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Following the annual board meeting in January, the Lee University Board of Directors awarded tenure to eleven faculty members, effective August 2023. The new tenured faculty members are Shane Brown, Kathy Estes, Thaddeus McRae, Anthony Minutolo, Jennifer Minutolo, Andrea Phillips, Betsy Poole, Jason Schmurr, Mark Scully, Beth Seymour, and Kevin Snider.  

Brown serves as an assistant professor in education in the Helen DeVos College of Education. He earned his Doctorate in Education (EdD) from Liberty University, his Master of Education (MEd) and Bachelor of Science (BS) at Lee University. He teaches all levels of educator preparation and gives administrative oversight to all field experiences and teacher education programming and licensure. Brown also serves as the assistant pastor for children and families at Westwood Baptist Church. 

Estes, an associate professor of finance, earned her Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) at Anderson University, her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Illinois at Springfield, and her Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Illinois College. She teaches courses in the School of Business such as business finance, investments, and international financial management, and has received many accolades, including the FDIC Coporate Success Award and the LaFata Adjunct Teaching Award. 

McRae serves as an associate professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. He received his PhD from the University of Miami and his BA from Cornerstone University. In addition to teaching his courses, McRae leads a study abroad trip to Costa Rica, where students explore the ecology and conservation of forests in cloud forests at 6,000 feet above sea level, to lowland rainforests and mangrove forests. He has mentored several student projects that range from community ecology to animal behavior. 

Anthony Minutolo earned his Master of Science (MS) and his BS at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He currently serves as an assistant professor of engineering and physics in the College of Arts and Sciences. He has experience teaching a wide variety of mathematics, physics, and chemistry courses, and is currently involved in the development of Lee’s engineering program. Minutolo also planted the first Young Life outreach for teenagers in Bradley County. 

Jennifer Minutolo earned her PhD at Northcentral University, her Master of Arts and Teaching (MAT) at the University of Florida, and her BS at Lee University. She currently serves as an assistant professor of computer science and mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences. She has coordinated the implementation of Statewide Tennessee Board of Regents mandates, presented at numerous conferences, and worked with the Title III at Lee. 

Phillips serves as an assistant professor of public relations in Lee’s Communication Arts Department. She earned her PhD at Texas Tech University, her Master of Arts (MA) at Dallas Theological Seminary, and her MS and BS at Texas Christian University. She serves as the faculty sponsor for Lee’s PRSSA chapter and the faculty advisor to the Bateman Competition team. She is also the founder of FTF Marketing Communications (a corporate promotions firm), where she continues to serve long-time clients. 

Poole serves as the coordinator of World Languages at Lee, as well as the director of mentorship and literacy for the Center of English Language and Literacy (CELL). She received her PhD and MA at the University of Alabama and her BA at Mississippi College. At Lee, she serves as an assistant professor of spanish and linguistics. She also supervises graduate TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language) thesis students at LCC International University in Klaipėda, Lithuania. 

Schmurr teaches a wide range of courses in mathematics and computer science and serves as an associate professor of mathematics. He received his PhD and MS at Oregon State University and his BA at Wheaton College. Schmurr has been active in promoting student research through both theoretical research and collaborations with industry. He also focuses on free developing curricular materials for students such as textbooks and online homework. 

Scully earned his PhD and MA at Baylor University and his BA at St. John’s College. He currently serves as an assistant professor of political science, and he also leads Lee’s public administration major and has expanded internship opportunities for his students in the local community. He directs Lee’s Mock Trial team, as well as Lee’s participation in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature. Scully teaches courses in the American presidency, congress, and political parties. 

Seymour teaches financial accounting for all levels, including governmental and not for profit in Lee’s School of Business. She earned her PhD at Anderson University, her MBA and MA at Bryan College, her BS at the University of Alabama, and she holds her CPA. Before serving as an assistant professor of accounting, Seymour worked in Lee’s business and finance sector as the assistant director of budget and accounting. 

Kevin Snider earned his PhD from Middlesex University (in collaboration with London School of Theology). He earned his Master of Divinity (MDiv) at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary and his MA and BA at Lee University. He currently serves as an assistant professor of Christian ethics and teaches classes in moral theology & philosophical ethics in Lee’s School of Theology and Ministry. Some of his courses include introductory and advanced courses on Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife. Snider encourages his students to consider questions about what makes for a good character, technology and the good life, bioethics, moral responsibility, and practical wisdom.