A WINNING COMBINATION

CORPORATE EXECUTIVE-TURNED-EDUCATOR CARRIES OUT NEW VISION AT UPPER SCHOOL

Bu Kim Chaudoin

SUMMER 2019 BROUGHT A RECORD NUMBER OF NEW HIRES FOR LIPSCOMB ACADEMY’S 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR, WITH 11 NEWCOMERS JOINING THE ACADEMY’S LEADERSHIP AND 20 JOINING THE FACULTY.

Among those hired was Allen Long, a corporate executive-turned-educator, who now serves as head of the upper school, including grades 5-12.

Long was most recently with Williamson County Schools serving as a tenured faculty member at Edmondson Elementary School where he taught fourth grade for three years and fifth grade for four years. Recognized as Edmondson’s Teacher of the Year in 2017- 18, he also served as the fifth-grade team lead during the 2018-19 school year.

During his time at Edmonson, Long hosted and mentored student teachers, aspiring teachers and new teachers to observe and learn the art and science of effective teaching techniques in the classroom. He facilitated professional learning communities and worked with various teams to improve teaching effectiveness and outcomes.

“I am passionate about the power of education and transforming the lives of students,” said Long, a native of Cadillac, Michigan. “I firmly believe God led me to Lipscomb at this time as it quickly became clear that my experience in corporate America and my tenure in education could be combined in a powerful way to serve God, Lipscomb Academy and the Nashville community as head of upper school.”

For nearly two decades prior to building a career in the field of education, Long specialized in corporate human resources and staff management for Tractor Supply Company, Carter’s/ OshKosh B’Gosh Childrenswear and Batten & Shaw Inc. Long’s expertise focused on training, organizational development and performance improvement.

In the corporate world, Long is known for his ability to be a strategic human resource partner to operational counterparts, helping individuals and corporations achieve success while realizing greater customer results.

While serving the human resource needs of more than 350 retail locations for the national retailer Tractor Supply Company, Long designed and executed organizational development and recruitment programs supporting growth initiatives and implemented best practices for manager training. Additionally, he developed performance appraisals for corporate and retail employees and partnered with compensation management for competitive compensation plans.

As regional human resource director at William Carter Company, parent company of Carter’s and OshKosh B’Gosh, Long created programs to reinforce the strategic vision of the company and oversaw employee relations and coaching.

“With extensive experience in organizational development, training and education, I believe I am uniquely qualified to help Lipscomb enhance academic offerings, strengthen rigor and provide an environment where teachers and students thrive. I’m excited to draw upon and utilize my skills and abilities to accelerate Lipscomb Academy’s progress toward becoming the premier faith-based private institution in Middle Tennessee,” said Long.

Long holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in communications and management, a Master of Business Administration degree from Grand Valley State University, a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Middle Tennessee State University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in leadership and professional practice through which he is researching and writing his dissertation on culturally responsive teaching practices.

“Everything Allen does is done with excellence, and he continues to impress the educational community with his depth, knowledge, skill and dedication to his work,” Jason Thompson, Lipscomb Academy parent and executive minister at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ.

“He is a ‘people first’ person, and he will build relationships with academy parents, teachers, employees and students. Most importantly his work ethic, character and grace will make him a great asset for Lipscomb Academy.”

In addition to his work for Williamson County Schools, Long has also served as adjunct faculty at Lipscomb University and Lakeland College.

Allen and his wife Charla have four children: Grace, Elise, Charleigh and Alex. Their family is actively engaged as members of Harpeth Hills Church of Christ serving as leaders in the children’s ministry area, teaching Bible classes and leading children’s worship.