Presidential Search

SEARCH FOR THE NEXT LEE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, Lee University is in an active search for the next President to lead the 106-year-old institution, a well-respected, private Christian university in southeast Tennessee. The university is currently led by Dr. Paul Conn, who is serving as President in addition to his role as Chancellor. Dr. Conn intends to remain in the position of Chancellor after a new President is named.

The Lee University Board of Directors (Board) is responsible for the search and selection of the President, as outlined in governing documents. Recognizing the importance of the task, and the incredible place the university holds in the hearts of its students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, the Board has initiated several next steps, including the appointment of a Presidential Search Committee (Committee). Board members on the Committee are engaged day-to-day in the process; other representatives are involved in an active advising role.

Those named from the Board to the Committee are Wade Lombard (chairman of the Board), Dr. Marty Baker, Ashley Freer, Ken Jones, Dennis Livingston, Jerry Madden and Dr. Mark Williams. Dr. Ben Christmann, Dr. Debra Gladden and Dr. Jared Wielfaert will serve on the committee as faculty representatives. Dr. Paul Conn is an ex officio member of the Committee. Additional alumni and Lee community members may be added in the future.

As of October, the Board is interviewing national search firms for potential assistance with the search process. A brief timeline is below.
• September 2024: First meeting of the 2024-2025 Board of Directors and selection of Board members for the Committee
• October 2024: Potential selection of a national search firm
• November - December 2024: Information release and outreach regarding the position
• TBA: Other steps, including timelines and processes for applications and interviews; no announcement date for this process has been confirmed at this time

The process to find the best person and fit for any organization takes time, patience, trust and discernment. All parties involved in this search process are committed to serving the Lee University community well by finding the right leader and path forward.

Please note that key information on this page will be updated as confirmed by the Committee. Any specific questions may be directed to the Presidential Search Committee at [email protected].

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