BISON NOTES
Lipscomb icon Harold Hazelip, a man of gentle spirit and deep faith, is called home Harold Hazelip (’50), 92, who served as Lipscomb’s president from September
1986 to May 1997, passed away on Sept. 21.
He will long be remembered for his gentle
spirit, deep faith and tremendous influence. From the earliest days of his ministry career that began in 1949 and a career in education that spanned three decades, Hazelip had a profound impact on the lives of thousands.
He became president of Lipscomb after serving 14 years as dean of the Harding Graduate School of Religion in Memphis. He retired from the presidency in 1997 and assumed the role of chancellor. He also served a three-month stint as interim president in summer 2005 and most recently served as president emeritus. “We mourn the loss of someone who has had a tremendous impact on the Lipscomb community—from starting our study abroad program to adding academic accreditations to leading our first master’s degrees at Lipscomb. And, personally, Dr. Hazelip will always be ‘my president’ as I was blessed to be a Lipscomb student under his outstanding leadership,” said
Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “He led with quiet confidence and a strong vision for an academically advancing university. In my first year serving as Lipscomb president, he was a friend, a supporter and encourager. His wise words—whether speaking as a leader, a Bible teacher, a minister or a mentor—will forever be with me.” As president, Hazelip was known for strengthening Lipscomb’s identity as a leading academic institution. He remained committed to the Christian values of the founders, and through his example, encouraged students, faculty and staff to deepen their involvement in service and mission. During Hazelip’s tenure: • David Lipscomb College became Lipscomb University and began offering master’s degrees for the first time in university history. • The first semester-abroad program, Lipscomb in Vienna, was launched. • Enrollment topped 2,500 for the first time in university history.
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