THE MAGAZINE OF LEE UNIVERSITY

TORCHFALL 2016 OPENING THOUGHTS THIS ISSUE: from PRESIDENT PAUL CONN

A Nursing Masterpiece The sudden death of Gary Sharp, who was Lee University TORCH After 50 years of dreaming, a nursing known to thousands of friends as one of Lee's most enthusias- Fall 2016 | Vol. 58, No. 3 4 program with a permanent on-campus tic boosters, provides an occasion to recognize and thank the Torch magazine is the official publication of Lee University, building is now reality. But, this is no many other Lee alums who give their time and energy to make Cleveland, . It is intended to inform, educate, ordinary academic setting. Come see this a better university. and give insight to alumni, parents, and friends of the for yourself in this photo montage. Gary came to Lee in 1965 from the tiny Tennessee home- university. It is published quarterly and mailed free to all by Sara Campbell town of Stinking Creek. At Lee, he met and married Joyce alumni of the university. Other subscriptions are available Fithian, from Michigan. As they had children and created a life by calling the alumni office at 423-614-8316. together, the Sharp family always had time for their alma ma- Tribute to an ter. Gary and Joyce always stayed in touch with Lee, visited the Torch Magazine Exemplary Alum campus, and participated in its activities. His involvement led 8 to his appointment to the Lee University Board of Directors in MAILING ADDRESS 1120 N. Ocoee St., Cleveland, TN 37311 Gary Sharp was not just an alumnus 1994, and his fellow trustees elected him to be chairman of the WEBSITE www.leeuniversity.edu who was faithful to his alma mater, but Board for the past six years. EMAIL [email protected] he also exemplified what going beyond As I have reflected on all that Gary did for Lee, it has been PHONE 1-800-LEE-9930 or the call really looks like. Read a tribute a reminder that there are so many others who give time and en- 423-614-8316 to the fallen board chairman. ergy each year to move the university forward, not from sal- aried professional positions, but in unpaid volunteer roles, in PRESIDENT Paul Conn which every hour they spend is a sacrificial gift to Lee. There is EDITOR Cameron Fisher no way to count all the "pro bono" days Gary Sharp gave to us, SPORTS EDITOR George Starr New Profs on the Block and as I have struggled to accept the loss of this good friend, GRAPHIC DESIGNER Grant Fisher Every fall brings a set of fresh faces to COPY EDITOR Nellie Keasling 18 I have a renewed gratitude in my heart for all the many others light up the teaching ranks. This year a who, like him, serve on our boards and committees, promote full third of the class of fifteen beefs up CONTRIBUTING WRITERS and manage our special events, and go out of their way to the nursing faculty. Sara Campbell Marisa Gilbert spread the word about Lee to others. Rodney Cannon Kendra Gray The members of the Board of Directors lead the list, of Karen Chambless James Spencer course. These trustees receive no compensation and are rarely Brian Conn George Starr For Whom the Bell Tolls even acknowledged. But year after year, they pay a big price Paul Conn Mava Wilson Marty Smith ’89 helped ring the bell in personal time and effort to serve Lee. Succeeding Gary as Cameron Fisher 26 chairman is Dennis Livingston, for example, who from his home on the New York Stock Exchange to PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS signal the public offering of Quorum in Charlotte is always ready to take time from his own life to do the many things required of a board chair. There are other Board Angela Barrett George Starr Health. Read how he has risen in the Zack Camp Randi Vasquez ranks of healthcare. leaders like Byron Medlin, who lives 330 miles away in Dyers- Cameron Fisher Carrie Workman by Cameron Fisher burg, Tennessee, but who cheerfully makes that five-hour drive James Mears to Cleveland, three times a year for our Board meetings. Or, like Torch welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor, Pat Carroll, a businesswoman from Ft. Myers, Florida, who in Who’s Where entries and other inquiries for consideration addition to giving her time on the board, has made one of the of publication. Submissions should be accompanied by the Global Perspectives: largest gifts to our new School of Nursing. name, address, phone number, and email address of the And it's not just the Board of Directors. So many other sender. Contents of the Lee University Torch may not be 31 South America alums pour themselves into Lee in other ways, serving on other reproduced or redistributed in any manner, either whole or boards, like the Alumni Advisory Board or the Business Adviso- in part, without prior permission from Lee University. Send A group of students fulfilled their Global Perspective credits by ry Council, or serving as officers of numerous alumni groups, comments and Who’s Where updates to leading their peers from choirs, Greek clubs, athletic teams, [email protected] or the address below. experiencing both Uruguay and Argentina, two vastly different South and other student organizations. Alums help host and organize Copyright 2016 * USPS# 016272 * Periodicals postage American neighbors. Lee events in their hometowns, often actually in their homes, or paid at Cleveland, Tenn. Postmaster: Please send by Mava Wilson make contacts with student prospects on our behalf, or hire our address corrections to: graduates, or supervise our student interns, or write a check ev- ery year to the Annual Alumni Fund, or simply make it a priority Lee University Alumni Office, to attend Homecoming or other events. P.O. Box 3450, 1120 North Ocoee Street, The impact of this volunteer alumni activity—all of it moti- Cleveland, Tenn. 37320-3450. vated by sheer love of Lee—is enormous. I don't know how we would get along without it. So even though people have been ON THE COVER: Friends and family attending the funeral of Lee board chairman Gary Sharp release colored balloons very generous with their praise for those of us who work at in his honor. Lee, lots of the credit for the university's success belongs to DEPARTMENTS all of you outside the campus, who during your own busy lives PHOTO AT RIGHT: Intricate detail is shown in the stairwell and careers, take time to help us in so many ways—large and of the new School of Nursing 14 Campus News small. Gary Sharp was one of those, and we miss him profound- 31 ly. But his passing reminds me of the debt of gratitude I owe, Sports not just to him, but to all of you who give us so much. What Connect with Lee through social media! 37 Who’s Where you do for your alma mater is more important to us than I can express. Thank you so much! twitter.com/leeu fb.me/LeeUniversity SCHOOL OF NURSING

LEE UNIVERSITY COMPETENCY LAB WITH TEN of HOSPITAL BEDS School nursinG Students take a total of seven Clinical/ Lab/Seminar (CLS) courses. These courses engage students in clinical practice of competency skills such as medication administration, injections, and dressing changes. Students also develop understanding of knowledge behind competency skills, increasing their critical thinking, and clinical decision-making skills.

Simulation Suites RURAL TELE-HEALTH This space was designed to serve as a housing spot for the rural tele-health equip- 41,000 ment and subsequent simu- Square fet lated scenarios. Equipment Pediatric consists of two laptops with Rom telemedicine software, blue tooth stethoscope, ophthal- moscope, otoscope, and der- Intensive matology lens. The school is a Care Units 1 I.C.U. O.R. member of a partnership tele- Advanced Medical health group, tapping into Surgical Units the tele-health van that visits 2 2 schools, and other specialty healthcare provider offices. Obstetrics Large Nurse 3 Rom Station CLASSROOMS The new School of Nursing has five traditional class- DEBRIEF ROOMS SMal Nurse rooms, each seating approximately 36 students and Flors Station Faculty and students may two interactive classrooms that each seat 56 students. see live scenarios unfolding While all classrooms are equipped with projection in these simulated lab rooms MANIKINS technology, the interactive classrooms have additional There are a total of four high-fi- State of the Art or they may watch a taped teaching-learning equipment. These two classrooms Clinical Simulation & Practice Labs scenario that was done earlier. delity/tech manikins, including two consist of round tables and nine flat screens around Faculty work with students to critical care/advanced medical-sur- the room. Five screens have the capability to show one “debrief” the scenario, going gical, one who gives birth, and a 2 thing while the other four screens reflect something through a play-by-play pro- newborn baby. The most advanced else. There is also a document camera and annotator cess of what occurred during manikin is 3G who even has tears that can be drawn or written on, that then displays on the scenario. and sweats. There are ten low-fidel- Simulated Suction Electric Pyxis selected screens. These interactive classrooms facili- ity/tech manikins and a wide range Oxygen Charting Machine tate group work such as use of flipped classrooms, case of task trainers (aka, body parts). studies, and other innovative teaching approaches. LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 5 SCHOOL OF NURSING SCHOOL OF NURSING

STUDENT COMMONS AREA The Commons is a place for students to gather, eat, and work on school assignments. There are tables, chairs, computers, vending machines, and a microwave/sink.

LEARNING LECTURE HALL RESOURCE CENTER The Lecture Hall consists of 140 seats and The Learning Resource Center is is equipped with the latest technology. It designed for the following purposes: has the largest projection screen on cam- CONTROL ROOMS quiet study, testing, group projects, pus and a control room that will be used for There are a total of three control rooms. These and access to teaching-learning spe- special events. rooms house laptops that are used to control the cialized materials. manikins and run simulation scenarios in simulated lab rooms. Flat screens display simulation rooms in PRAYER ROOM order for faculty and lab staff to see what is actually The Prayer Room is a place for reflec- happening in those rooms. tion, devotions, and prayer. Becoming and being a nurse, is filled with trials and joys. Students and faculty expe- rience many difficult situations while caring for patients. The room is de- signed to teach students to go to the Lord in prayer for rest and strength and to seek the healing power of the Holy Spirit.

All of the faculty, staff, and students are thrilled with the new building! The space and technology will allow us “ to deliver a creative and innovative curriculum. The building was designed for not just today, but for the future. It was built not just for one aspect of student development as a nurse, but holistically, right down to the Prayer " Room. We are blessed. —Dr. Sara Campbell, Dean, Lee University School of Nursing

HEALTH ASSESSMENT LAB WITH EIGHT EXAM TABLES All nursing students take a health assessment course in the program. The course is designed with classroom and lab components. Students learn about systems of the body and how to differentiate between normal and abnormal physical exam findings.

6 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 7 GARY SHARP GARY SHARP

in Tennessee. He met Joyce policy or making decisions. As a (Fithian), and although they businessman and policy maker, traveled many miles and lived Gary's genius was his ability to many places, in their hearts they see the small stuff and the big never strayed far from Lee. vision at the same time. He cared Gary Sharp At Lee, Gary will be about the details. He understood remembered as a generous donor— Lee's need to manage money Leaves Legacy at Lee Sharp Hall in 1989 and Celebration very tightly, and to hammer down ’90. On other occasions, he and on all the little things. He was The chairman of the Lee University Board of Directors, Joyce gave six- figure gifts … he part of a three-man panel who Gary Sharp, passed away in June. loved meeting someone who was made deals on literally almost a GARY SHARP helped by his scholarship. He didn't hundred individual property deals PRAYS THE like endowments, so his name over twenty-two years. INVOCATION AT s cliché as it may sound, have been heavy with the memories wasn't on them. The question inevitably arises: SUMMER 2015 Sharp’s passing leaves a of a man we greatly loved. We are For Lee, he was even more Does this test your faith or shake GRADUATION. Agaping hole in the fabric of honored by his desire for this service important as a leader of the board. your confidence, for something Lee University. Lee president, Dr. to take place in this chapel—a He was the first layman to be like this to happen, for such a good Paul Conn, conducted the funeral, place designed and built under his just a board chairman, more than chair, and he served 22 years. He man, who follows and trusts God, along with Gary’s pastor, Mitchell leadership, and where he enjoyed just a generous philanthropist, served on the Finance Committee, to suddenly be taken from us? Maloney, and Dennis McGuire— many wonderful experiences. more than just a loyal friend—but was one-third of the Property That's the big question, of course. Gary’s roommate while they were When the stories of Lee something about Gary went beyond Acquisition Committee, recently For us, this is a big loss, but is it a students at Lee. The following are University are told, those of us who that, and that's why today we sense became chair on the Construction tragedy? And I think I speak for all snippets of Conn’s eulogy, given on knew Gary will be asked to explain: that we’ve lost something rare, that Committee, and chaired the of us here, when I say, no, this is July 1: “Exactly what was it about that guy, we are unlikely ever to replace. Compensation Committee. He only a tragedy if Gary is really gone, Here on this campus, we are not that he made such an impact; why Gary's relationship with was indispensable, and he is if somehow he no longer exists. Gary’s literal family, but we are very was he such a big deal?” It defies Lee began as a teenager, a irreplaceable. But we know that Gary has not much his Lee family, and our hearts an easy answer. He was more than freshman from a pastor’s home He was the kind of board ceased to be; to the contrary. He is member who never saw his role as gone from us in order to be vividly, a watchdog, but as an encourager. personally, literally, in the presence He was a terrific businessman, and of Jesus Christ. So we take hope THOSE ATTENDING GARY SHARP’S he never lost track of the money, in eternal life, more now than FUNERAL PARTICIPATED IN A never quit thinking about the ever, because we know that it is BALLOON RELEASE IN HIS HONOR. bottom line, whether it was in the impossible that a voice so unique budget or on a building project. He as Gary's, an energy for life so understood the meaning of June vibrant, can't be simply silenced. 30, the last day of our fiscal year. So today, our spirit bears witness Religiously, spiritually, Gary to the certain truth of Scripture was an amazing combination that for Gary to be absent from us of being specifically rooted and is not to be dead, but to be alive committed to his particular spiritual with God himself; and in time, we background, and still at the same can count on being reunited with time open and inclusive with fellow him also. believers of all flavors. He wasn't If you have a tough job to do, just open to people outside his the person you want to come work tradition, but he was comfortable by your side is GS. with them. If you're facing criticism or After college, Gary found some kind of attack, the person you his professional gifts in the want to watch your back is GS. restaurant business. He had If you've messed up somehow a distinguished career with and need a little grace, the person Shoney's, and it was during that you want to be your judge is GS. part of his life that he began to If you're in some kind of emerge as a gifted businessman. financial need, the person you want The businessman in Gary always to hear your story is GS. informed his role as a board If you're in the dumps and just member. He had some core need somebody who will bring the business principles that he party, the person you want to see consistently invoked in setting walking in the door is GS.

8 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 9 CAMPUS NEWS CAMPUS NEWS

MUSIC MISSIONS Ladies Lee Campus Unites of Lee in Sending Aid to Is First Liberian Orphanage

group from Lee took a three-week trip to Liberia in Ensemble AMay to bring supplies and aid to the Phebe Gray Orphanage, all of which were donated or fundraised by Lee faculty, staff, and students. Faculty and staff who traveled to Liberia includ- to Travel ed Drs. Murl and Carolyn Dirksen, Lori Mattace, Amy Mercer, and Dr. Arlie Tagayuna. Lee students on the trip included Abigail Christopher, Barbara Curran, Rachel Richards, Spencer Smith, and Georgia Wright. to India Multiple departments across campus came togeth- er to fundraise and collect needed materials for the orphanage, which is run by the Church of God and has a school for the students.

Amy Mercer, Lee University librarian, is pictured here (standing) reading to a group of children at the Phebe Grey Orphanage Library in Liberia. PARTICIPATING GROUPS FROM LEE INCLUDED: Mercer and Lori Mattace, Lee University Public Services librarian (seated), joined with other members of Lee’s library staff to prepare a • The education honor society, Kappa library of 700 books for the orphanage school. Delta Pi • Squires Library Additionally, a financial donation from Mission ANGELA BARRETT • The Early Learning Center, which col- Week fundraising at Lee was brought to help the staff lected over 700 books for the library at Phebe Gray Orphanage. at the orphanage school Since the orphanage has no electricity, ten solar group of students from Lee University aware of this tragic situation globally.” Ladies of Lee • Librarians worked to catalogue books are pictured packages were donated, each of which has the capacity Arecently traveled with their professor This is the first time any Lee ensemble in a spreadsheet. to light one large room. Donated packages to provide here at The Se' • Two of Lee’s benevolence classes and director, Dr. Jonathan Rodgers, to Goa, has traveled to India. Cathedral in Old exterior lighting were also installed at the orphanage. put books into plastic bags for pro- India, to partner with Rahab’s Rope—a ministry “Our trip was beyond words, but Goa following While in Liberia, Mattace and Mercer worked to dedicated to combating human trafficking. The these moments of delight, of tangible joy their concert. tection from the tropical humidity. set up the library with the supplies they had brought. 26 Lee students were all members of Ladies of between people despite language, culture, or • Faculty and staff donated suitcases Tagayuna and Murl Dirksen, along with the Lee students Lee, the university’s women’s choir. experience are what will stick with me when to transport the books. on the trip, worked to install the solar panels and paint During the nine-day trip, the group I look back on our time spent in Goa,” stated • Dr. Mava Wilson’s computer infor- the buildings. They also performed community needs conducted a Vacation Bible School program Melanie Mendoza, president of Ladies of Lee. mation technology class researched assessment in a local village, which involved doing focus at a local YMCA, did home visits with at-risk “As we (Ladies of Lee) concluded and set up learning games on donat- groups with community leaders about Ebola efforts. individuals living in slums, and participated in our 50th anniversary year, it seemed only ed laptops, which were taken to the “We were able to get mosquito nets and new bed- prayer walks in the city. In the evenings, they appropriate to cap it off by continuing a school along with durable cases and ding for every child,” Carolyn Dirksen said. “I inter- gave concerts in various community centers tradition that started many years ago of long-life batteries. viewed all the teachers at the school, and we bought or churches. going out and spreading joy through Spirit- • The Helen DeVos College of Educa- basic classroom supplies for all of them—things as According to Rodgers, he became filled singing,” said Rodgers. “Our vision is tion faculty made ten instructional simple as copy books, pencils, textbooks, and maps.” interested in the work of Rahab’s Rope two not only to sing to people, but also to share videos to help the teachers at the “They were very touched to learn that the money years ago at a conference and had looked into what God has done in our lives; and as we do school with basic teaching tech- for all these projects came from Lee students,” Dirksen opportunities to work with them. “As much that, we depend on the Spirit of God to light niques and classroom management. added. “This was a remarkable campus-wide project as anything,” Rodgers said, “this trip made a divine spark in the hearts of those who • A class in the HDCOE prepared that really made a difference.” us aware about the trafficking and poverty hear our message.” learning games for every grade level. situation in India, and consequently, how we —KAREN CHAMBLESS can make our communities and churches more —KAREN CHAMBLESS

10 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 11 CAMPUS NEWS CAMPUS NEWS

STUDENTS Summer Honors Welcomes Largest Class ee University concluded its L31st annual, two-week Summer Honors residential program with over 200 students from 22 different states, a record-setting turnout in attendance. One of the many opportunities the incoming freshman and rising se- niors had during Summer Honors was to earn six hours of academic credit in order to get a head start on their college careers. Each student was able to take two of the 14 classes of- fered to introduce and prepare them for the university-style classroom. Students are also exposed to other activities such as whitewater rafting, an Atlanta Braves game, a trip to Chattanooga’s Riverbend festival, Greek Olympics, a movie night, and much more, all to encour- age participants to grow, laugh, and connect with one another. Service and spirituality are also highly emphasized during Summer Three Fall Enrollment Records Broken Honors. Within the two-week ex- Summer Honors students perience, students dedicated one are pictured here serving ee University officials have announced three this year’s freshmen,” Cook said, “but this group is Saturday to different service proj- at Tri-State Therapeutic Lsignificant new fall enrollment records have special because they aren’t just bigger than ever, Riding Center during the been set for 2016. they are more academically prepared than ever.” ects all around Cleveland, serving Chattanooga/Cleveland organizations such as Tri-State According to Phil Cook, vice president for en- Cook referred to a statistic used to predict aca- Charity Horse Show (left rollment, students enrolling for classes at Lee for demic success based on college board test perfor- Therapeutic Riding Center, Habitat to right) Kailey Murray, the fall 2016 semester totaled 5,302 students, a mance. The average ACT score for this incoming Restore, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Delaney Hutchinson, Audrey and Cleveland Emergency Shelter. Young, Amelia Wilson, and new all-time record. Cook also announced that the group has surged to a never-before-seen 24.47. “Working with 200 gifted Carson Tucker. number of freshmen enrolled was just under 900 at “It’s an important number,” Cook said, “because students in Summer Honors is a 889, making it the most freshmen students in the it means not only are we still reaching students all professional and personal privilege,” BREANNA TUCKER history of the school. along the spectrum of preparedness, but also by said the vice president for Student Student enrollment includes full-time and part- growing we aren’t diluting the pool. We actually Development, Mike Hayes. “Even time students, online as well on-campus enrollees. have a bigger, more potent group of learners.” though the program lasts only two Over the past 30 years, student enrollment has “It’s one thing to grow by loosening standards weeks, it’s apparent that these climbed nearly every year. The first record of this or reaching out to students without other options,” students are impacted academically, period was set back in fall of 1988 when the stu- Cook continued. “We are proud of the diverse stu- spiritually, and relationally.” dent population topped off at 1,534, shattering the dent population we have. It means they are talent- previous record of 1,342 set in 1979. ed students who have options, and they believe Lee —MARISA GILBERT “We are excited to see such a great turnout in is the best choice.”

12 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 13 CAMPUS NEWS CAMPUS NEWS

GRADUATION CONSTRUCTION Chattanooga Mayor Delivers Then and Now arlier this year the Cleveland City THEN—This photo, looking west NOW—Taken from the same van- ECouncil voted to close portions from Walker Street, shows the tage point in late August, summer Summer Commencement Address of three city streets to allow for three blocks of 6th Street that were transformation shows the removal further development of the south voted to be closed on February 9 of three houses along the left side ndy Berke, mayor of Chattanooga, addressed graduates and guests at end of campus. The area is located by the City Council (note public of the former 6th Street, creating a Lee University’s summer commencement on Saturday, July 30. A to the east and west of Parker notice sign). To the right is Keeble sight line to the School of Nursing. Summer commencement is one of three graduation ceremonies held Street, across from the new School Hall. The actual closing took in the New parking has been installed to each year at the university, the others being held in the spring and winter. of Nursing and south of Keeble Hall intersections at Walker, Parker, and the right and left, terminating at More than 180 degrees were conferred, about 50 of which were graduate women’s residence. Church Streets. For perspective, a Parker Street. Obscured by trees students. white car can be seen stopped at on the right is Keeble Hall and off in Berke graduated with honors from the University of Chicago Law the farthest point of the closing, the distance mounds of dirt can be School, after which he worked as a law clerk and taught at Kansas Uni- the intersection of Church and 6th seen where 6th Street used to be. versity Law School. Elected to the Tennessee State Senate in 2007 and Streets, in the far distance. Also obscured on the right is the reelected to a second term in 2008, Berke became vice chairman of the site of The Forum, under construc- Senate Democratic Caucus where he served on the Senate Education and tion and partially in the path of the Transportation Committees. He was also appointed to the State Work- former 6th Street. force Development Board. Berke was elected mayor of Chattanooga in March 2013, with more than 72 percent of the vote. Since his election, unemployment has THEN dropped more than two percent and more than 6,157 new jobs have come to the Chattanooga region. Foreclosure rates have decreased while Chat- Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke tanooga had the third highest wage growth in the country for a mid-sized city in 2014. The graduation festivities began with a hooding ceremony for stu- dents earning graduate degrees. This service took place in the Lee University Chapel on Friday, July 29. After the hooding ceremony, all graduates marched in the Commissioning service at 6:30 p.m. in the Conn Center. During Commissioning, six graduates shared stories of their Lee experiences, and all graduates received Bibles to commemorate the milestone. Following the service, there was a reception in Alumni Park for graduates and their guests.

ACCREDITATION Marriage and Family Is Only Accredited Program in Tennessee NOW ee University’s Marriage and and graduates of COAMFTE science, and experience into the LFamily Therapy Program has programs must meet high clinical practice of marriage and officially received accreditation by standards of professional family therapy,” said Dr. Trevor the Commission on Accreditation knowledge and development. Milliron, director of graduate for Marriage and Family Therapy “Our MFT program programs in counseling at Education (COAMFTE), making authentically integrates faith, Lee. “From our faith, we draw Lee the first and only school in the concepts of hope, love, Tennessee having a program with forgiveness, reconciliation, this accreditation. faithfulness and commitment. COAMFTE has strict From science, we embrace an guidelines regarding both empirical worldview where our academic and clinical training, treatments are evidence-based.”

14 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 15 CAMPUS NEWS DAL SPOTLIGHT Fall 2016 New Faculty COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES SARAH BUMPS BRENT FERRELL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY B.B.A Finance, International Emphasis, Texas Christian University, 1996 B.S. Biochemistry, Lee University, 2008 Master of Accounting, Texas Christian University, 2003 M.S. Chemistry, University of Kentucky, 2012 M.A. Government, , 2014 Ph.D., Chemical Education, University of Northern Colorado, 2016 J.D. Regent University, 2014

COTY MCFARLAND ALLISON PIERCE ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ACCOUNTING B.S. Electronics Engineering Management, B.S. Business Administration, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Francis Marion University, 1988 M.B.A. Organizational Management, University of Tennessee M.S. Engineering Management, at Chattanooga DAL TRAINING PREPARES FLORIDA University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 1999 Ph.D. Business Administration, , 2013 PASTOR TO BECOME MAYOR JOSHUA MICHAEL ASHLEE by Rodney Cannon RIO-ROSS SMITH STEPHENS VISITING LECTURER IN PROFESSOR OF PUBLIC VISITING LECTURER IN rostproof is a small rural com- on the council, I was able to utilize months later, I was sworn in as the MATHEMATICS RELATIONS MATHEMATICS Fmunity located one hour south much of the practical knowledge I highest public servant office in B.S. Mathematics, Oral Roberts B.A. English Language and Literature, B.S. Mathematics, University of of Orlando. I've been pastor of the gained from the Ministry Leader- my community while wearing that University, 2011 University of Maryland, 1978 Louisiana, Monroe, 2011 B.S. English Literature, Oral Roberts M.S. Communication/Journalism, M.A.T. Clemson University, 2016 Church of God in this community ship DAL program. I jokingly com- pin. I wear it whenever I preside over University, 2011 Shippensburg University, 1986 since 2012. In 2013, I enrolled in pare city government to pastoring a meeting and the decisions made M.A. Mathematics, University of Missouri, 2013 Ph.D. Mass Communications, Regent M.A.R.c. Philosophical Theology, , 2015 University, 1999 the Lee University DAL (Division of a church, except I don’t expect will affect our entire community. I Adult Learning) program in order to the residents of the city to act like am reminded of my call to serve SCHOOL OF MUSIC finish my undergraduate degree. I Christians. when I preside over our multimil- was attracted to the Ministry Lead- A number of vital issues came lion-dollar annual budget. ership program, specifically the to the council in that first year, and God has given me a heart for CHOEUN LEE JOSÉ RUIZ administration emphasis. I was able to navigate them with this community. Pastoring my ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF COLLABORATIVE ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MUSIC BUSINESS In recent years, I have been poise and a calm demeanor. My church has opened the door for me PIANO/VOCAL COACHING B.A. Music Studies, University of South Florida, 2009 B.M. Piano Performance, Kyung-Won University, Korea, 2005 M.M. Instrumental Performance, University of Miami, 2012 drawn toward growing my leader- ability to keep cool in a heated to pastor this entire city. There are M.M. Collaborative Piano, University of Cincinnati – Conservatory of Ph.D. Music Education, University of South Florida, 2016 ship capacity. Nearing graduation, debate and provide a balanced scores of people who would never Music, 2008 Ph.D. Keyboard Collaborative Arts, University of Southern California, 2013 I felt the call to greater leadership perspective to all issues earned me come to my church, but they get to responsibilities. I love living in this the respect of my colleagues, some see me live out the gospel of Jesus SCHOOL OF RELIGION SCHOOL OF NURSING community, because God has given who had been serving on the City every day. me a heart for this city; so, I began Council for many years. So, when to pray about what was next. My election time rolled around again, I Rodney Cannon KEVIN SNIDER JEANNIE DUFF direction became clearer when I was unchallenged for my City Coun- VISITING LECTURER IN ETHICS LECTURER IN NURSING read of three City Council seats cil seat, and I was elected by my B.A. Christian Ministry and Bible, Lee University, 2009 B.S.N. Jacksonville University, 1995 coming up for election. The council peers to serve as mayor. M.Div. Theology, Pentecostal Theological Seminary, 2013 M.S.N. Jacksonville University, 2015 M.A. Theological Studies, Lee University, 2014 at the time was making decisions Since becoming mayor, God has that did not accurately reflect the opened doors for me to represent wishes of the community. So, at the our city at events with the county, request of close friends and family, I state of Florida, and even in Wash- BRENDA JONES JESSICA PRICE entered the election. Being a pas- ington D.C. My greatest hope is ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF NURSING LECTURER IN NURSING tor, the public speaking part of the that people may see Jesus through A.A. Nursing, Augusta State College, 1974 B.S.N. Tennessee Wesleyan College, 2009 campaign was easy. I had to get out me and that government is not all B.S.N. University of South Florida, 1993 M.S.N. Nursing Education, Southern Adventist University, 2016 M.S.N. Nurse Midwifery Program, University of Florida, and let people get to know me. Both corrupt. We, the church, can be the Gainesville, 1996 of my opponents were lifelong change we wish to see, and I hope Ph.D. Public Health, Epidemiology, Walden University, 2016 residents of this small town, one of we can continue to place godly peo- whom was a former mayor. ple in those positions of leadership. BARBARA RICHARDSON KATHLEEN ROSE God’s favor was on me, as I won I graduated from Lee in Decem- ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF NURSING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF NURSING the election by only 20 votes. Im- ber 2015. Upon graduation, I was M.S.N. and B.S.N. Florida Atlantic University, 1999 and 2001 Assistant Professor of Nursing mediately at the first City Council given a pin inscribed with the Greek D.N.P. University of Florida, 2012 B.S.N. Ball State University, 1976 Post-master’s N.E. Certification, Florida Atlantic University, 2016 M.S.N. University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 1996 meeting, I was elected to serve as word Diakoneo, meaning “called vice mayor. During that first year to serve.” A little more than three

16 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 17 GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES ARGENTINA GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES URUGUAY

by MAVA WILSON

the sides indicated n July 1998, Dr. I a Spanish influence. Hermilo Jasso led (Picture? with group the first Department in front of gate) Tour- of Business student ist towns with high-end Global Perspective two vastly resorts near Punta del Este, a Summer Trip to South different cultures. gorgeous coastline, and Carlos America. Since then, for Uruguay is a small country Páez Vilaró’s Casapueblo were eighteen years, he has been the squeezed in between Brazil and Argen- sights experienced as we ex- primary leader with other business tina on the Atlantic coast. Before its in- plored Uruguay. faculty accompanying him each dependence in 1825, it was occupied at Montevideo, the capital city summer. This year, May 2016, I various times by Spain, Portugal, Argen- of Uruguay, is a small quaint had the privilege of going with tina, and Brazil. Their influence is seen place on the north shore of the him and 18 business students to in the buildings, streets, and culture. Rio de la Plata with around 1.3 Uruguay and Argentina for their erine Davis, as gauchos from long delicious caramel spread), along with mill, we were reminded of the We visited Antigua Colonia del Sacra- million people (more than half the cross-cultural experience. We ago. Students loved this beautiful strong local coffee was enjoyed by some diverse landscape of this Latin mento, one of the oldest cities in Uru- country’s population). This city, flew overnight into Montevideo, city and the food—we all en- of the students! American country. As we crossed guay at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata with its beautiful European style Uruguay, for a five-day stay, then joyed steak galore—wonderful, The Port of Montevideo, a natu- the river, made it through the whose Historic quarter is a UNESCO buildings and influence, is con- a bus trip to Salta, Uruguay, for local steak that was fork tender, ral port, is never quiet as it draws new border, and headed into Argen- World Heritage Site. The students were sidered the city with the highest three days. Afterward, we con- flavorful, and always served with businesses and cruise ships year round. tina, we immediately realized it amazed at the homes built in the late quality of life in Latin America. tinued to Buenos Aires, Argen- French fries. The desserts, crème As we toured this busy port, the moun- was another world. 1600s as we walked down the different The Palacio Legislativo (Legis- tina, for a five-day stay before brûlée, Tiramisu, ice cream, and tains of containers and cranes created The landscape changed styles of cobblestone streets. Drains in lative Palace) is considered the returning by bus to Uruguay and fresh fruit were eagerly con- a picture of a thriving industry (picture? significantly with houses and the middle identified it as a Portuguese most beautiful government build- our overnight flight home. During sumed. Continental breakfasts with students at port). The port is on Rio people everywhere, and we were community; whereas, the drains down ing in the world with 17 different these 15 days, we experienced with cold cuts, cereals, pastries, de la Plata which flows from the Atlan- reminded that the population of types of natural Uruguayan mar- fresh fruit, and dulce de leche (a tic in-country creating a natural border Uruguay is just a fraction of the ble in the floors, columns, and between Uruguay and Argentina. It is population of Argentina. Buenos walls. The gaucho museum was a the primary mode of transporting goods Aires, the capital city of Argenti- highlight as the curator dressed to Uruguay, Argentina to the south, and na, has almost five times as many students, Sergio Garcia and Kath- landlocked Paraguay to the northwest. people. Our first glimpse illustrat- Salto, a small resort community up ed this fact as we witnessed vast the river, is known for its natural hot numbers of small rooms stacked springs. The restorative power of these several floors high built on the waters was enjoyed by all, especially on edge of the public road. These Monday at the water spring hot springs. “shanty cities” of the poor who On Sunday, we attended mass where had nowhere to go shows the our host priest gave an inspiring talk contrast of an overpopulated area for Pentecost Sunday—as several of us and a broad divide in those who quietly translated to the others. We were have and those who do not. reminded that the Holy Spirit wasn’t just Buenos Aires is loud, fast- for 2000 years ago in the past, but is now paced, and beautiful. From in the present, living in us to tell others gorgeous European-style coffee about Him and His love, and to help shops that have been around change the communities around us. The since the mid-1800s to a Burg- Salto congregation warmly welcomed us er King in a former presidential to their church. palace, Buenos Aires seems to As we drove through the sparse have it all. Tango and every kind of Uruguayan countryside seeing fields full restaurant imaginable, as well as of cattle, windmill farms, fast-growing the main street with 20 lanes (the eucalyptus trees, and a large paper pulp widest street in the world), makes

18 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 19 SPORTS SPORTS

SOCCER Furey Begins Tenth Season With Men’s Soccer he Lee men’s soccer team Tfinished the 2015 campaign with a 6-2-1 in GSC play and 11-5-2. Lee was eliminated in the opening round of the GSC tournament after a 3-2 loss to West Florida. Senior forward David Perez, the GSC Player of the Year and an NCAA D2 All-American, is the only Buenos Aires a fast-moving and As we drove back through Ar- Flame listed on the 2016 Presea- lively city. Pictures of Eva Duarte de gentina to Uruguay before returning son All-GSC Team, which featured Perón (Evita) on the side of build- home, we discussed the cultural, 12-total players, including two ings, cemeteries filled with mauso- economic, business, and technology goalkeepers. leums more elaborate than some of these two countries. Some things Coach Paul Furey, who en- homes, and the Catholic Church were highly appreciated and others, ters his 10th season as the Lee where Pope Francis previously pre- like the communal maté (a herbal head coach, saw his team open sided, shows Buenos Aires to be a back of receiving less pesos per dollar tea drunk from a communal cup) the season at the Lee Soccer city filled with history. from one day to the next (in Argentina). were not a favorite. They discovered Field against Illinois-Springfield Through Dr. Jasso’s contact, our They witnessed the economic effect of as Maria Cases said, “that the One and D2 powerhouse Lynn Uni- students had the opportunity to visit a neighboring country’s politics as we Laptop per Child project (Plan Ceibal) versity. The Flames began GSC the Latin American headquarters of were in South America in May when Brazil in Uruguay is surely amazing,” and play on Sept. 30 at Christian Turner Broadcasting. This vastly tech- had political issues. They saw how dif- that by 2020, all students in the pub- Brothers University. nological advanced branch of TBS is lic school system will have a laptop ferent two side-by-side, Spanish-speak- Coach Paul Furey, center, enjoys a moment with his senior captains David Perez, left, and Quade Marinell housed in a historic building that from when they enter school. They were, ing countries are with Montevideo being the outside seems no different than as Joshua Wagler put it, “concerned tranquil (peaceful or laid back) and Bueno all the other buildings, but inside it is that the United States may be falling Aires being loco (crazily busy or fast- SOCCER full of rooms, cubicles, computers, behind as technology classes are paced). They worked hard at learning a and people. Students were amazed being removed in progressively earlier few Spanish words, to at least be able to at everything that went on in this grade levels.” Many felt as Kather- order lunch or find the baño. All the stu- Women’s Soccer is building, including opportunities to ine Davis did that we should “follow dents experienced two cultures and were telecommute, translating booths, and South America’s lead by helping as Hayden Boone said, “very glad I got to a basement full of backup servers. children acquire individual computers see firsthand the similarities and differ- Preseason Favorite CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, and TBS as they enter the school system to ences of Argentinians were just a few of the familiar channels better prepare them for the future…” and Uruguayans…” ast season the Lee women’s soccer team was the Gulf South observed live in the viewing room. As Students experienced economic LConference (GSC) tournament runner-up and lost to the Jervon Johnson viewed the voice-over changes as they strove to keep up University of Tampa in the opening round of the NCAA Division procedure in action for the first time, with vastly different money ex- DR. MAVA WILSON IS AN II tournament, but the Lady Flames entered the 2016 season as he found it amazing and could tell change rates in the two countries ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF the preseason favorite, as dubbed by the GSC coaches. that these employees took their job (130 pesos to a dollar versus 32 INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE Lee opened the regular season against Wingate University DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS. seriously in every aspect. pesos to the dollar) and the set- and Bellarmine University in the annual Columbus State (Ga.) Invitational. The Lady Flames tested rival North Alabama in their first test against a GSC opponent. “It’s nice that the other GSC coaches have respect for our program; however, we know that there is a long way to go, and a number of different teams are capable of winning the GSC this year,” said Lee head coach Chris Hennessey. Lee paced the GSC last season going 10–2 to top the McKenzie Bricker (19) and Summer Lanter will help the Lady Flames carry conference regular-season standings and claimed a share of high hopes into the 2016 season. the GSC regular-season title with North Alabama, the 2016 GSC Tournament champion.

20 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 21 SPORTS SPORTS

VOLLEYBALL Coach Andrea Hudson, center, is surrounded by her two new assistants, ryan and Haleigh Carvalho joined the Lady Haleigh, left, and Bryan Carvalho. BFlames coaching staff during the summer. Bryan will serve as the assistant coach while his Lady Flames B’Ballers: wife, Haleigh, will be the graduate assistant coach. Bryan joins the staff with extensive expe- rience in the coaching world, having served two seasons as the first assistant with A Power in the Classroom Azusa Pacific. His primary duties included re- cruiting and training with the California school. ee Women’s head basketball coach, Marty Rowe, of the Lady Flames In 2013, he joined the Cal State Bakersfield Lproduced another outstanding team. The team was 20–10 in the Gulf South Walsh program and helped lead the Roadrunners to Conference (GSC) and NCAA Division II (D2) programs. The Lady Flames were within one victory of the NCAA Division I Nation- ranked 10th among all the D2 programs in the country and were the only Gulf al Tournament. Prior to working at Cal State Ba- South Conference program listed in academics by the Women’s Basketball kersfield, he served as the head coach at Bethel Coaches Association (WBCA). Baptist High School. Lee’s women finished the 2015–2016 academic school year with a 3.627 “Lee University volleyball is so blessed to GPA. Rising junior Erin Walsh not only paced the Lady Flames in scoring, but get both Bryan and Haleigh,” said veteran head also she was named the GSC Player of the Year and recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA. coach Andrea Hudson, who enters her 26th year Every member of the women’s team earned a spot on the GSC Honor Roll. as leader of the Lady Flames. “Bryan has a very The WBCA Academic Top 25 recognizes NCAA Division I, II, and III; they successful coaching background in California, also recognize NAIA and junior/community college women’s basketball teams and I think he will step in and do a wonderful job across the nation that carry the highest combined GPAs inclusive of all as our assistant coach. His knowledge of DII and student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. The 2015–2016 season expertise in skill teaching will be invaluable. The is the 21st in which the WBCA has compiled the honor rolls. icing on the cake is his wife, Haleigh. She played The Lady Flames open the 2016–2017 schedule with a Homecoming at a high level and is fresh out of college. She exhibition game against Sewanee, and the regular season with a trip to will bring some fresh ideas as well to our team. Lakeland, Fla. to face two powers from the South Region—Saint Leo University She is anxious to begin working with some of and Florida Southern College. The GSC regular-season slate begins with a Volleyball Gets our players this fall.” home date (Dec. 3) against . Haleigh joins the Lee staff with one season of collegiate coaching experience at Irvine Valley College (Calif.) after finishing up a storied play- CROSS-COUNTRY Two New Coaches ing career at Long Beach State University and Clemson University. Cross Country Projected BASKETBALL to Finish No. 1 in GSC Men’s Basketball Readies oth the Lee men’s and women’s cross country team Bhave been projected to place first in the (GSC) Preseason Men’s and Women’s Cross for Smith Era Country Coaches Polls. The Flames walked away with the GSC championship last he Ryan “Bubba” Smith era of Lee University men’s tournament on Nov. 26 and 27, the Flames will open Gulf fall while the Lady Flames placed second. The inaugural poll Tbasketball tips off on Nov. 5 when the Flames South Conference play on Dec. 3, when they host rival saw Lee, the reigning GSC champion, collect nine first-place host Piedmont College in the annual Homecoming Shorter University. votes and 99 total points to secure the top position. (exhibition) game. Coach Smith will welcome the following return- “We are very humbled by the recognition,” said Lee The Flames will officially begin the regular season ing players: seniors Jervon Johnson, Rico Overall, head cross country coach Caleb Morgan. “I am glad the on Nov. 12–13 when they travel to the University of Keevin Tyus, Cody Farley, Bryce Copeland; junior Levi other coaches in the conference recognize our team as West Georgia to take part in the annual Peach Belt/ Woods; and sophomore Isaac Merian. Senior Cam High being the top program. We know we have a target on our Gulf South Classic. Lee will be pitted against Miles and Jonathan Vecchio are listed as walk-ons. back. We would love to have the opportunity to repeat as College on the 12th and then face on Senior Mike Kobani and sophomore Cody Jones are champs this year.” the 13th. transferring into Coach Smith’s program while fresh- The Flames and Lady Flames opened the 2016 season in Audrey Smith will be counted on heavily as the The official home season begins on Nov. 19, when men Ryan Montgomery, Leander Ridgeway, Jr., Parker Greenville, S.C., taking part in the Furman University Cross Lady Flames seek to earn the first-place trophy Brescia University (Ky.) visits Walker Arena. After a visit Suedekum, Sawyer Taylor, and Kevin Wharton-Price are Country Classic on Sept. 10. in Gulf South Conference Cross Country. to Palm Beach Atlantic University for an invitational new recruits and will be seeking playing time.

22 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 23 SPORTS SPORTS

BASEBALL Has Great ‘All-Around’ Year Baseball Team Raises $8,500 ee University baseball garnered the attention of not all sports in Tennessee. The list was compiled by highly Lonly local media but also media around the Southeast respected sportswriter David Climer and The Ledger. for Veterans Cemetery when Ben Holland was named the 2016 Gulf South The annual Military Appreciation Day, hosted Conference (GSC) Player of the Year and was listed by the Lee baseball, raised $8,500 for the local among the “Top 10” athletes in the entire conference. Veterans Cemetery. Brew, who will begin his 11th season in charge of the baseball program, was listed in the “Top 25” coaches for A brief summary of the accomplishments are listed:

Brew Listed Among State’s Top Coaches avid Climer is a highly respected sportswriter out of the DNashville area. He has covered SEC events and Division I athletic oach Mark Brew presented Lt. Col. (ret.) Kim caretaker is Robert Goins, assisted by his brother, competition for several years. Climer compiled what he terms the CDees and Sid Heidel with an $8,500 check for Paul Goins. “purely subjective” list of the top 25 college coaches in Tennessee repair, renovation, operation, and maintenance of the Brew said he is honored to have been part of this for The Ledger, but all the top-named associated with athletics in community’s Veterans Cemetery. annual fundraiser. “I have been honored to watch it grow Tennessee are listed. The Veterans Organization is coordinating the over the past four years,” he said. “I have met some Lee’s head baseball coach, Mark Brew, who is No. 19 on the list, is improvement project at the cemetery through Bradley amazing service men and women during that time and to surrounded by outstanding coaches, including Vanderbilt’s baseball County Veterans Affairs Officer Joe Davis. Cemetery be able to honor them is a truly humbling experience.” coach, Tim Corbin; Tennessee’s football coach, Butch Jones; Bel- mont’s Rick Byrd; and Memphis’s new basketball coach, Tubby Smith. TRAINING Rowland Is New Strength Coach ee University Athletic Director Larry Carpenter has named Garrett Ballard LRowland as the department’s first full-time strength coach. Rowland holds a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Science degree in exercise sciences and a community health specialization in physical education/teacher education from the University of West Florida (Pensacola, Fla.) Ben Holland’s He worked from July of 2014 through this past spring as strength and condi- tioning graduate assistant at the University of West Florida. While at Ole Miss, he served as a strength and conditioning administrative “Top 10 Award” intern, and before deciding to go after his Master’s degree at West Florida, he was a strength and conditioning assistant at Missouri Southern State University. he Lee first baseman was a business administration major and The Memphis native also did strength and conditioning intern duties at the Tgraduated with a 3.6 overall GPA. Holland earned 2016 Gulf University of Memphis and Ole Miss. South Conference Player of the Year honors this season after hitting “We are excited to welcome Garrett as our first full-time strength and con- .424 with 23 doubles, 18 homeruns, and 54 runs batted in. ditioning coach,” said Carpenter. “We contracted the services for several years He ranked fifth in all of NCAA Division II with a .859 slugging and had success, but we felt with our move to NCAA Division II, it was time to percentage and 10th with a .533 on-base percentage. He also topped bring someone on board to further enhance our program.” the GSC in homeruns and total bases (175), was second in batting “I’ve been impressed with the play of Lee athletic teams in a league with average and doubles, third in RBI and total walks (38), and fourth in Rowland several longtime, established powers,” Rowland commented. “I've worked at the total hits (75). DI and D2 levels, and I believe that will allow me to bring new and exciting pro- grams to all the athletes.”

24 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 25 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

“Working in live TV taught me a Marty and his wife, Jennifer, a Then, he went to Nashville to take lot about managing pressure situa- former broadcaster at WRCB, and on a multi-hospital responsibility at tions and hitting deadlines. I learned their two teenage sons, have spent the corporate office. As a hospital you have to stay calm under pres- the last ten years in Nashville. But CEO for CHS, he was recognized MARTY sure; if you don’t, it can cause a before Nashville, the family lived for “outstanding performance” chain reaction of bad events.” After through multiple advancement seven years before moving to the almost two years in TV news, Marty opportunities in Alabama, Florida, corporate office as a vice president SMITH went back to school to get his MBA. Oklahoma, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, of Operations. ON THE RISE

The 1989 graduate combined his Marty Smith is executive vice communications degree with an president and chief operating MBA to climb the ranks in corporate officer of Quorum Health. healthcare.

by CAMERON FISHER

arty Smith credits the foundation developed in Mhis undergraduate work to communicate either through written or oral presentation as a primary key to growth and development throughout his career in the healthcare industry. “I started my sophomore year at University of Tennessee-Chatta- nooga because I thought I needed to be at a bigger school to enhance my future career opportunities,” Marty stated. “That particular year, UTC Marty and his wife, Jennifer, and their sons are avid University of Tennessee fans. started a week earlier than Lee. After one week of classes, I knew Lee was where I wanted to be and where I was supposed to be. I figured out it wasn’t the size of the school that Marty Smith, fourth from left, was present made the difference, it was what you with his colleagues on the floor of the and back to Tennessee. In 2008, Marty was promoted personally invested in the experi- New York Stock Exchange to ring the bell Marty, who is the 2001 recipi- to division president at CHS ence that mattered the most.” the day Quorum Health went public. ent of Lee’s Distinguished Alumnus and named an officer of the “I value my relationship with a Award, started as a hospital CEO for Fortune 500 Company. He had number of faculty members at Lee, Community Health Systems (CHS) in responsibility for more than 30 including Dr. Bill George and Barry Cleveland, Tenn. hospitals in multiple states with Melton. But the head of the Commu- After graduate school, he re- “I was 30 years old when I got about 15,000 employees and total nications Department at the time and ceived his first chance to work my first opportunity to run my own revenues of approximately $3 my advisor, Dr. Kathaleen Reid, had a in a hospital located in Gadsden, hospital,” Marty explained. “Those billion. There are now 18 hospitals real impact on me. She was a major Alabama. Using his background in five years spent in Cleveland were in the state under the banner of encouragement throughout my time communication and public relations, perhaps the most fun I have had “Tennova Healthcare,” including at Lee, and she really helped me make he began to understand the busi- in healthcare. The relationships the hospital in Cleveland. In two some key decisions as I approached ness of operating a hospital and my family and I formed with hos- years, Marty and his team worked graduation and my first job.” the relationships between staff and pital staff, physicians, and people to build this network that employs That first job was working as a physicians that are needed to take throughout Bradley County are still more than 9,000 people across news and sports writer and producer care of patients. He has now been in very important to us.” the state. The network also has a for WRCB-TV in Chattanooga. That the industry more than 25 years and From Cleveland, he moved to famous spokesperson— first opportunity was a direct result never really thought of leaving. Philadelphia to run a larger facility. Peyton Manning. of a Lee internship.

26 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 27 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT WHO’S WHERE?

Earlier this year, on April 29, 2016, bank and homeless shelter, enjoying Quorum Health launched, and Marty lifelong experiences learned at Lee.” was named executive vice president and Wendell holds a M.Ed. degree from chief operating officer. In speaking of his Middle Tennessee State. new assignment, Marty said, “I wanted the opportunity to help mold and build HUGH HALE ’83 moved back to Quorum to serve the communities we are Tennessee in May where he assumed Rodgers now part of across the country.” Previ- the post of chief information officer for ously, he had worked with only two other the State of Tennessee Health Care healthcare companies. He was part of Finance and Administration Office. CHS for 18 years. He and his wife, LAURA RILEY HALE ’83, In the press release announcing his spent the previous several years living promotion to Quorum Health, CHS CEO & in New York City where Hugh was Wayne Smith said, “Marty is highly regard- in a similar post with Visiting Nurse ed by our hospital leadership teams, phy- Torch Service of New York. The Hales now School as a third-grade teacher sicians, and employees.” Marty said when live in downtown Nashville. They and assistant principal. The he read that, he thought, Wow, that’s have four grown children and one position was created to help

really what it is all about… “I treasure all granddaughter. facilitate the growth the school

those relationships for sure.” Through his has been experiencing over the SANDRA SMITH FALAGAN ’84 time with Community Health, the company passed last couple of years. There were grew from 40 hospitals to over 200. 1980s away in May after a two-month 353 students at the end of this Quorum had the opportunity to ring struggle with leukemia. She had been school year, and it has already the opening bell at the New York Stock Ex- living for the past year in Okinawa, GREGG STROUD ’81 and his wife, grown to 375 students for the change on June 24, the morning after the Japan, with her husband, LANCE Dianne, recently released their upcoming school year. Previously so-called, “Brexit” vote in Great Britain. FALAGAN, ’84 and had spent her life as book, Funny Emails You Should at Greenwood, Monica was a “The eyes of the world were on us that a missionary. Her life was celebrated Have Kept, But Didn’t. Gregg, fourth-grade teacher, but left six morning, not because of anything we had at a May 21 ceremony at the who is chief executive officer of years ago to work as the director done, but because of the Brexit Vote,” Marty Sanctuary Church in Deland, Florida. A Fair Camelot, LLC, is pleased to of children’s ministry at New recalled. “The world wanted to see how the GoFundMe page has been established say his pastor and his mother Covenant Church. markets would respond, and the NYSE said in her honor to raise funds to build a can both read all 400 pages of it would be one of the most watched days in youth center in Mongolia. humor and not take offense at history. I had friends from all over message JOE GIOVE ’95 is director of any of the content. Gregg and me that they saw the video.” Coal Business Operations in the Dianne live in their historic home in BOB RODGERS ’86 became the The Smiths have endowed a scholarship Office of Fossil Energy for the Camden, S.C., close to their seven fourth president of Richmont Graduate at Lee in honor of his grandparents, Dewey U.S. Department of Energy in grandchildren. They are both active University in 2012, taking over the and Peggy Coomer. Washington, D.C. His travels take in leadership at Shandon Baptist school that focuses on Christian- “My grandparents were a key reason him across the country and in the Church, Columbia, S.C. based counseling and ministry. He was why I was able to go to Lee, and to have company of many VIPs. Here, he the chief fundraiser for the school’s others benefit from that scholarship WENDELL SWEETON ’82 lives in new $2.3 million Atlanta campus and means a lot. Before my grandmother Whitwell, Tenn. and is retired from also launched university-sponsored passed away in 2015, she enjoyed read- the Marion and Hamilton County trauma centers in Chattanooga and ing the letters from young people that school systems. Wendell says, “I Atlanta. Prior to Rodgers’ appointment received the financial assistance.” am volunteering at the local food as president, he was a Richmont board Marty says any level of professional member and executive vice president. success is always about the relation- He is the chairman of the Freedom ships, but for him, it’s been relationships Coalition, a collaborative initiative that with family and friends that support him aims to halt global human trafficking. every day. This month, a faith-based organization “Relationships with mentors that in Atlanta called Street Grace elected Marty and his wife, Jennifer, outside the New York Stock Exchange believe in me and relationships with the Rodgers to be its president and chief on the day Quorum Health went public. talented people I work with make things executive officer. Street Grace is a happen. But, ultimately, I know it has Giove network of community, business, been about a relationship with the Lord and church leaders who want to end who has orchestrated all these influenc- domestic minor sex trafficking. es. There’s absolutely no way I could 1990s poses with Torch and Tennessee NYSE: have done it on my own.” QHC Governor Bill Haslam. MONICA PARRIS ’95 Stroud has returned to Greenwood (Tennessee) Christian JAVIER A. CHAVEZ ’98 is the Latin America International Missions 28 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH 29 WHO’S WHERE?

Kirkland, Frazier, Johnston, Wilson director for World Challenge, Inc. Previously, he was a missionary church planter and pastor in Lima, Peru, from 2001 until 2014. He holds a Ph.D. in intercultural studies from and a master’s degree from Wheaton College Graduate School. He and his wife, Noelia, live in Lula, Ga., and have four children.

2000s

TYNER BROOKS ’05 has been named the new executive director of Morning Pointe Assisted Living BRICE JONES ’09 holds a master’s City High School graduate and new and Memory Care community in degree from Yale and a Ph.D. Lee University freshman SYDNEY Brentwood, Tenn. The Augusta, in New Testament and early WILSON ’20. Ga., native has worked in the senior Christianity from Concordia. He living industry for more than four recently published his doctoral KEVIN TAN ’14 is a filmmaker and years. In 2012, he became the dissertation on ancient biblical actor. He recently wrote his general manager at Hickory Valley manuscripts, and it has picked first original screenplay titled Independent and Assisted Living. up media attention. He was Moments Before and completed He later joined the Five Star Quality also cited in The New York filming earlier this year in Athens, Care team, working as executive Times, among other national Ga. Moments Before is a short director at Williamsburg Villas media outlets, regarding his film that seeks to capture the raw Assisted Living and Memory Care. work in ancient manuscripts. emotions of how people act and feel He and his wife, TIFFANY SAWYER He is currently the assistant on either end of a relationship. BROOKS ’08 have one daughter. director of Media Relations at the University of Louisiana Monroe. ASHLYN POPLIN ’16 is the new Brice says, “My wife (MEGHAN communications coordinator at ’09) and I miss Lee very much. We in Madisonville, hope to call Cleveland our home Tenn. She earned a Bachelor of Arts one day; we’re just still looking degree in communications with an for a way to get there!” emphasis in public relations and also holds a social media certification. The position at Hiwassee was slated BRANDON KIRKLAND ’03 RACHEL , to be a director of marketing, but WIELFAERT FRAZIER ’04 JOSHUA , and it evolved into a communication JOHNSTON ’00, teachers at Lenoir Brooks coordinator position when Poplin’s City High School in Tennessee skills were evaluated. “pass the Torch” to 2016 Lenoir

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The easiest way: If you prefer an update via 1. Visit www.leeuniversity.edu/alumni postal mail, and click on the alumni and please mail your entry to: partners link. 2. Click Torch. Lee University Alumni Office 3. Click the Who’s Where P.O. Box 3450 Update option. Cleveland, TN 37320-3450

On all entries, please include the `last year you were a student at Lee. 30 LEE UNIVERSITY TORCH FALL 2016