Tennessee National Guard partnership marks Lipscomb's first classes in Memphis
Lipscomb University's College of Leadership & Public Service (CLPS) has expanded its partnership with the Tennessee National Guard beyond Nashville, launching a new cohort in Memphis during the spring 2026 semester.
Sofia Bailey |
This partnership provides Guard members with an accessible graduate leadership program designed to strengthen their skills for military service, public leadership and future civilian careers. The program began in 2022 in Nashville with an inaugural cohort of 13 leaders and has since expanded, reflecting growing interest in leadership development opportunities tailored to service members' needs. The program is designed for full- or part-time members of the Tennessee Army or Air National Guard and offers tuition at a discounted rate to these service members. Memphis is the program's third location, following an expansion to Knoxville several years ago. In 2023, the U.S. Department of the Army awarded the innovative partnership between the Tennessee National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters its prestigious Army Community Partnership Award. Current fall 2026 enrollment stands at 22 students, reflecting only the Memphis cohort. Across the program's first three cohorts — two in Nashville and one in Knoxville — 44 students have graduated to date: 14 from the inaugural Nashville cohort in 2023, 15 from the Knoxville cohort and 15 from a second Nashville cohort in 2026. A fifth cohort, offered online, is set to begin in January 2027, extending the program's reach to Guard members statewide.
The College of Leadership & Public Service is the place where Tennessee turns for leadership. It offers four master's degree programs: conflict management, leadership and public service, public administration and sustainability, each designed to support professional development in any future career path. For more information, visit lipscomb.edu/leadership.
“My experience in the Master of Arts in Leadership and Public Service Military Cohort in Memphis has been both rewarding and transformative. I have thoroughly enjoyed the program and the professors’ ability to connect leadership concepts to real-world challenges,” commented Senior Master Sgt. Kimishia Jones. “Through this experience, I have strengthened my ability to navigate challenges through negotiation, collaboration, and adapting my leadership style to meet the needs of those I lead. I have gained valuable tools to improve processes, strengthen teamwork, and accomplish the mission more effectively and efficiently while creating opportunities for Airmen to grow and succeed.”
“The knowledge and skills I have gained will continue to shape my leadership journey as I work toward becoming a Chief Master Sergeant and prepare for a future civilian career dedicated to serving others and making a meaningful impact in my community,” Jones continued.
The new cohort marks Lipscomb’s first time offering classes in Memphis and builds on a program launched several years ago to bring graduate-level leadership education directly to Guard members where they serve.
"The Pentagon-supported partnership with the Tennessee Guard has been an exciting addition for the master's in leadership and public service over the last four years,” said Steve Joiner, dean of the College of Leadership & Public Service. “It gives us the opportunity to bring graduate education directly to Guard members and equip leaders who are already serving their communities and our state. The growth of the program, and particularly the strong response to this new cohort in Memphis, demonstrates the value of making this kind of leadership education accessible where these service members are. We are honored to serve the Tennessee National Guard and the state through this program."
Classes meet on alternating Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the 164th Airlift Wing, where Lipscomb professors travel from Nashville to teach 22 Memphis-based students ranging from junior officers to the base's wing commander and command chief. Students in the cohort will take classes for about 18 months and are expected to complete their Master of Arts in leadership and public service degrees by August 2027. An online synchronous option is also available.