Dirksen, Carolyn Rowland
Carolyn Rowland Dirksen (born 1946) arrived at Lee from Arizona in 1968 as an English instructor for what she thought would be a one-year assignment while she determined her next career move. However, she found her niche at Lee and retired in 2018 after half a century. In 1972, Dirksen received the first Excellence in Teaching Award given at Lee. Two years later she became the first female faculty member granted a sabbatical to study for a Ph.D., and enrolled in her home state’s University of Arizona, where she earned a doctorate in 1977. Dirksen later became chair of the Department of Language and Literature and then served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1999, she became Lee’s first female vice president. She served as vice president for Academic Affairs for 14 years before becoming director of Faculty Development.
In addition, Dirksen is the first female appointed to the Church of God World Missions Board, on which she served 10 years. She also teaches short-term at international Bible schools and assists in several missions and social ministries. Carolyn Dirksen spent her academic career intentionally making room for those who might otherwise feel isolated, in keeping with her philosophy that serving others is an extension of serving Christ.
/ L.F. Morgan
In addition, Dirksen is the first female appointed to the Church of God World Missions Board, on which she served 10 years. She also teaches short-term at international Bible schools and assists in several missions and social ministries. Carolyn Dirksen spent her academic career intentionally making room for those who might otherwise feel isolated, in keeping with her philosophy that serving others is an extension of serving Christ.
/ L.F. Morgan