A tribute to Nelson Andrews
President L. Randolph Lowry |
Nelson C. Andrews, 82, a businessman who shaped Nashville politically and socially, and friend to Lipscomb University died Friday, June 12. Lipscomb President L. Randolph Lowry reflects on the life of Mr. Andrews.
NASHVILLE LOST A HERO THIS WEEK
Nashville lost a hero this week. I first met Nelson Andrews almost four years ago when I came to Nashville to lead Lipscomb University. I asked him the same question that I asked everyone during those first few months, “ What do you know about Lipscomb and how can I make it better?” Characteristically, he was not unkind but neither was he shy in his answer. “Engage in the life of the Nashville, its people and its institutions. Serve others, make the city a better place and the University will do just fine!” Over that last four years of lunches with him in Green Hills, meetings in my office and informal conversations at various community events, I have come to understand that his instruction to a new college president was simply a reflection of the life he had lived and the contributions he already made.
On Thursday night Nelson Andrews was to be honored as the “Nashvillian of the Year” by the Easter Seal Society, yet another organization on whose board he had served. His profound humility, lack of interest in recognition and strong sense that community service should be everyone’s work might have him thankful that he will miss it. But those who remain to carry on his work will miss him. Leadership Nashville will miss his talks about our city, his late night musical talent and his wise counsel on leadership given annually to the next generation of community leaders. The hundreds of participants in The Davidson Group will miss his deliberate and relationship-encouraging commitment to racial harmony. The Agenda for Nashville’s Future will miss his vision and constant encouragement to consider the next “big thing” that will improve life for all who live in the city. The Alliance for Public Education will miss his long-time commitment to our public schools through critical funding beyond the budget The YMCA will miss his dedication to the young people of Nashville most whom he never met but all of whom he supported. I was humbled to watch him work in each of those organizations. He was completely engaged, constantly thinking but unassuming in his contribution.
Nelson Andrews had no particular connection with Lipscomb University and no reason to help its new president. But, he loved Nashville and believed that if its institutions were strong, our city would be strong so he generously shared his perspective and counsel. I will never forget the day he decided we should talk about leaders in our community. He said he had been making his list of the “top ten” who were influencing our city. Like a teacher, he asked me who I thought might be on the list and after I put forth several names he nodded, shared some others and the reason they might be included. Then he said with a note of seriousness,“You’re not on it” and after a deliberate pause continued “but you’re getting close!” That was Nelson Andrews, never satisfied but never negative. Taking the time to encourage, raising the bar and expecting the best of those around him.
On one occasion after listening to him share his perspective on leadership using dozens of quotations, I asked if he had a collection of quotations that he especially enjoyed. He said that he had been collecting quotations for some time and two days later a non-descript notebook arrived at my office. It was his collection of quotations carefully assembled and generously given. Many of the quotations were wise sayings of his mother and many have no attribution for which he apologized. He closed the cover note by writing, “…these quotes are personal in the sense that they appeal to me. I hope some will tickle your fancy.” Far beyond that, they are a precious gift reminding me of a friend, a mentor and a humble hero who immeasurably blessed all who call Nashville home.
L. Randolph Lowry
President, Lipscomb University