NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Lipscomb Director of Athletics Philip Hutcheson has announced the promotion of three senior members of the Lipscomb Athletics Department. 

Grace Ann Miller has been promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Success and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), John Ezell to Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance/Athletics Controller, and Chris Klotz to Senior Associate Athletic Director for Spiritual Engagement, all effective immediately. 

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Miller, who has served as the Associate AD for Student Success and SWA, will continue to lead and expand the department's efforts in developing student-athletes both academically and personally.

Miller's tenure has been marked by extraordinary student-athlete achievement, most notably the department-wide academic excellence that saw over 90% of student-athletes achieve a 3.0 GPA or higher during the 2024-25 academic year. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening crucial programs, including comprehensive initiatives for career development, robust resources for mental health and wellness, and unwavering Title IX advocacy across the athletic department.

"Grace Ann is an indispensable leader and a tireless advocate for our student-athletes," said Director of Athletics Philip Hutcheson. "Her dedication to the holistic development of our young men and women is evident in their remarkable academic success and the robust support programs she has established. I am thrilled to announce this well-deserved promotion, recognizing her invaluable contributions to student success, mental wellness, career readiness, and Title IX advocacy. She embodies the Bisons' commitment to excellence, and I couldn't be happier for her and our department."

In her elevated role, Miller will continue to oversee a wide array of student success areas, including academic services, career services, internships, life skills training, extracurricular educational opportunities, mental wellness, CARE team interactions, and nutrition. She also maintains sport administration responsibilities as part of the department's senior leadership team.

Miller joined the Bisons in the fall of 2017 as the Director of Academic Services and quickly ascended through the ranks, earning a promotion to Associate AD for Academics and Senior Woman Administrator in the fall of 2020.

A proud Lipscomb alumna, Miller received her B.A. from the university in 2013 before earning her J.D. from Belmont University College of Law in 2017. She resides in Franklin, Tennessee, with her husband, Adam, and their two children, Hayes and Henley.

In this dual-function role, Ezell will be responsible for overseeing the integrity of the department's adherence to all institutional, conference, and NCAA regulations, while simultaneously leading the department's financial oversight and strategic budget planning.

Ezell's elevation comes at a pivotal time in NCAA Division I athletics, characterized by rapid changes in governance, particularly concerning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the Transfer Portal. This combined role of Athletics Compliance and Controller is strategically designed to ensure institutional control and financial stewardship amid the evolving landscape.

During his tenure, Ezell has been recognized for his outstanding work in compliance, developing comprehensive educational programs and meticulous monitoring systems that mitigate institutional risk and promote a culture of integrity across all 17 varsity sports. His expertise in budgeting and financial planning has been instrumental in aligning departmental resources with strategic goals, ensuring fiscal responsibility while supporting competitive excellence.

Administrators in similar roles at Power Five institutions are often tasked with these high-level governance and financial oversight responsibilities, serving as a critical hub for institutional control. Ezell's combined purview ensures seamless integration between financial processes and regulatory adherence—a necessity for modern collegiate athletics.

"John's promotion to Senior Associate AD for Compliance/Athletics Controller is a necessary and critical move for our department's future," said Director of Athletics Philip Hutcheson. "The landscape of Division I athletics is constantly shifting, especially with major changes like NIL and the Transfer Portal. His outstanding work in compliance has been marked by a proactive, educational approach, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of integrity."

Hutcheson concluded, "Furthermore, his mastery of budgeting and strategic financial planning provides the essential institutional control we need to navigate this new era. I have tremendous appreciation for his diligence and anticipate his continued leadership will be foundational to our long-term success."

Ezell will also continue to have sport-specific administration responsibilities while also serving as the department's primary liaison to university leadership on matters of NCAA governance, internal financial reporting, and policy development;  reinforcing the department's commitment to operating with transparency and excellence.

Klotz's elevation reflects the central role of faith and character formation in the mission of Lipscomb Athletics.

Klotz, known affectionately as "Klotzy," has served the department as Director of Spiritual Formation, where his work has been foundational to the holistic development of student-athletes and staff. His new title as Senior Associate AD signals the importance of his voice and influence within the department's senior leadership structure.

Deepening the "Higher Calling" in D-I Athletics

In the ever-evolving landscape of NCAA Division I athletics, this promotion emphasizes Lipscomb's unwavering commitment to its dual mission: competing at the "Highest Level" athletically while keeping the "Higher Calling" of developing student-athletes academically, athletically, socially, and spiritually at the heart of the department's purpose.

Klotz's responsibilities and impact are broad and deep, including:

• Overseeing the entire spiritual formation program within the athletic department.

• Coordinating all athletic mission trips, providing life-changing service opportunities.

• Mentoring male student-athletes to help them grow into men of character.

• Leading all local outreach programs, fostering community engagement.

• Organizing weekly coaches devotionals and leading break out chapel on campus.

• Serving as a speaker at numerous university chapels and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) events.

• Leading the local community as the Ministry Director for Project 658 Nashville.

Klotz has extended his knowledge and passion for spiritual development by sharing his expertise and vision with the broader high school and collegiate community, solidifying Lipscomb's leadership in integrating faith and athletics.

Hutcheson Praises Foundational Leadership

"The work Chris Klotz does is foundational to who we are as Lipscomb Athletics," said Director of Athletics Philip Hutcheson. "In a time where the pressures and changes in Division I athletics are immense, the need to prioritize a student's spiritual journey is more important than ever. Elevating him to Senior Associate AD ensures that his crucial perspective is present in every high-level strategic decision we make."

"I have immense appreciation for the work Klotzy has done—the lives he's touched, the service he's coordinated, and the community he has built. I fully anticipate that his continued leadership will ensure we remain focused on our Higher Calling while we pursue the Highest Level of competition."

Klotz holds a master's degree from Lipscomb University's School of Theology, further strengthening his expertise in the mission-driven approach of the institution.