Dr. Allison Pierce, associate professor of business administration in Lee’s School of Business, has been named the recipient of Lee University’s 2026 Excellence in Advising Award.   
 
According to Lee University President Dr. Phil Cook, Pierce was selected from a large pool of nominees based on her consistently high ratings and praiseworthy feedback in student evaluations. One student remarked, “Dr. Pierce has modeled such a caring heart. She is someone who actually cares about me and my success academically, personally, and spiritually.” 
 
Pierce teaches courses in organizational theory, human resource management, and management philosophy.  
  
“I am deeply honored to receive the Excellence in Advising Award,” said Pierce. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible students I have the privilege of guiding and the supportive Lee environment we are surrounded by.” 
 
Prior to Lee, she served as central division president of operations for Sava Senior Care and was senior vice president of human resources at Life Care Centers of America. Pierce has won numerous awards, such as the 2003 National Young Businesswoman of the Year and the Governor’s Outstanding Achievement Award in Tennessee. She also led a subcommittee for the Bush Administration to address the national labor issues related to the healthcare profession. 
 
The Excellence in Advising Award is one of the three faculty excellence awards recognizing advising, scholarship, and teaching. The Excellence awards are the highest honors presented to Lee faculty members. The recipient of the Excellence in Advising Award is chosen by a faculty committee, which reviews a three-year history of student advisor evaluation data, as well as other information provided by the nominating department chairs and deans.  
 
Pierce was recognized for this award during the university’s spring commencement.