Peyton Justus, a sociology major from Madison, Florida, transferred to Lee for his junior year. With several family members having attended the university, he says it feels like a “God-thing” that he is here. What first drew Peyton to Lee was the social atmosphere on campus, and he continues to value the strong sense of community he experiences every day. “Everyone is friendly and wants to get to know you, from students and staff to janitors and faculty,” he says. Peyton currently works in the Financial Aid Office and plans to pursue a career in youth ministry after graduation, driven by his desire to support and guide the next generation. 

Nolan Mann, from Warrior, Alabama, is a psychology major with a counseling emphasis and a minor in social work. The youngest of four, Nolan says he found exactly what he was looking for in a college at Lee. “The amount of connections you can make here is insurmountable! Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and find your own family at Lee,” he shares. At Lee, Nolan stays busy both on stage and in the residence halls—he’s involved in Lee Theatre productions, the improv team Shenanigans, and serves as a Resident Assistant. After graduation, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and become a licensed therapist.

Kelly McConnell, from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is a psychology major who has made the most of her time at Lee. She works as a student assistant in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department and participates in both Lee’s LEAP (Learn. Engage. Achieve. Program.) and the McNair Scholars Program. Through McNair, Kelly has gained hands-on experience conducting research alongside a faculty mentor, preparing her for graduate school. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree and become a licensed marriage and family counselor.

Kailey Rose Deem, a sociology major with a minor in social work from Riceville, Tennessee, has a heart for helping others. A Hicks Scholar and two-time recipient of the Hunt Family Scholarship, Kailey can often be found volunteering with The Caring Place, a local nonprofit. “I really enjoy advocating for other people and empowering them to see themselves as having a purpose in this world and being worthy of love and support,” she says. After graduation, Kailey plans to build a career in social work, whether through a nonprofit organization, the department of child services, or a community development program.

Psychology major Brianna Rosson came to Lee from Stuttgart, Germany. According to Brianna, the most compelling component in coming to Lee was the unique environment, where the professors were teaching from a Christian perspective while still holding true to critical thinking, along with their caring attitude for the students. “The best experience so far is to see personal growth in myself and in my fellow students and meeting my roommate who is now one of my closest friends,” Brianna shares.