A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Friday, February 13, 2026 to celebrate the improved Veterinary Technology Facilities within the Derrickson Agricultural Complex, as well as dedicating the Equine Health Building in honor of Professor Emeritus Dr. Phil Prater.

The Open Educational Resources (OER) Challenge Grant will support the university’s implementation of an education pathway that doesn’t require students to purchase textbooks or other course materials.

The funding was secured by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

The initiative is an effort of the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Higher Education that seeks to improve student success outcomes.

The grant, which totals $1,105,000, is Community Project Funding from the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.

The agreement between the institutions will serve to create seamless pathways to help students advance their education.

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, who has been an advocate for the university and the Chattanooga community, helped secure the federal funding.

The grant will help offset costs that engineering students accrue for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam and travel costs, as well as help the university purchase equipment.

The transfer agreement will allow students who earn an associate degree in Pre-Health Professions with pre-pharmacy emphasis to transfer into Lipscomb University’s Bachelor of Science in Pre-Pharmacy program.

The university has acquired the site of the former Eastern Gateway Community College and will begin offering courses there, creating its new Steubenville campus.