Lipscomb Academy names veteran educator, administrator Dr. James G. Hutchins as new head of school

Lipscomb Academy has appointed Dr. James G. Hutchins, a veteran educator with more than 20 years of independent school leadership, as its next head of school, Lipscomb University President Dr. Candice McQueen announced today.

Hutchins currently serves as head of school at Oak Hall School, a PK-12 college preparatory school in Gainesville, Florida, where he has provided leadership across academics, enrollment, advancement, finance, operations and strategic planning since 2017. During his tenure, Oak Hall experienced significant growth in enrollment and retention, expanded philanthropic support, strengthened faculty investment and launched new programs designed to advance academic excellence, leadership development and student support. Hutchins will begin his role as Lipscomb Academy head of school on July 6.

“Dr. James Hutchins brings the experience, vision and mission alignment needed to lead Lipscomb Academy in this important season,” said McQueen. “He has a strong record of leading independent schools through academic excellence, strategic planning, enrollment growth, faculty investment and meaningful partnership with families. Most importantly, his faith has shaped how he leads and serves. I believe he deeply understands Lipscomb Academy’s distinctive mission to provide a Christ-centered education that challenges students academically, nurtures spiritual growth and prepares graduates for lives of purpose and leadership.”

Ranked the No. 1 Best Christian K-12 School in the Nashville Area by Niche.com, Lipscomb Academy is a college preparatory school serving students from age 2 through 12th grade. Affiliated with Lipscomb University, the Academy is part of one of the nation’s only educational communities offering learning from age 2 through the doctoral level. This connection gives Academy students access to the resources, expertise and opportunities of a university community while providing a Christ-centered academic experience designed to prepare them for lives of learning, leadership, service and faith. Lipscomb Academy, which has been part of the university community since its founding in 1891, is associated with the Churches of Christ.

"Joining a community so deeply committed to Christ-centered education is a tremendous blessing. My faith has shaped who I am for more than 40 years, and throughout my career in independent schools, I have believed that the most meaningful education develops both the mind and the heart,” said Hutchins. “I am excited to partner with Dr. McQueen and the entire Lipscomb Academy community as we help students discover their gifts, grow in their faith, and prepare for lives of purpose and service. Renee and I are grateful for the warm welcome and look forward to this next chapter together."

Hutchins was selected from a strong pool of applicants following a rigorous national search process.

“From the beginning of this process, our focus was on identifying a proven independent school leader who understands academic excellence, enrollment, advancement, governance and the importance of Christian mission. I appreciate the insight, discernment and thoughtful engagement of the Academy Committee of the Board along with everyone who was involved in the search process,” said Dick Cowart, chair of the Lipscomb Board of Trustees. “Dr. Hutchins stood out because he brings all of those qualities together. He is a thoughtful, experienced and relational leader who understands that strong schools are built through trust, clear communication and a shared commitment to students and families.”

"I’m excited to welcome Dr. Hutchins to the Lipscomb Academy community. His heart for Christian education, his dedication to students, faculty and staff, and his commitment to leading with integrity position him to guide the academy into its next chapter,” stated Dr. Crystal Hastings, head of Lipscomb Academy Middle School. “I look forward to partnering with him as we continue strengthening our mission while impacting student lives.”

"I am excited about our future at Lipscomb Academy and believe Dr. Hutchins will be an approachable and wise leader who will uplift our Christian mission in everything he does,” said Lindsay Tarquinio, academy parent. “As a co-chair of the Lipscomb Academy Advisory Council, I look forward to working with Dr. Hutchins as we launch a new strategic plan and build for the future.”

At Oak Hall, Hutchins has led three capital campaigns totaling $11 million. These funded the creation of the school’s Welcome Center and Enrichment Center, and construction is being finalized on two new campus gymnasiums. Under his leadership, enrollment at Oak Hall grew from 737 to 970 students, student retention increased from 88% to 96%, annual fund giving increased significantly and the school established its first operating reserve, which grew to $8 million. He also led the development and implementation of two comprehensive five-year strategic plans. Hutchins’ work at Oak Hall also included launching the Distinguished Scholar Program, establishing the Oak Hall Leadership Institute, designing and building a comprehensive PK-12 Learning Center and leading PK-12 academic alignment to strengthen instructional consistency and program quality.

Before his tenure at Oak Hall, Hutchins served as head of school at The Donoho School, a PK-12 college preparatory school in Anniston, Alabama. In that role, he led the school through institutional stabilization, increased enrollment and retention, strengthened advancement efforts and guided a five-year strategic planning process in partnership with the board of trustees. He previously spent more than a decade at Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, where he served in multiple administrative roles, taught middle school science and math, and coached varsity athletics.

A member of the Church of Christ for over 40 years, Hutchins has served as both a deacon and elder. Hutchins holds a Doctor of Education and an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Alabama, a Master of Science in Education from Jacksonville State University and a Bachelor of Science in education from Shorter University, a Christian university in Rome, Georgia, where he graduated magna cum laude. He also completed Harvard University’s Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership and was a summer fellow in Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College Institute for Independent School Leadership.

Learn more about Lipscomb Academy at www.lipscombacademy.org.