graduate spotlight: ljs major on track to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in three years

stratten labrum graduates summa cum laude dec. 17 with a bachelor’s degree and plans to impact the world.

keely hagan | 615-966-6491 | 12/19/2022

stratten labrum, of cookeville, tennessee, graduates on dec. 17 with a bachelor’s degree in law, justice and society and a minor in business as mission, with the highest academic distinction of summa cum laude. he was able to earn his undergraduate degree in two and a half years, but that’s not the complete story of his academic achievements. he is also dual enrolled in the master of conflict management program and will receive his master’s degree in the summer—earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a total of only three years.

“for a brief period of time, i was at a big-name university, and it helped me realize and appreciate the amazing aspects of lipscomb,” said labrum. “not only have the academics been challenging and pushed me to look for answers beyond the headlines, but i also have been able to strengthen my faith and relationship with our heavenly father. the professors, faculty and staff encourage and inspire students to find their faith, practice their faith and live out their faith every day.”

on campus, labrum was a member of the president’s ambassador council (pac) and college of business dean’s leadership council, and he participated in the business as mission fellowship. through the fellowship, he taught an intro to business class to marginalized and other members of the community without postsecondary education.

labrum held a variety of internships, including two for the u.s. rep. mark green (r-ashland city) and u.s. rep. mayra flores (r-los indios, texas). his assignments included the homeland security committee, political policy, campaign strategy and legislation research.

another internship was with the tennessee association of recovery court professionals, where he interacted with judges, attorneys and others about reducing substance abuse, crime and recidivism in tennessee by supporting recovery courts. 

“in these amazing opportunities, i learned the value of simply listening to others and then providing explanation and encouragement,” said labrum. “it brought me joy to ease concerns and provide compassion. i will never forget one phone call that ended with the other person saying to me, ‘thank you for taking the time to listen. no one else ever has.’” 

there are four professors who particularly influenced labrum throughout his time at lipscomb, serving as mentors in addition to instructors: dr. kimberly mccall, dr. kevin batts, dr. jim thomas, and rob touchstone. labrum credits them for helping him develop his knowledge and sculpting him into who he is today.

“professor touchstone has changed my life. he has shown me how i can participate in business and still practice my christian faith boldly in all the things i do. i chose this major because i have always been interested in how politics and law influence our communities and the world as a whole.”

after graduation, labrum plans to attend law school and specialize in constitutional law/appellate advocacy. his goal is to be involved in the legal field through politics or as a practicing attorney.

“law school will be the culmination of my studies and internship experiences combined with my desire to share the same inspiration and encouragement i have been blessed to receive,” said labrum.