The Lipscomb University College of Business’ School of Executive Education graduated the first class from its customized leadership institute program. In August, 33 key leaders of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc. (BWSC), an engineering and architecture services firm with nine offices in three states, graduated from Lipscomb’s 18-month leadership training program.

BWSC, consistently ranked in the top 200 engineering firms in the U.S., chose to collaborate with Lipscomb's executive education program to create a customized training program that met the specific needs of the company.

Topics ranged from negotiation and leadership to team building and risk management. Classes were held at unique locations around Nashville such as the Tennessee governor’s executive residence, and speakers were brought to Nashville from throughout the nation.

Participants were selected based on leadership potential as well as current responsibilities. The firm’s objective was to prepare a new generation of leadership to lead the way to growth.

Graduates of the customized leadership institute at Lipscomb University were honored at a dinner and ceremony at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The Chattanooga BWSC graduates were Matthew Stovall, office manager and Russell Moorehead, senior project engineer.

“Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon is interested in building the whole professional. We learn a lot in architectural and engineering school about our trade and the technical aspects of our business. What we don’t learn a lot about are negotiations, risk management, leadership, coaching, mentoring and team building,” said Bob Higgins, president and CEO of BWSC. “As a company, we take deliberate steps to help our professionals develop those skills both on the job and in these special training programs.

“Following through on this program was a great commitment for BWSC to take in a tough economy. Lipscomb’s ability to tailor the program to fit our needs by including community leaders, clients and other various real-world aspects that effect our business has worked well, and we have already seen great results from the participants who have gone through this program,” Mr. Higgins said.

“The School of Executive Education in the College of Business at Lipscomb University was honored to be selected by Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon to develop the curriculum and offer this course to its future leadership team,” said Lipscomb College of Business Dean Turney Stevens. “Through collaboration with the firm, we believe we developed one of the most dynamic and innovative leadership programs in the nation and we look forward to incorporating many of the ideas into our own MBA and other master’s degree programs.”