Lipscomb community mourns the loss of associate provost Trace Hebert

Kim Chaudoin | 06/28/2026

The Lipscomb University community is mourning the loss of Trace Hebert, associate provost for research and graduate studies and a longtime faculty member and academic leader whose work shaped doctoral education and leadership development at the university. Hebert passed away over the weekend while on vacation.

Hebert joined the Lipscomb faculty in 2010 to lead the university's newly developed Doctor of Education program in the College of Education. He also served the college in several leadership positions, including as associate dean and interim dean during the 2021-22 academic year, before his appointment to his current role in the Office of the Provost in 2022.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of Trace's passing. He will be greatly missed by our team, our graduates and our current students. Almost sixteen years ago, I had the privilege of bringing Trace to Lipscomb to launch our Ed.D. program, and I watched him build it into a strong and respected program that has prepared countless leaders to serve in education and beyond," said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. "Over the years, he continued to strengthen doctoral education, graduate studies and research across the university. Trace leaves an enduring legacy at Lipscomb, and I am grateful for his leadership, his friendship and the many ways his work will continue to shape the university for years to come."

As associate provost for research and graduate studies, Hebert provided administrative leadership for graduate studies and academic oversight for the Office of Research and Grants. He also directed Lipscomb's Doctor of Education and Ph.D. leadership programs and served on the university's Academic Leadership Team.

Hebert was particularly devoted to doctoral education and to helping students develop the knowledge, confidence and character to become effective leaders. His teaching included courses in leadership, leading learning in higher education, organizational theory and practice, qualitative research and contemporary issues in education.

"Trace had a special gift for mentoring doctoral students and helping others grow as leaders," said Provost Jennifer Shewmaker. "He brought great care and commitment to his work, and he also brought warmth, humility and a thoughtful spirit to our office each day. His steady presence, wisdom and genuine kindness shaped our team in ways that will be deeply missed."

As founding director of Lipscomb's Ed.D. program, Hebert led the program from its earliest days and played an important role in its continued growth and success today. He oversaw faculty, curriculum and student support and guided doctoral students through their research and degree-completion journeys. He later helped lead the development and growth of Lipscomb's Ph.D. in Leadership program.

His influence also extended beyond Lipscomb. Hebert served as chair of the Doctoral Education Council for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and as director of the Randolph Mentoring Program, which supports Ph.D. students aspiring to faculty careers in Christian higher education.

Hebert was also a respected scholar, nationally known for his research on enrollment trends among students from Churches of Christ attending affiliated colleges and universities, as well as broader population trends within the Churches of Christ. For more than a decade, his annual research reports provided leaders of Church of Christ-affiliated institutions with data to better understand changing student demographics and inform planning for the future.

He began his career in Christian higher education in 1985. Before joining the Lipscomb community, Hebert served as academic dean at Rochester College in Rochester Hills, Michigan, where he also held roles as vice president, dean of the College of Extended Learning and professor. His career also included service as vice president of academic affairs at Specs Howard School of Media Arts, director of the Birmingham Center at Faulkner University and director of admissions, director of college relations and assistant to the president at Northeastern Christian Junior College.

Hebert earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from Abilene Christian University, a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a doctorate in educational leadership from Oakland University.

He is survived by his wife, Holly, and their sons, Jack ('21) and Christopher ('18).

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.