Dr. Mark L. Walker named Lee’s next president
Photo courtesy of Lee University Office of Public Relations.
On Friday, Jan. 31, Lee’s Board of Directors elected Dr. Mark L. Walker to serve as Lee University’s next president.
The news came Friday afternoon following Dr. Conn’s retirement announcement in November 2019.
Walker currently serves as Vice President for Ministerial Development and Chair of Lee’s Department of Christian Ministries. Additionally, Walker has previously served on Lee’s Board of Directors.
Lee alumnus Steve Black served as an advisory member of the search committee as a representative of all Lee alumni. Black said the search for Lee’s 17th president was unique due to the board’s eagerness to hear from any and all members of the “Lee Family.”
“Taking this approach in the search for a Lee president is unprecedented,” Black said. “Everyone who would have an opinion or wanted a voice in the selection process actually had that opportunity.”
Black said he received multiple responses from alumni and friends who voiced their desires for a president who would share the same vision and energy as Dr. Conn.
“It was amazing to see how many people quickly responded to that,” Black said. “[The board of directors] wanted to get a true pulse for what the Lee family is thinking.”
Lena Barber, a Lee alumna and licensed professional counselor at the Lee University Counseling Center (LUCC), served as the student and staff representative on the search committee during the presidential search.
Barber said much of the input centered around characteristics, personality and energy of the new president.
“Having come to Lee 41 years ago and serving with four wonderful presidents — each making their personal marks — it is a wonder and blessing that we have been led by Paul Conn for 34 years,” Barber said. “We can be proud of where we have been, where we are now and where we are going. We have been gifted with a legacy.”
Vice President for Student Development Mike Hayes said this transition in leadership will provide an opportunity for continued growth at Lee.
“This is an exciting time in the history of Lee University,” Hayes said. “We definitely honor Dr. Conn and his legacy, and this is an opportunity for us to move forward with the same institutional DNA of caring for students and trying to create something excellent here.”
Dr. Mark L. Walker will speak in the Conn Center on Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. as part of Lee’s Convocation services.
