Timeline of Highlights
2020 - Present
2020
GLOBAL PANDEMIC TEMPORARILY SHIFTS CAMPUS TO VIRTUAL LEARNING
GLOBAL PANDEMIC TEMPORARILY SHIFTS CAMPUS TO VIRTUAL LEARNING
DEBBIE BILBO MURRAY APPOINTED UNIVERSITY PROVOST
Lee’s Board of Directors announce Dr. Debbie Murray appointed to the newly created position of Provost of Lee in Spring 2020. Murray continues to serve as vice president for Academic Affairs, a post she has held since 2013, and directs all academic programs at Lee, including direct supervision of the university’s six schools and colleges, as well as numerous specialized academic programs. Dr. Murray joined the Lee faculty in 1980 and previously served as dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education for 25 years.
Lee’s Board of Directors announce Dr. Debbie Murray appointed to the newly created position of Provost of Lee in Spring 2020. Murray continues to serve as vice president for Academic Affairs, a post she has held since 2013, and directs all academic programs at Lee, including direct supervision of the university’s six schools and colleges, as well as numerous specialized academic programs. Dr. Murray joined the Lee faculty in 1980 and previously served as dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education for 25 years.
MARK L. WALKER BECOMES LEE'S 17TH PRESIDENT
On August 1, 2020, Dr. Mark Walker becomes the president of Lee after serving five years as the vice president for Ministerial Development and the Chair of the Christian Ministries Department. Before coming to Lee, Dr. Walker served in pastoral ministry for 25 years at Mount Paran North Church of God in Marietta, Georgia. He and his wife, Udella, served for five years (1992-1997) as the church’s Associate Pastor and 20 years (1997-2017) as Senior Pastor.
On August 1, 2020, Dr. Mark Walker becomes the president of Lee after serving five years as the vice president for Ministerial Development and the Chair of the Christian Ministries Department. Before coming to Lee, Dr. Walker served in pastoral ministry for 25 years at Mount Paran North Church of God in Marietta, Georgia. He and his wife, Udella, served for five years (1992-1997) as the church’s Associate Pastor and 20 years (1997-2017) as Senior Pastor.
CHARLES PAUL CONN NAMED UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR
Dr. Paul Conn assumes the role of Chancellor of Lee University on August 1, 2020 following a 34-year tenure as Lee President, during which time the institution experienced exponential growth in all areas. He has been the longest currently-serving university president in Tennessee, and his length of service is among the 70 longest tenures by a college president in U.S. history.
Dr. Paul Conn assumes the role of Chancellor of Lee University on August 1, 2020 following a 34-year tenure as Lee President, during which time the institution experienced exponential growth in all areas. He has been the longest currently-serving university president in Tennessee, and his length of service is among the 70 longest tenures by a college president in U.S. history.
2021
RAY CONN SPORTS COMPLEX COMPLETED
The Ray Conn Sports Complex opens and serves as home to the Lee track & field and women’s lacrosse teams. The state-of-the-art complex also serves as the alternate home venue for men’s and women’s soccer.
RAY CONN SPORTS COMPLEX COMPLETED
The Ray Conn Sports Complex opens and serves as home to the Lee track & field and women’s lacrosse teams. The state-of-the-art complex also serves as the alternate home venue for men’s and women’s soccer.
DARLIA MCCLUHAN CONN FORUM AND BELL TOWER DEDICATED
The new clock and bell tower on the South Campus Quad is named in honor of Darlia McLuhan Conn, who helped lead the university alongside her husband, President Paul Conn, from 1986 to 2020. It serves as a frequent meeting venue, both formally and causally, by various groups across campus.
The new clock and bell tower on the South Campus Quad is named in honor of Darlia McLuhan Conn, who helped lead the university alongside her husband, President Paul Conn, from 1986 to 2020. It serves as a frequent meeting venue, both formally and causally, by various groups across campus.
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MARK L. WALKER INAUGURATED LEE PRESIDENT AMID GLOBAL PANDEMIC
The COVID-19 global pandemic delays President Walker's formal inauguration ceremony until April 23, 2021. Social distancing requirements limit the indoor, in-person audience in the Paul Dana Walker Arena, but the ceremony offers livestream viewing online and to various auditoriums and lecture halls across campus. An outdoor reception follows for students, faculty and staff, and guests.
The COVID-19 global pandemic delays President Walker's formal inauguration ceremony until April 23, 2021. Social distancing requirements limit the indoor, in-person audience in the Paul Dana Walker Arena, but the ceremony offers livestream viewing online and to various auditoriums and lecture halls across campus. An outdoor reception follows for students, faculty and staff, and guests.
2022
DANNY MURRAY RECORDING STUDIO COMPLETED
A new state-of-the-art recording studio for students is dedicated in honor of long-time administrator and director of Voices of Lee.
DANNY MURRAY RECORDING STUDIO COMPLETED
A new state-of-the-art recording studio for students is dedicated in honor of long-time administrator and director of Voices of Lee.
2024
WALKER RESIGNS PRESIDENCY, CONN REAPPOINTED
In March 2024, President Dr. Mark Walker announces he will not submit his name for reappointment for another 4-year term and will conclude his presidency effective May 5. Lee’s Board of Directors unanimously votes to appoint former President and current Lee Chancellor Dr. Paul Conn to a 1-year term as Chancellor and President to lead the institution while a search for a new president is conducted.
WALKER RESIGNS PRESIDENCY, CONN REAPPOINTED
In March 2024, President Dr. Mark Walker announces he will not submit his name for reappointment for another 4-year term and will conclude his presidency effective May 5. Lee’s Board of Directors unanimously votes to appoint former President and current Lee Chancellor Dr. Paul Conn to a 1-year term as Chancellor and President to lead the institution while a search for a new president is conducted.
CELEBRATION '24 HIGHLIGHTS GOD'S BLESSINGS
Chancellor and President Dr. Paul Conn welcomes alumni, donors, and community leaders to campus to celebrate the blessings of God to Lee. The events on September 20th include a festival choir, address by President Conn, informative lectures by special guests, and a meal on the Ped Mall.
Chancellor and President Dr. Paul Conn welcomes alumni, donors, and community leaders to campus to celebrate the blessings of God to Lee. The events on September 20th include a festival choir, address by President Conn, informative lectures by special guests, and a meal on the Ped Mall.
2025
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING BREAKS GROUND
In February 2025, Chancellor and President Conn announces a significant donation for a new, 30,000-square-foot building to house the School of Engineering and the computer science program. Groundbreaking with the Lee Board of Directors occurs in September. During the year, Dr. Conn focuses on additional fundraising for the new building and other campus needs, resulting in more than $18 million received by December. Planned opening for the new building is August 2026.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING BREAKS GROUND
In February 2025, Chancellor and President Conn announces a significant donation for a new, 30,000-square-foot building to house the School of Engineering and the computer science program. Groundbreaking with the Lee Board of Directors occurs in September. During the year, Dr. Conn focuses on additional fundraising for the new building and other campus needs, resulting in more than $18 million received by December. Planned opening for the new building is August 2026.
COOK APPOINTED AS LEE'S 18TH PRESIDENT
Dr. Phil Cook is named the 18th President of Lee University in May 2025 following a year-long search that includes 79 applicants. Previously serving for 24 years at Lee, including as a vice president, he assumes the presidency effective July 1st and opens the academic year with excitement and by communicating clear vision. Dr. Cook's inauguration ceremony on September 19th attracts hundreds of guests to campus, including alumni, denominational leaders, donors, and community and academic partners. President Cook offers a confident vision for Lee’s future, grounded in academic excellence, spiritual formation, and Christ‑centered leadership, and he underscores the importance of a clear mission, uncompromising innovation, and a campus culture shaped by service, grace, and truth.