2022 Faculty Retirements

With the passing of each year, Lipscomb University not only sends out a new group of students to begin their adult lives as lights in the world, but also sends out a new group of faculty retirees to also bring light and wisdom to the world as they enjoy their senior years to the fullest.

Dr. Craig Bledsoe (’75) served 25 years as Lipscomb’s provost and chief academic officer, casting the academic vision for Lipscomb through the previous two administrations.

Under his leadership, the university expanded to ten colleges offering more than 200 undergraduate programs of study, more than 30 master’s degree programs and four doctoral degrees. Because of the expansion, in 2015 the institution was reclassified by the Carnegie Foundation as a doctoral/professional university, which moved Lipscomb to national status in the U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Dr. Terry Briley (’78, MA ’12), professor of Bible, retired from teaching and administrative leadership after 37 years of service.

With his warm manner and gentle wit, both his undergraduate and graduate level classes were popular with students, whether it was a class in Hebrew, Bible or general education. He served as dean of the College of Bible & Ministry and was leading the college at the time it gained Association of Theological Schools accreditation for its graduate program. He served as sponsor of the Kappa Chi social club for the entirety of his time at Lipscomb and served three terms as president of the Faculty Senate.

Dr. Phil Choate (’69), professor of biology, retired after 46 years of giving future doctors the only real piece of medical information he said they would need: “When in doubt, Cut it out! Liver, heart, lungs and brain— Only these must remain!” Students enjoyed Choate for his humor and wit, in the course that most agree is the foundational course for all doctors—Anatomy & Physiology I and 2.