Lauren Neal graduated from Lee University in May 2014 with a bachelor’s in psychology. She currently serves as an assistant professor of social psychology at the University of Texas Permian Basin. “I learned from and was inspired by the faculty in my program to achieve excellence in my teaching and research,” said Neal. “My coursework and research assistant experiences at Lee laid the foundation that prepared me for my graduate studies and eventual academic appointment.” According to Neal, the department climate at Lee was encouraging and supportive of student learning. Small class sizes and personal mentorship made all the difference in helping students achieve their goals. The breadth of courses offered allowed her to explore new topics and enable her to become a well-rounded scholar with sharp critical thinking skills.