Harold H. Hazelip devoted his life to preaching and Christian education.
From the earliest days of his dual careers in ministry and education, Hazelip had a profound impact on the lives of thousands.
Hazelip, who served as president of Lipscomb University, a small Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee, from September 1986 to May 1997, died Sept. 21. He was 92.
The university’s leaders remember Hazelip for his gentle spirit, deep faith and huge influence.
“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,” Lipscomb President Candice McQueen said. “And, personally, Dr. Hazelip will always be ‘my president’ as I was blessed to be a Lipscomb student under his outstanding leadership.
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“He led with quiet confidence and a strong vision for an academically advancing university,” McQueen added. “In my first year serving as Lipscomb president, he has been 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.”
Hazelip became president of Lipscomb in 1986 after serving 14 years as dean of Harding School of Theology 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.
“Harold Hazelip was gifted in preaching God’s story, wise in his leading an academic community and gentle in his spirit with people,” said L. Randolph Lowry, chancellor and president from 2005-2021 in a statement. “He provided wise counsel to me as a new president — counsel that can only be provided by someone who had walked the leadership path in a thoughtful and effective way.
“Lipscomb has evolved into a nationally recognized university because of the foundation established through his vision, diligent work and careful guidance,” Lowry added. “We are the beneficiaries of his generous leadership and thank God for his exemplary life.”
This story originally appeared at The Christian Chronicle.
Kim Chaudoin is vice president of public relations and communications at Lipscomb University.
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