Tennessee Governor Bill Lee visits campus to learn about Lipscomb's IDEAL program
The state's 2024 Expect Employment Report was released to the public during an on-campus ceremony involving IDEAL students.
Janel Shoun-Smith | 615-966-7078 |
Matt Rollins, a fourth year IDEAL student, officially presented the report to Governor Bill Lee during an on-campus visit.
In December, Lipscomb University’s IDEAL program (Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb) was highlighted by the Tennessee Governor’s Office through the release of the annual “Expect Employment” report by the state’s Employment First Task Force.
Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging chose Lipscomb’s campus as the site to receive the report from the task force, created by Executive Order No. 28 in 2013 to increase employment outcomes for people with disabilities by bringing state agencies, people with disabilities and their families, and other stakeholders together to identify and remove barriers to employment.
Misty Parsley, executive director of the Office of Accessibility and Learning Supports, said it was a great honor for Lipscomb to be chosen for this annual presentation. “It shows that IDEAL is a model program in the state and one to be recognized. Our students are often highlighted in the report for their internships in state offices,” she said.
The state task force report documents the work by the Employment First Task Force to increase competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
IDEAL, a program designed for students with intellectual disabilities who want to receive a full college experience to prepare for their future, provides on-campus and off-campus internship opportunities for all its students.
During Gov. Lee’s visit, he met IDEAL student Angel Garcia, at the site of his on-campus internship at the Lipscomb president’s office to see firsthand how programs like IDEAL connect directly to the goals and progress made as outlined in the Expect Employment Report.
India Triplett, Garcia’s supervisor, IDEAL Director Halle King and IDEAL Employment Specialist Meg Mansfield shared with the governor about the IDEAL program and how the internships benefit our students.
IDEAL student Angel Garcia is working in an on-campus internship at the Lipscomb president’s office this semester.
Matt Rollins, a fourth year IDEAL student, officially presented the report to Lee at a ceremony held in the Paul Rogers Board Room. Department of Disability and Aging Commissioner Brad Turner, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Deniece Thomas and Lipscomb President Candice McQueen also shared remarks.
The event was covered by Nashville’s WKRN Channel 2, among other media.
“Having Governor Lee and the two commissioners on campus, as well as more than 50 other state government employees, is crucial for them to understand the importance of college for students with intellectual disabilities,” said Parsley. “We are helping IDEAL students find a career and a community for life after college, just like we do for the other students on campus, so they can live purposeful lives.”
Lipscomb’s IDEAL program prepares students for future employment through internships and the development of job-ready skills. Since its launch a decade ago, the IDEAL program has served 93 students, with 75 of them earning their Certificates of Career Exploration. The program boasts an 80% employment rate among graduates, a figure that reflects the power of education to transform lives and create pathways to independence.
Learn more about one successful alumni of the IDEAL program.