Amanda Ledford, from Cleveland, Tennessee, is a biomedical, pre-med major at Lee. She is actively involved in Alpha Epsilon Delta, Tri-Beta, Backyard Ministries, and LEAP (Learn. Engage. Achieve. Program). She also serves as a research assistant and microbiology TA (teacher assistant). Passionate about serving her community, Amanda volunteers with Relay for Life and the Dustin Ledford Scholarship Foundation. She values Lee’s research opportunities and mentorship, which she credits to having shaped her academic journey. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue pediatric oncology.
Zachary Lawson, from Smyrna, Tennessee, is a biology major with a pre–physician assistant (PA) emphasis. He is a pitcher for the Lee Baseball team, a certified personal trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), and a member of the Psi Omega chapter of Tri Beta. One of his most memorable experiences has been traveling with the baseball team to Tampa, Florida, to compete in the NCAA Regional. Zachary says, “This team and these coaches have given me the opportunity to travel, grow as an athlete, grow as a Christian, and pursue dreams I have had since I began playing baseball as a child.” After graduation, he plans to apply to a PA postgraduate program while continuing to train athletes.
Will Richardson, from Cumming, Georgia, is a business management major who has made the Dean’s List every semester so far. He is actively involved in intramurals and serves as a teacher’s assistant for business management and business ethics in the School of Business, a role he loves because it allows him to meet new people and learn how to run a college-level class. Will chose Lee for its Christ-centered community and supportive faculty. “I was drawn to Lee because of the people here,” he says. “I wanted a community of believers who could help each other grow in likeness to Christ. From my first interactions, I could feel that the staff truly cared for students—not just academically, but personally.” After graduation, Will plans to pursue his MBA at Lee before entering the workforce.
Bailey Burgess, from Seymour, Tennessee, is an accounting major who never imagined she’d pursue a career in the field. “At my first advising meeting at Lee, I told my advisor that I would not want to become an accountant. Funny how God can show you to never say never,” she laughs. In addition to her studies, Bailey plays on the women’s basketball team and works as a teacher’s assistant in the School of Business. A member of Delta Mu Delta and the 2025 Cletus Benton Award recipient, she plans to earn an MBA and study for the CPA exam after graduation. “The best part of my Lee experience has been meeting amazing people and building relationships in a Christ-centered environment,” Bailey says. “When people say the people make the place, that is so true for me. The opportunity to play college basketball brought me to Lee, but over the past three years, I’ve grown to love so many things about this school!”
Abbye Gibson, a discipleship ministry major from Greeneville, Tennessee. At Lee, she serves as a peer mentor for the LEAP (Learn, Engage, Achieve Program) and is a McNair Scholar. She also serves as a tutor, peer mentor, and student worker in the School of Theology & Ministry. Abbye chose Lee for its Christ-centered environment. “I wanted to get an education from a school where the faculty and professors were not just concerned with what I can achieve, but who I am becoming,” and I found that at Lee. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in Christian counseling with the goal of becoming a licensed counselor. Abbye hopes to serve the church by offering professional counseling that nurtures both spiritual and emotional well-being.
After attending the school’s Summer Honors program, Nolan Hager felt a clear calling to make Lee University his home. A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Nolan is pursuing a degree in pastoral ministry while working as the associate children’s pastor at Westmore Church of God in Cleveland. He is a Poiema Scholar, chaplain for Upsilon Xi, and a student worker with Campus Ministries. Nolan also represents Lee as an A-Force Ambassador for the Office of Admissions—a role he especially enjoys because it allows him to connect with prospective students. “I want to help people fall in love with what their Lee story could be. After graduation, Nolan plans to continue serving at Westmore Church of God.
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.
Matthew Cardoso is a sports management major at the university. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, and now living in Bristol, Tennessee, Matthew is actively involved on and off campus. He interns with Lee Athletics, works on the golf staff at the Cleveland Country Club, and is part of the game day staff for the Chattanooga Football Club. Matthew values these opportunities for the connections they allow him to make across different areas of the sports industry. He also appreciates the Christian community at Lee and the ways it has shaped his personal faith. “I was able to find my people at Lee—people who call me higher, challenge my faith, and support me.” Upon graduation, Matthew plans to work for a sports organization, start a family, and continue serving in his local church.
Caleb Richardson, an athletic training major from Braxton, Mississippi, brings a unique perspective to his studies at Lee. After graduating from high school in 2012, he joined the Marine Corps, where he had the opportunity to travel the world before enrolling at Lee in 2023. “I visited many different colleges after my service in the Marine Corps, but Lee stood out to me because I wasn’t just a number.” At Lee, Caleb says he found a supportive environment where professors not only challenge him academically but also invest in his success. After graduation, Caleb plans to remain in Tennessee with his wife Sarah, a Lee alumna, and pursue a career as a high school or collegiate athletic trainer, where he can be a source of encouragement and guidance for young people.
Courtney Peterson is an exercise science major from Knoxville, Tennessee. She values the friendships she has made at Lee and getting to be around other Christians who want to use their degree to honor God. “I love how the professors really care about pouring into us and make an effort to connect faith and health in my major.” Courtney has served on staff at the school’s recreation center and currently works as a personal trainer at Southside Fitness in town. After graduation, Courtney plans to be a personal trainer and get further certifications in nutrition and tactical strength and conditioning before eventually opening her own ministry-focused gym.