purpose and the establishment and embodiment of values into the process of education with our students.”
McQueen, who has served as Lipscomb’s president since 2021, was appointed one of 13 inaugural members of the commission last summer. The commission aims to increase visibility for the contributions of religious and faith-based colleges and universities and to foster collaboration between religious and nonreligious institutions on issues such as access, affordability and completion.