Graduate Spotlight: Cole says Lipscomb made her ‘better follower of Christ’

Graduate Spotlight: Cole says Lipscomb made her 'better follower of Christ'

Kim Chaudoin | 12/09/2024

As Alexis Cole walks across the stage this December to receive her Master of Divinity from Lipscomb University, she will carry more than a diploma; she will carry the culmination of years of rigorous study, meaningful mentorship and a deepened faith. For the Bristol, Virginia, native, this milestone is not just an academic achievement but a step closer to her calling.

"Lipscomb has helped prepare me to engage in biblical scholarship and fervently teach others about the Scriptures," said Cole. "My time here has made me a better follower of Christ and student of God's Word."

Cole's journey at Lipscomb began with her undergraduate degree in theology and ministry from the College of Bible & Ministry, where her passion for deepening her understanding of Scripture took root. Her decision to pursue graduate studies at Lipscomb was a natural continuation of that path.

"I chose to pursue my masters at Lipscomb because I wanted to pursue deeper biblical and theological study in an environment where I knew that faith and Scripture was held to the highest esteem," explains Cole. "I heavily enjoyed my undergraduate years in Lipscomb's College of Bible & Ministry; therefore, I was confident that the grad experience would continue to train me into the biblical scholar I hope to be."

During her time as a graduate student, Cole balanced her academic pursuits with practical ministry experience. As a graduate assistant for the Office of Spiritual Formation in her first year, she served as a teaching assistant for general education Bible courses. Later, during her practicum, she interned with the College of Bible & Ministry, contributing to the development of a new General Education Bible course.

"These opportunities allowed me to engage with students and faculty in meaningful ways," said Cole. "The Bible professors here are amazing people, committed to the gospel and intentional in their work with students."

Reflecting on her Lipscomb experience, Cole describes it as "exceptional.

"I feel as though I've experienced the rigorous education from a faith foundation that Lipscomb seeks to provide," she shares. "My time at Lipscomb has made me a better follower of Christ and student of God's Word. Lipscomb has helped prepare me to continue to engage in biblical scholarship and fervently teach others about the scriptures."

As she prepares to leave Lipscomb, Cole is looking ahead to her next chapter. She currently serves as a sixth-grade English teacher at a middle school in Antioch, Tennessee, where she shares her love of reading and writing with her students. But her aspirations reach far beyond the classroom. By next fall, she plans to apply to Ph.D. programs in biblical studies, with hopes of becoming a Bible professor, author and scholar.

- Photo courtesy Alexis Cole

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