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.
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.
Abi Shamburger, from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, says her favorite part of Lee has been Omega Alpha Phi, which has given her a Christ-centered sisterhood and a true sense of community. She is double majoring in accounting and finance, actively involved in the National Society of Leadership and Success, and works both as a student assistant in the School of Business and as a payroll intern in the accounting services office. A Centennial Scholar and Dean’s List student, Abi knew Lee was the right fit as soon as she toured campus. “I immediately fell in love with the campus and the community,” she shares. After graduation, she hopes to work in finance or accounting while raising a family.
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.
Sydney Kruger, a musical theatre and biochemistry double major from Rock Spring, Georgia, found a unique fit at Lee that allows her to pursue both science and the arts. “I was in search of a school that offered both biochemistry and an involved musical theatre program,” Sydney says. “Because these two things are so different, I struggled to find a school that fit, but from the moment I stepped on campus, I instantly felt at home and knew the Lord led me to Lee.” Sydney is involved in the Epsilon Lambda Phi service club, tennis club, and theatre productions, and she also works at Lee’s health clinic. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and become a pediatric oncologist, while continuing to participate in musical theatre for many years to come.
Tanner Jennings, a cinema and theatre double major from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, has found a creative home at Lee through his involvement in Lee theatre productions and Opera Theatre. A consistent presence on the Dean’s List since his first semester, Tanner says his connection to Lee began the moment he stepped on campus. “When I first walked on campus for a tour, I felt like I was at home,” he shares. “The best parts of my Lee experience have been the countless deeply meaningful and spiritual conversations that I have had with Lee students and professors.” After graduation, Tanner plans to pursue a career in the film and theatre industries as a writer, director, and actor.
A biology major on the pre–physical therapy track, Noah Jones has taken full advantage of the academic and relational opportunities at Lee. Originally from Cleveland, Tennessee, he chose Lee for its strong educational programs and close proximity to family. Noah is involved in Men’s Rugby, serves as a biology tutor, and is a member of the Tennessee Iota chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta and the Tri-Beta Honor Society. His favorite part of the Lee experience has been the chance to network and build meaningful connections with both students and professors. After graduation, Noah plans to work in trauma-care physical therapy before pursuing a career in travel physical therapy.
Jessie Holsombeck is a junior biomedical science pre-med major from Chelsea, Alabama, who stays actively engaged both inside and outside the classroom. She is involved in Alpha Epsilon Delta, Tri-Beta, Backyard Ministries, peer leading, and student research, and she also works in the Department of Natural Sciences. Jessie says her favorite involvement is Backyard Ministries, where she has the opportunity to serve children in underprivileged communities and share the love of Christ. A Dean’s List student and recipient of multiple science scholarships, Jessie chose Lee for its Christ-centered community and supportive learning environment. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue her passion for pediatric cardiology.