Lee University

Nine Lee University Faculty Receive Promotion in Rank

Cleveland, TN (10/02/2026) — The Lee University Board of Directors recently awarded promotion in rank to nine faculty members: two to professor, six to associate professor, and one to associate lecturer.

The faculty promoted to professor are Drs. Sarah Schlosser and Arlie Tagayuna.

Schlosser, professor of chemistry, joined Lee's Department of Natural Sciences in 2012. In addition to teaching, she works with students and teachers on projects designed to engage elementary through college-age students in science. She conducts research and facilitates professional development for educators on curriculum development, including active-learning strategies, fostering student metacognition and problem-based learning. She serves as the faculty sponsor for Lee University's chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. Schlosser earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Science (MS) from Purdue University and her Bachelor of Science (BS) from Lee.

Tagayuna, professor of sociology, joined Lee's Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences in 2011. He also serves as coordinator of Lee's criminal justice program. His encounters with different cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and expressions of faith have informed his research on how these structures influence economic, social, and cultural transformation. His research and teaching explore the intersections of inequality, crime, race and ethnic relations, culture, and community development. Tagayuna earned his PhD and Master of Arts (MA) from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and his Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the University of the Philippines.

The faculty members promoted to associate professor are Drs. Racheal Lawler, Julie Martinez, Alex Sandoval, Samantha Spinks, Jennifer Thomas, and Cameron Weatherford.

Lawler, associate professor of athletic training, joined Lee's Department of Health, Exercise Science & Secondary Education in 2018. Her scholarly interests include rehabilitation, exertional heat illness, and public health, with ongoing longitudinal research focused on firefighter health and performance. She serves as president of the Tennessee Athletic Trainers' Society and contributes to statewide legislative efforts to advance athletic training practice. Lawler earned her PhD in athletic training from Rocky Mountain University, her MS from the University of Central Missouri, and her BS from Lambuth University.

Martinez, associate professor of intercultural studies, joined the School of Theology & Ministry faculty in 2020 and serves as director of intercultural studies. Her teaching and scholarly interests include intercultural ministry, cross-cultural engagement, and global education. Drawing from her academic training and international ministry experience, Martinez brings a global perspective to her work with students. Before joining Lee, she served as transitional program director for Serving Orphans Worldwide and as country director in Cambodia for People for Care and Learning. Martinez earned her PhD from Biola University, her Master of Education (MEd) from Liberty University, and her BS from Lee.

Sandoval, associate professor of special education, joined the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education in 2010 and serves as chair of the department. His work focuses on preparing pre-service teachers in special education. Originally from Guatemala, his interests include developing cross-cultural teaching opportunities in Latin America and promoting increased disability awareness. Prior to joining Lee, Sandoval taught in the Georgia public school system for nine years as a special education teacher and autism consultant. Sandoval earned his PhD in special education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, his MEd from the University of Missouri, and his BS in teaching from Lee.

Spinks, associate professor of nursing, joined the School of Nursing in 2020. Her teaching and professional interests draw on more than 20 years of diverse clinical experience in critical care, hospital administration, and adult-gerontology acute care. Her clinical background includes gastroenterology, complex and critically ill patients, patient education, and quality improvement. As a nurse practitioner, she managed patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including those with end-stage liver disease and chronic digestive disorders. Spinks earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Southern Adventist University.

Thomas, associate professor of school counseling, joined the Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences in 2018 and serves as the school counseling program coordinator. Her work focuses on preparing counselors-in-training for the field and supervising school counseling students throughout their practicum and internship experiences. She also participates in international teaching at the South American Theological Seminary and European Theological Seminary and leads annual cross-cultural experiences to Ecuador, where students engage in trauma-informed programming in school and camp settings. Thomas earned her PhD in counselor education and supervision from Regent University and her MS and BA from Lee.

Weatherford, associate professor of choral music, joined the School of Music in 2021. He conducts the Ladies of Lee and Choral Union and serves as conductor and artistic director of Lee's annual Classic Christmas concert. His teaching and professional interests include choral conducting, music education, and preparing student musicians for performance. He has conducted honor choirs and served as an adjudicator nationally and internationally. Weatherford earned his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from the University of Kentucky, his Master of Music (MM) from The University of Southern Mississippi, and his Bachelor of Music (BM) from Louisiana College.

Shannon McBrayer was promoted to associate lecturer.

McBrayer, associate lecturer of nursing, has served the School of Nursing since 2014 and joined Lee's faculty in 2017. She serves as director of simulation and experiential learning and leads operations for SimCentral, overseeing simulation program development, faculty support, and experiential learning opportunities. Her work integrates simulation into the curriculum to prepare students for clinical practice while strengthening teamwork, communication, and patient safety. A certified simulation leader and recognized simulation champion, McBrayer has been a registered nurse since 2000. She earned her MS from Capella University and her BS from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.