Lee University has received a second $10,000 grant from the Eaton Charitable Fund in support of the university’s School of Engineering. The grant, presented by representatives from Eaton’s Cleveland facility on August 13, continues the company’s support of Lee’s engineering initiative and its commitment to helping build the region’s future engineering workforce.

Eaton made its first $10,000 contribution to Lee’s engineering capital campaign in 2025, supporting the development of the university’s new engineering facility.

“Today’s engineering students are tomorrow’s innovators,” said Amanda Lavallee, plant manager at Eaton’s Cleveland facility. “At Eaton, we believe investing in local education is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen our community. By supporting Lee University’s engineering program, we’re not only helping students achieve their potential, we’re helping build the talent, innovation, and leadership that will shape a stronger future for Cleveland, Tennessee.”

The continued support comes as Lee nears completion of its new engineering building at the corner of Central Avenue and Paul Conn Parkway. The facility will serve as the physical and academic home of Lee’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering program, which was launched in response to regional workforce needs.

The David and Mary Ellen Wright School of Engineering and Computer Science will be dedicated during a special Celebration service on Friday, Nov. 6, as part of the university’s Homecoming weekend. The facility features advanced technology and industry-standard laboratories designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world engineering challenges and the technologies, processes, and systems that support modern industry.

“We are thankful for Eaton’s continued support of Lee’s engineering program and for the partnership between our institutions,” said Lee President Dr. Phil Cook. “Having strong relationships with industry leaders is important as we prepare our engineering students for successful careers and work to meet the workforce needs of our region. Eaton’s confidence in what we are building at Lee is important to us, and we look forward to the opportunities this partnership will create for our students, Eaton, and our community.”

The partnership between Eaton and Lee extends beyond financial support. Eaton employees have engaged with Lee students through career and industry conversations, and the company has expressed interest in future opportunities involving internships, senior projects, plant visits, and graduate recruitment.

Eaton’s support aligns with one of the company’s three global giving pillars, Building the Talent Pipeline, which focuses on education and workforce development initiatives.

For more information about Lee’s engineering program, visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/engineering or contact Dr. Blayne Carroll, dean of the School of Engineering, at [email protected].