Lincoln Memorial University has appointed Dr. Chessica Cave as dean of its newly formed LMU-College of Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences, effective July 1.
Cave, who currently serves as interim dean of the Carter & Moyers School of Education, will lead the new college following the consolidation of the Paul V. Hamilton School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the Carter & Moyers School of Education.
University officials said the move is intended to strengthen collaboration, improve institutional sustainability and position the university for future growth. While the two schools will operate under a unified college structure, the Paul V. Hamilton School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the Carter & Moyers School of Education will retain their names to honor their histories and donors.
The consolidation is designed to help the university address shared challenges, including balancing undergraduate and graduate programs and responding to national enrollment trends.
“The new structure will also enhance LMU’s competitiveness as a personalized academic option and support efforts to attract transfer students and professionals — particularly those in health care — seeking to transition into teaching careers,” said Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jay Stubblefield.
Cave has been recognized for her collaborative leadership style, emphasis on transparency and ability to anticipate and address challenges. During her tenure, she has advanced data-driven approaches to academic sustainability, including models that assess program viability based on revenue and expenses rather than enrollment alone.
Stubblefield said faculty and academic leadership from both schools will play a key role in the transition, supporting interdisciplinary research, joint teaching initiatives and new program development and expressed confidence that the new college will expand opportunities for students and faculty while strengthening the university’s academic mission.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@LMUnet.edu.
