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 serve on the committee as faculty representatives, and Dr. Bob Graham, Mo Huggins and Dr. Claire Sanger serve as alumni representatives. Dr. Paul Conn is an ex officio member of the Committee.
Position Specification Document Update
The Presidential Search Committee is pleased to announce that a thorough information packet has been prepared in partnership with FaithSearch Partners. The full Presidential Position Specification document is now available for download and reference.
If you would like to discuss the job position, or if you are aware of qualified individuals to lead Lee University, please note that the process is now open to contact FaithSearch Partners at your earliest convenience. Interested candidates may forward a current resume to Jacqueline Gustafson at [email protected] and/or Andrew Westmoreland at [email protected]. Inquiries are held in confidence as an independent, third-party partner.
Search Timeline
- September 2024: First meeting of the 2024-2025 Board of Directors and selection of Board members for the Committee
- October 2024: Selection of FaithSearch Partners of Dallas to assist with a national search for Lee University's next president
- November - December 2024: Listening, learning and engagement with Lee University community; key process and document development
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Early January - Presidential Position Specifications finalized
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Mid-January - Presidential Position Specifications made available to the community
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February - FaithSearch Partners engages potential candidates in screening and interviewing process
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March-May - FaithSearch Partners presents semi-finalists to the Committee; interviews conducted and decisions made
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Summer 2025 - A new president begins service at Lee University
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].