Lee Alumna Esmerelda Lee was recently inducted into the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association’s (TICUA) Hall of Fame, which aims to honor distinguished alumni from TICUA institutions while highlighting their contributions to the state, nation, and world. 

“With each new class of the TICUA Hall of Fame, we discover even more of our alumni changing the world, some whose names we know and others we are just now becoming familiar with,” said TICUA President Dr. Claude Pressnell. “Each of the inductees demonstrates how valuable one’s college experience is to your life and the impact a liberal arts education has on molding your future.” 

Lee was one of 24 honorees inducted into TICUA’s Hall of Fame. She currently serves as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Century Park Associates, an affiliate of Life Care Centers of America that operates more than 40 independent and assisted living communities in 20 states. 

“We are thrilled for Esmerelda and commend TICUA for selecting her,” said Lee President Dr. Mark Walker. “We are proud to have her representing Lee University. Esmerelda Lee is the student and alumna every college and university desires to have as a member of their institutional family.” 

Originally from Durbin, South Africa, Lee graduated cum laude from Lee College with a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences/pre-med emphasis and earned her master’s degree in public health administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. 

Since then, she has served in various roles in her professional career, including as the regional vice president of operations and later the vice president of operations at Enlivant Senior Assisted Living Facilities and Communities until 2018. 

Lee has also served with Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Rotary Club of Cleveland, 2009 Steering Committee for the United Way Division for United Way, the Governor’s Board, the Lee University Alumni Advisory Board, and the Cleveland High School Community Advisory Board. 

Esmerelda is married to Dr. Andrew Lee, a professor at Lee University, and they have three children: Caleb, Sam, and Ellie. 

TICUA engages Tennessee’s private, non-profit colleges and universities to work collaboratively in areas of public policy, cost containment, and professional development to better serve the State and its citizens. TICUA membership includes 35 member institutions comprised of four-year colleges and universities and professional colleges. 

To learn more about TICUA, visit ticua.org.