Timeline of Highlights
1990 - 1999
1990
DEDICATION OF SHARP-DAVIS HALL AND COMPLETION OF THE “EIGHTH STREET EXPANSION PROJECT”
Physical expansion increases as Lee adds a new 240-bed dorm with the addition of Sharp-Davis Complex, constructed in two phases. The Tennis Center is built, two city streets are closed (10th Street and College Avenue), 17 houses razed, and the soccer athletic field is completed.
DEDICATION OF SHARP-DAVIS HALL AND COMPLETION OF THE “EIGHTH STREET EXPANSION PROJECT”
Physical expansion increases as Lee adds a new 240-bed dorm with the addition of Sharp-Davis Complex, constructed in two phases. The Tennis Center is built, two city streets are closed (10th Street and College Avenue), 17 houses razed, and the soccer athletic field is completed.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES PROGRAM BEGINS
Sixteen students head off to England in 1990 for the Semester in Cambridge experience, Lee’s first Global Perspectives trip. Eight years later, Lee establishes the Global Perspectives Program as part of the general education core, requiring all undergraduates to participate in a study abroad experience. More than two dozen trips are offered each year to various parts of the world, including China, Egypt, Israel, Peru, Ukraine, Chile, England, Ireland, Scotland, Ghana, Guatemala, Cuba, and many other countries.
Sixteen students head off to England in 1990 for the Semester in Cambridge experience, Lee’s first Global Perspectives trip. Eight years later, Lee establishes the Global Perspectives Program as part of the general education core, requiring all undergraduates to participate in a study abroad experience. More than two dozen trips are offered each year to various parts of the world, including China, Egypt, Israel, Peru, Ukraine, Chile, England, Ireland, Scotland, Ghana, Guatemala, Cuba, and many other countries.
1993
ENROLLMENT TOPS 2,000 FOR THE FIRST TIME
Explosive growth marks a milestone enrollment of 2,000 students. This is fueled by campus development, addition of new scholars programs such as the Centennial scholarship (1987) and Rymer Scholars (1988), new athletic programs (Women’s Volleyball in 1988, Women’s Tennis in 1989, Women’s Soccer in 1992, and Cross-Country in 1993), and the addition of the Frontline recruitment event in 1991.
ENROLLMENT TOPS 2,000 FOR THE FIRST TIME
Explosive growth marks a milestone enrollment of 2,000 students. This is fueled by campus development, addition of new scholars programs such as the Centennial scholarship (1987) and Rymer Scholars (1988), new athletic programs (Women’s Volleyball in 1988, Women’s Tennis in 1989, Women’s Soccer in 1992, and Cross-Country in 1993), and the addition of the Frontline recruitment event in 1991.
ELLIS HALL FIRE SHAKES INSTITUTION
On November 4, 1993, a violent fire begins at 2:30 a.m. and quickly destroys Ellis Hall, a 50-year old men’s dormitory. Miraculously, all 76 dorm residents escape without loss of life. The Lee family come together as a result of this shocking event and the church and community rally to support Lee, offering assistance of all types. A new, $2 million facility is designed with money provided by insurance and the generosity of hundreds of individuals and congregations across the country, including Henry and Iris Atkins of Georgia. The 130-bed dorm, Atkins-Ellis Hall, is dedicated the following year.
On November 4, 1993, a violent fire begins at 2:30 a.m. and quickly destroys Ellis Hall, a 50-year old men’s dormitory. Miraculously, all 76 dorm residents escape without loss of life. The Lee family come together as a result of this shocking event and the church and community rally to support Lee, offering assistance of all types. A new, $2 million facility is designed with money provided by insurance and the generosity of hundreds of individuals and congregations across the country, including Henry and Iris Atkins of Georgia. The 130-bed dorm, Atkins-Ellis Hall, is dedicated the following year.
1994
LEE CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF THE “HIGHER GROUND” CAMPAIGN
LEE CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF THE “HIGHER GROUND” CAMPAIGN
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The Higher Ground Campaign, which began in January 1991, is completed in September 1994. What started as a $3 million project ended up topping $9 million in new construction. Projects included in this campaign are:
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1992 Dixon Center
1992 Watkins Building 1993 DeVos Student Recreation Center 1994 Atkins-Ellis Hall |
VOICES OF LEE DEBUTS
The Voices of Lee is formed and debuts in September at Celebration 1994.
The Voices of Lee is formed and debuts in September at Celebration 1994.
1995
LEE BEGINS FIRST GRADUATE PROGRAM IN CHURCH MUSIC
LEE BEGINS FIRST GRADUATE PROGRAM IN CHURCH MUSIC
1996
LEE COLEGE SERVES AS “OLYPMIC VILLAGE”
The institution hosts more than 300 kayakers, canoeists and coaches participating in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
LEE COLEGE SERVES AS “OLYPMIC VILLAGE”
The institution hosts more than 300 kayakers, canoeists and coaches participating in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
1997
LEE COLLEGE CHANGES ITS NAME TO LEE UNIVERSITY
At Spring Commencement on May 12th, the institution officially becomes a university with four colleges/schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the School of Music, and the School of Religion. The change is signaled by a standing ovation from the audience, accompanied by a time of praise to God for His blessings. Signs are changed overnight to reflect “Lee University.”
LEE COLLEGE CHANGES ITS NAME TO LEE UNIVERSITY
At Spring Commencement on May 12th, the institution officially becomes a university with four colleges/schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the School of Music, and the School of Religion. The change is signaled by a standing ovation from the audience, accompanied by a time of praise to God for His blessings. Signs are changed overnight to reflect “Lee University.”
1998
ENROLLMENT EXCEEDS 3,000 STUDENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME
In only 5 years, Lee’s enrollment reaches another thousand student marker as a result of the growth of the physical campus, undergraduate and graduate programs, and institutional programs such as Link-Ups, First-Year Programs (1996), Chamber Orchestra (1996), Men’s Baseball (1997), the Student Leadership Council (1998), and the dual enrollment program (1998). Lee is named to the 1997-98 Honor Roll for Character-Building Colleges by the John Templeton Foundation.
ENROLLMENT EXCEEDS 3,000 STUDENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME
In only 5 years, Lee’s enrollment reaches another thousand student marker as a result of the growth of the physical campus, undergraduate and graduate programs, and institutional programs such as Link-Ups, First-Year Programs (1996), Chamber Orchestra (1996), Men’s Baseball (1997), the Student Leadership Council (1998), and the dual enrollment program (1998). Lee is named to the 1997-98 Honor Roll for Character-Building Colleges by the John Templeton Foundation.
