Longtime Lee University faculty Alan McClung retires
Photo courtesy of the Office of Publications.
Longtime Lee University faculty member and alumnus Alan McClung will be retiring at the end of May 2021. McClung has been the Dean of Students for over 20 years, but is looking forward to his retirement and the opportunities it will bring.
McClung attended Lee College as an undergraduate student and came back to the university to work as a counselor and teacher. He taught Christian Thought, Christian Ethics and Introduction to the Old Testament for nearly 20 years.
McClung also served as the Resident Director of the old Hughes Hall, torn down in 2010. In 1995, McClung was asked to become the Dean of Students and has served in that position ever since.
During his time spent at Lee and in Cleveland, McClung has enjoyed watching the city grow and develop.
“Cleveland used to be a one-horse town,” said McClung. “So when I came back here, I was just amazed at the growth, the population and all the neat stores and restaurants that have sprung up.”
Throughout his years at Lee, McClung has developed many close relationships with students that he continues to treasure.
“My fondest memory is the times I’ve had with students,” said McClung. “I believe the involvement with the students, the engagement and the fact that the students have allowed me into their world — that’s my fondest memory.”
During his time on Lee’s campus, he and his wife, Trish McClung, led more than a dozen cross-cultural trips. They both loved the time spent with students and the ways they have been able to give back to the campus.
“He’s just always been such a great, great guy. I’m really excited that he gets to retire and just relax and go enjoy his life,” said Julie Coleman, former secretary to the Dean of Students.
Along with staff and faculty, various student groups will miss McClung. He has worked alongside Greek life as the chairperson of the Greek council, among others, during his time at Lee.
“Mr. McClung is a cornerstone of Lee student life. He is wonderful at helping students, making students know they mattered to him and loving students. He has made a difference in countless students’ lives,” said Chapel Attendance Coordinator Morgan Schalk. “It’s hard to imagine the Lee campus without him, but his retirement is well-deserved.”
McClung has served the Lee University student body for many years, but decided it is his time to “pass on the torch.” Lee University has yet to announce his replacement.
“Alan has been part of the team for a long time, and we will certainly miss him next year,” said Chancellor Paul Conn. “He has been on the front lines through lots of crises and tough situations. Students have never wondered whether he cared for them and tried to put their interests first. He has been a true friend to students, and God only knows how many of them owe him a huge ‘thanks’ over the years.”
