Lipscomb University awards Haslam inaugural Illuminate Award

Kim Chaudoin | 10/16/2024

Former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam was honored for his leadership and impact as the recipient of Lipscomb University's inaugural Illuminate Award at Lipscomb University's first Illuminate: Living with Purpose conference on Oct. 10.

The award recognizes individuals who exemplify living with purpose in secular professions by faithfully using their talents, time and resources to lead and serve others and who truly illuminates their part of the world by shining their light in a way that honors God.

Haslam, who served as governor from 2011-2019, was chosen as the first recipient of the Illuminate Award for his commitment to serving the public with integrity, compassion and a deep sense of calling.

"This prestigious honor is given to an individual whose faith and core values naturally guide their decision-making," said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. "During his two terms as governor, Bill Haslam demonstrated what it means to lead with purpose. His faith and core values have consistently guided his decision-making throughout his career, reflecting the teachings of Matthew 5:14-16, which calls believers to let their light shine before others."

In July Haslam and his wife, Crissy, established the Bill and Crissy Haslam Endowed Distinguished Visiting Professor of Faith and Reason at Lipscomb thanks to a generous gift from the Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation. The purpose of the endowed professorship is to attract the nation's top thought leaders and scholars to Lipscomb, engaging students, the city of Nashville and the state of Tennessee at the intersection of faith and reason through a Christ-centered worldview.

As governor, Haslam led Tennessee to significant advancements in education and economic development. Under his leadership, Tennessee students became the fastest-improving in academic achievement nationwide, and initiatives like Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect made higher education more accessible for students across the state. His focus on strengthening infrastructure, reducing taxes, and fostering growth left a lasting legacy on Tennessee and its people.

Beyond his time in public office, Haslam has remained an influential voice on the national stage, co-chairing the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy, serving on multiple boards, and contributing to conversations on faith in public life. He is the author of Faithful Presence: The Promise and Peril of Faith in the Public Square and co-hosts the podcast You Might Be Right, which explores the intersections of faith, leadership and civic responsibility.

The Illuminate Award was presented during Lipscomb University's first Illuminate: Living with Purpose conference, which brought nearly 300 members of the Nashville community together to explore how faith can shape professional lives. Held at the George Shinn Center, the event featured keynote sessions, breakout discussions, and presentations, all aimed at inspiring attendees to integrate their faith into their work and lead with purpose.

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