Timeline of Highlights
1970 - 1979
1970
CHARLES W. CONN BECOMES PRESIDENT
Charles W. Conn becomes Lee President and serves 12 years, the second-longest presidency in Lee’s history. An esteemed Church of God leader who also appreciates the arts and literature, he guides Lee’s transition into a 4-year liberal arts college while maintaining its Christ-centered mission. Lee increases student services, strengthens academics, intentionally provides broader cultural opportunities for students, and welcomes community residents to campus for cultural and worship events. Student enrollment increases, reaching a record enrollment in 1979 before an economic recession created challenges and led to a decrease.
CHARLES W. CONN BECOMES PRESIDENT
Charles W. Conn becomes Lee President and serves 12 years, the second-longest presidency in Lee’s history. An esteemed Church of God leader who also appreciates the arts and literature, he guides Lee’s transition into a 4-year liberal arts college while maintaining its Christ-centered mission. Lee increases student services, strengthens academics, intentionally provides broader cultural opportunities for students, and welcomes community residents to campus for cultural and worship events. Student enrollment increases, reaching a record enrollment in 1979 before an economic recession created challenges and led to a decrease.
1973
CARROLL COURTS IS DEDICATED
The 50-unit apartments provide more adequate housing for Lee’s married students.
CARROLL COURTS IS DEDICATED
The 50-unit apartments provide more adequate housing for Lee’s married students.
1976
CONTINUING EDUCATION DIVISION RESTARTED
Non-traditional Distance learning is re-established to provide students with an opportunity to receive ministerial training through extension and correspondence-based programs. 400 students enrolled during first year. This program develops over the next three decades, taking on different forms and modalities of instruction, and is restructured in 2011 into the Division of Adult Learning. By 2020, Lee enrolls approximately 1,000 students in programs delivered online or at one of three off-campus international sites.
LEE IS NAMED IN LAWSUIT FILED BY ACLU
Lee is among four denominational colleges in Tennessee named in a 1976 lawsuit reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Lee is mentioned in the suit as being “permeated with religion” and too religious to qualify for state assistance. It is maintained in the suit that the spiritual life and academic life a Lee are so closely interwoven that there is no way to separate the two. In a statement to news media, Dr. Charles W. Conn said, “We plead guilty to this charge and have no intention of changing it. We would close the doors at Lee College before we would ever compromise our spiritual standards.” Lee and its fellow Christian colleges go on to win this suit.
CONTINUING EDUCATION DIVISION RESTARTED
Non-traditional Distance learning is re-established to provide students with an opportunity to receive ministerial training through extension and correspondence-based programs. 400 students enrolled during first year. This program develops over the next three decades, taking on different forms and modalities of instruction, and is restructured in 2011 into the Division of Adult Learning. By 2020, Lee enrolls approximately 1,000 students in programs delivered online or at one of three off-campus international sites.
LEE IS NAMED IN LAWSUIT FILED BY ACLU
Lee is among four denominational colleges in Tennessee named in a 1976 lawsuit reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Lee is mentioned in the suit as being “permeated with religion” and too religious to qualify for state assistance. It is maintained in the suit that the spiritual life and academic life a Lee are so closely interwoven that there is no way to separate the two. In a statement to news media, Dr. Charles W. Conn said, “We plead guilty to this charge and have no intention of changing it. We would close the doors at Lee College before we would ever compromise our spiritual standards.” Lee and its fellow Christian colleges go on to win this suit.
1977
CONN CENTER DEDICATED
An 1,800-seat auditorium provides the institution with much needed space for corporate worship and performing arts. In addition to service the institution’s assembly needs, the Conn Center quickly becomes a popular location for local concerts and gatherings, bridging the gap between the college and Cleveland community.
CONN CENTER DEDICATED
An 1,800-seat auditorium provides the institution with much needed space for corporate worship and performing arts. In addition to service the institution’s assembly needs, the Conn Center quickly becomes a popular location for local concerts and gatherings, bridging the gap between the college and Cleveland community.
