Spivey helps learners flourish through Lipscomb Online psychology program
Kim Chaudoin |
For Jaclyn Spivey, teaching psychology is more than an academic discipline; it is a way to help students understand themselves, others and the world around them.
As lead faculty for undergraduate psychology, which includes the online psychology program, Spivey brings both deep expertise and a heart for adult learners to her work at Lipscomb University.
Spivey, who joined Lipscomb’s faculty in 2019, teaches a variety of courses for the online undergraduate psychology program, including “Introduction to Psychology,” “Behavioral Statistics,” “Introduction to Psychological Research,” “Social Psychology,” “Biological Psychology” and “History and Systems.” She also teaches for the on-ground psychology program housed in Lipscomb’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Spivey earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Loyola University New Orleans in 2002 and a Ph.D. in psychology with a specialization in behavioral neuroscience from the University of Texas at Austin in 2008. She has taught in Christian higher education since 2012.
A passion for psychology
Spivey’s enthusiasm for the discipline is grounded in its broad relevance and the curiosity it naturally sparks in learners.
“I enjoy teaching psychology for a few reasons,” she said. “It’s broadly applicable, and when I meet new people, I commonly hear from others, ‘I loved my psychology class!’ As humans we love learning about ourselves and others, and the ‘why’ behind the variety of things we do.”
Her background in behavioral neuroscience shapes her approach in both traditional and online classrooms. “My training helps me bring an interdisciplinary lens to what I do, bridging the brain and behavior,” she said.
Calling to online education
Although Spivey teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, she has a particular passion for online learning and the post-traditional students who often pursue it.
“My teaching career started around 2009, and from the beginning there has been an element of my work that includes adult, post-traditional learners,” she said. “I have a special spot in my heart for this population.”
She believes Lipscomb’s online programs meet a critical need for students balancing education with work, family and other responsibilities.
“I strongly believe that Lipscomb has a great model of providing access to Christian higher education for the needs of adult learners,” she said. “My students are fantastic humans, and I’m honored to be part of their journey.”
“My students are remarkable,” Spivey continued. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside them as they pursue their goals.”
Drawn to Lipscomb’s mission
Being part of the Lipscomb faculty is something Spivey said was a long-term professional goal. Now in her seventh year as a faculty member, she continues to find meaning in the university’s mission-driven culture.
“For many years I aspired to become part of the Lipscomb community. The reputation for strong academics and faith-infused learning is what drew me in,” she said. “Having been part of this community for some time, I also get to see the way we support and walk alongside one another in the academic journey and beyond.”
As lead faculty for the undergraduate psychology programs, Spivey not only teaches but also helps ensure curriculum quality and provides guidance for students across both in-person and online tracks. She has also contributed to programs beyond psychology, including teaching in the graduate Sustainability program, the Lipscomb LIFE program and pre-college summer programs. In 2024, she received one of Lipscomb’s Outstanding Teacher awards.
Encouragement for future online learners
For those considering an online degree at Lipscomb, Spivey offers encouragement she often shares with her students.
“I strongly believe that an education is never wasted,” she said. “You may show up to college with one pathway in mind, but you also learn about yourself — who you are and what you want — in the process. You never know what will change the trajectory of your career.”
And for anyone waiting for the “perfect time” to begin, she adds, “If things are lining up but you are waiting to jump in, consider this your encouragement to get started and see where the learning experience takes you.”