Morel appointed dean of College of Professional Studies
Kim Chaudoin | 615.966.6494 |
Nationally recognized educator and instructional coach Nina Morel has been appointed dean of Lipscomb University’s College of Professional Studies, which houses the university’s nationally known competency-based education program, university Provost W. Craig Bledsoe recently announced.
Morel, associate dean of the college, has served as interim dean of the College of Professional Studies since January. She succeeds Charla Long, who is serving as a consultant to Public Agenda, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps diverse leaders and citizens navigate divisive, complex issues and work together to find solutions in education.
“Dr. Morel is a leading educator and expert in instructional coaching and has helped guide the College of Professional Studies as it has grown in recent months,” said Bledsoe. “She has a proven track record of success and will continue to build on the very strong foundation that Dr. Long built for this innovative college.”
A Nashville native, Morel is an award winning educator and instructional coach who designed and implemented the instructional coaching model that is a key component of Lipscomb’s nationally recognized competency-based education program housed in the College of Professional Studies. As associate dean, Morel also led the integrated studies and adult degree programs, coordinated accreditation processes and served as a liaison with national education associations.
Lipscomb University’s College of Professional Studies offers the credentials of a traditional degree program, balanced with nontraditional delivery and coaching that helps students develop the skills to meet the workforce needs of today and tomorrow. It offers the university’s innovative competency-based education program which awards college credit based on prior learning as well as life and professional experiences through the college’s CORE (Customized, Outcome-based, Relevant Evaluation) Competency Assessment and Development Center. Students can earn up to 30 credits, following a rigorous behavioral assessment, saving them thousands of dollars in tuition money. Lipscomb’s program, which is already considered a leader and innovator in this area among liberal arts institutions nationally, was the first to have its competency-based program accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is one of only a few of its kind in the nation. The college also houses the university’s Adult Degree Program, which offers a variety of programs of study options.
As interim dean, Morel led the college to an increase in enrollment in its programs, added staff and resources, streamlined internal processes and continued to build partnerships with area employers.
“I am excited about the opportunities we have in the College of Professional Studies to help adults reach their life goals by developing personalized learning plans and pathways for them to follow,” said Morel. “Lipscomb University is a great place for traditional and post-traditional age students. One of my top priorities is to continue to find ways to make Lipscomb the premier choice for working adults who are continuing their education. We want to break down barriers that keep them from being successful in their pursuit of a college degree.”
Prior to her appointment in the College of Professional Studies, Morel was associate professor of education and director of the Master of Education program in the College of Education. She has been on faculty at Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University and Lipscomb University among others. She has also served as the English Language Learner and Title 3 director, instructional coaching facilitator and pre-K coordinator among other roles for the Sumner County (Tenn.) School System.
Morel is a 2005 winner of the prestigious Milken Award for excellence in teaching and the author of two books on instructional coaching. Morel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lipscomb University as well as a Master of Education degree and Doctor of Education from Tennessee State University.
For more information about Lipscomb’s College of Professional Studies, visit lipscomb.edu/professionalstudies or call 615.966.1104.