Timeline of Highlights
1950 - 1959
1950s
LEE BEGINS PERIOD OF SOUL-SEARCHING
The decade of the 1950s is filled with difficult times as Lee starts to move towards 4-year programs. The shift toward a more academic curriculum is not without tension as opinions vary concerning Lee’s future. Charles W. Conn later explained, “Some felt that it should be a liberal arts college with strong curricula in theology and biblical studies, while others felt that it should be strictly a Bible College for training Christian workers, with only necessary courses in arts and sciences. The question to identify virtually ended the excitement and growth. A decade would pass before that matter was finally settled.” The continued tension over Lee’s approach to education contributes to a rapid turnover in leadership, including four presidents in 10 years:
LEE BEGINS PERIOD OF SOUL-SEARCHING
The decade of the 1950s is filled with difficult times as Lee starts to move towards 4-year programs. The shift toward a more academic curriculum is not without tension as opinions vary concerning Lee’s future. Charles W. Conn later explained, “Some felt that it should be a liberal arts college with strong curricula in theology and biblical studies, while others felt that it should be strictly a Bible College for training Christian workers, with only necessary courses in arts and sciences. The question to identify virtually ended the excitement and growth. A decade would pass before that matter was finally settled.” The continued tension over Lee’s approach to education contributes to a rapid turnover in leadership, including four presidents in 10 years:
1948-1951 J. Stewart Brinsfield
1951-1952 John C. Jernigan
1952-1957 R. Leonard Carroll Sr.
1957-1960 Rufus L. Platt
1951-1952 John C. Jernigan
1952-1957 R. Leonard Carroll Sr.
1957-1960 Rufus L. Platt
1953
LEE BIBLE COLLEGE BEGINS AS A 4-YEAR DEGREE PROGRAM FOR MINISTERIAL STUDENTS
As an effort to strengthen the biblical training emphasis, in 1953 the school begins Lee Bible College, a 4-year degree program. A School of Music is established as part of the Bible College in 1955. The decision is made to expand the Junior College into a 4-year liberal arts program in 1956, and a 3-year class is added. In 1958, Lee graduates its first class of 4-year liberal arts students, but the decision is made to abort the program and no junior class is permitted for 1958-59. During the 1950s, Lee finds it difficult to retain faculty, and student enrollment declines to less than 400 by 1959. However, the decade ends on a positive note as the Bible College wins accreditation with the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges. The following year, the Southern Association also accredits the 2-year Junior College, a significant accomplishment and affirmation for Lee’s future direction.
LEE BIBLE COLLEGE BEGINS AS A 4-YEAR DEGREE PROGRAM FOR MINISTERIAL STUDENTS
As an effort to strengthen the biblical training emphasis, in 1953 the school begins Lee Bible College, a 4-year degree program. A School of Music is established as part of the Bible College in 1955. The decision is made to expand the Junior College into a 4-year liberal arts program in 1956, and a 3-year class is added. In 1958, Lee graduates its first class of 4-year liberal arts students, but the decision is made to abort the program and no junior class is permitted for 1958-59. During the 1950s, Lee finds it difficult to retain faculty, and student enrollment declines to less than 400 by 1959. However, the decade ends on a positive note as the Bible College wins accreditation with the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges. The following year, the Southern Association also accredits the 2-year Junior College, a significant accomplishment and affirmation for Lee’s future direction.
1958
FIRST INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC TEAM FORMED
Intramural athletic teams have existed at Lee since the 1940s, but the first varsity team, men’s basketball, is organized in 1958 with Hubert Black as athletic director. The team first competes in the 1959 season. Lee adopts the Vikings mascot in 1961, but transitions to the Flames in 1982. Today, 16 athletic varsity teams compete in the NCAA Division II – Gulf South Conference, and Lee’s student athletes have earned recognition for their excellence on the field and in the classroom.
FIRST INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC TEAM FORMED
Intramural athletic teams have existed at Lee since the 1940s, but the first varsity team, men’s basketball, is organized in 1958 with Hubert Black as athletic director. The team first competes in the 1959 season. Lee adopts the Vikings mascot in 1961, but transitions to the Flames in 1982. Today, 16 athletic varsity teams compete in the NCAA Division II – Gulf South Conference, and Lee’s student athletes have earned recognition for their excellence on the field and in the classroom.
