NASHVILLE (AP) — A leadership education initiative at Lipscomb University has received a $750,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Cathy Cate is the executive director of Leadership Tennessee. She says the grant provides resources to expand the program beyond its current format.

Leadership Tennessee was launched two years ago and is designed to cultivate a statewide network of business, nonprofit, education and government leaders who are committed to addressing the state's challenges and opportunities.

The grant will be disbursed over a three-year period and will be used to fund administrative needs.

Its other uses include launching a leadership education program targeting young and emerging leaders to expand dialogue about key issues through a series of seminars and other development opportunities.