The decision process moved along quickly, because it “just made sense,” said Scott Bullard, vice president and academic dean of Judson College.
With only about two months between the time Judson officials heard Tennessee Temple University would no longer be able to sponsor The Lovelady Center’s 2-year-old, onsite, college-level educational program, a plan was put in place and the agreement was signed Aug. 14.
“It is astonishing how Judson’s mission parallels with the mission of The Lovelady Center,” Bullard noted. “We emphasize that we are a place of Christ for women, and they emphasize the same thing.
“We are ready to offer core classes (starting in September) and see where it goes,” he said. “We want to put these women in positions to succeed in their faith journey and in their classes.”
The existing directors of the program, Bob Hall and Melissa Chism, will continue in their roles, and Judson plans to retain most, if not all, of the adjunct faculty while also adding new members.
Pell Grants fund the students’ fees for the classes. Fees cover the costs of the program for Judson.
Chism said women choosing to participate in the courses will be on track for an associate’s degree and can finish it online from wherever they eventually end up.
“So many never believed they could do this, and it is such a blessing to watch them succeed,” she said.
Lovelady Center founder Brenda Spahn added, “When I heard Judson was coming in, I was so excited because my grandmother went there. Judson’s going to make our women ‘ladies.’”
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