Jess Edgemon, from Cleveland, Tennessee, is an English literature major with a biblical studies minor who has fully embraced the opportunities at Lee. A Kairos Scholar and McNair Scholar, she is also involved in LEAP (Learn. Engage. Achieve. Program.), works for the Center for Calling and Career, and serves as a residential chaplain for Sharp Davis Hall. Of all her roles, Jess says ResLife has been her favorite because of the strong sense of community it fosters and the chance to walk alongside the same students she disciples. Jess chose Lee for the relational and intentional nature of the professors. “They show that they care, and they want to connect with students. I deeply value that connection.” After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school for English, continue her research on feminist critical theory, and eventually become a professor. 

Ellie Shaffer is an English Literature major, originally from Seattle, Washington, but she now resides in Chattanooga with her family. Ellie is the chaplain of the Kairos Honors Program, a student worker in the Language and Literature Department, a tutor in the Writing Center, a book repair worker at Squires Library, and an active member of the ASL (American Sign Language Club. “Lee has been a gift from God in an abundance of ways, but the best part of my story at Lee is and always will be the people I have befriended, lived with, loved, and learned from.” After graduating, she plans to attend Author Conservatory and eventually become a young adult fantasy author, as well as a professional editor for other fiction writers. 

Bethany Reinsch is a Spanish and English writing double major with a minor in linguistics from Nashville, Tennessee. She currently serves as the vice president of events for Kairos Scholars Honors Program and Editor-in-Chief of Lee Review. She also works in Lee’s Global Perspectives Office, which helps students plan their cross-cultural trips. “I cannot express how glad I am to be around such a great group of people around campus; each one adds to my Lee experience every day!” After graduating, Bethany plans to go on to grad school and earn a master’s degree or doctorate in linguistics, with hopes to later work as a translator, writer, or publisher.