Lipscomb University appoints three new members to its Board of Trustees

Lipscomb University appoints three new members to its Board of Trustees

Kim Chaudoin | 09/14/2026

The Lipscomb University Board of Trustees has appointed three Nashville leaders with extensive experience in business, philanthropy, education, finance and law to serve as its newest members, Board of Trustees Chairman Richard G. Cowart has announced.

The new trustees are Janet Ayers, chairman and former president of The Ayers Foundation; Carolyn Hamby, a retired facilities management executive and finance professional; and Kolin Holladay, a Lipscomb alumnus, attorney and co-chair of the Business Department at Polsinelli.

"Janet, Carolyn and Kolin are accomplished leaders who bring valuable experience, perspective and a strong commitment to Christian education," said Cowart, chairman emeritus of Baker Donelson's Health Law/Government Relations & Public Policy Department. "Their expertise will be a tremendous asset to our board as we work together to steward Lipscomb's mission and help position the university for continued growth and impact."

"We are fortunate to add leaders of this caliber to Lipscomb's Board of Trustees," said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. "Together, they bring a distinctive mix of experience and perspective to Lipscomb. Most importantly, they share a deep commitment to Christ-centered education and to helping students flourish. I am grateful for the wisdom they will bring as we continue preparing students for lives of purpose and equipping them to make an impact in Nashville and beyond."

Ayers is a recognized Tennessee business leader and philanthropist with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare administration. A strong believer in the transformative power of education to open doors has served as president of The Ayers Foundation since 2007 and is now chairman. The foundation works to improve the quality of life for Tennesseans through investments in education, conservation and social welfare. Ayers spearheaded the foundation's Ayers Scholars Program, which provides college access and success services to students in 40 high schools and two community colleges across rural West, Middle and East Tennessee. In addition, Ayers supported the vision for and funded the establishment of Lipscomb University's Ayers Institute for Teaching Learning & Innovation. Her civic and professional service includes membership on the boards of East Tennessee State University, the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE), ExcelinEd and the Andrew Jackson Foundation, among others.

Hamby recently retired as CEO of a large facilities management company after more than 30 years in the industry. Her professional background also includes 15 years in finance as a commercial lender and financial consultant. Throughout her career, Hamby has focused on creating workplace environments in which employees can grow and excel. She has a strong interest in supporting Christian education, and two of her grandchildren attend Lipscomb Academy. Hamby and her husband, Terry, live in West Nashville.

Holladay, a 1994 Lipscomb graduate and attorney, serves as co-chair of Polsinelli's Business Department, which includes approximately 300 attorneys and is a member of the firm's board of directors and compensation committee. His practice focuses on corporate transactions, and he advises clients ranging from startups to multinational corporations on mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings and capital formation, corporate governance, and contract negotiation and interpretation. His industry experience includes healthcare, technology, retail, finance, entertainment and restaurants. Holladay was selected as an American Bar Foundation fellow in 2024 and has been recognized by Chambers USA and Best Lawyers in America for his corporate and mergers and acquisitions work. Holladay serves in a number of community leadership roles, including on the board of Siloam Health and has served on the board of directors for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Nashville Sports Council and the Middle Tennessee Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Ayers, Hamby and Holladay will be officially installed at the October meeting of Lipscomb University's Board of Trustees.