Lee University

« Back to Recent News

Lee's Cross, Conn Honored with Church of God Distinguished Educator Awards

Cleveland, TN (08/18/2026) — Dr. Terry L. Cross and Dr. Paul Conn of Lee University were recently honored with Distinguished Educator Awards from the Church of God during the denomination's 80th General Assembly, held in Orlando, Florida. Cross, distinguished professor of systematic theology, received the Distinguished Educator Award for Faculty, while Conn, Lee University chancellor and former president, received the Distinguished Educator Award for Lifetime Achievement.

"Receiving this faculty award from the Church of God-especially at this time in my career-brings me great joy," said Cross. "When I think of the thousands of students in my classes over the years, I am honored and humbled to have been given the privilege of helping to form their lives and ministries."

Cross, a 1978 Lee graduate, returned to his alma mater to teach in 1997 and was appointed dean of the School of Theology & Ministry in 2002. He served as dean for 24 years, making him the longest-serving dean in the university's history.

Throughout his nearly three decades at Lee, Cross has served students through teaching, mentoring, and leadership, helping prepare them to faithfully answer their callings and serve the church and their communities. His contributions have been recognized with Lee's Excellence in Teaching Award and Excellence in Scholarship Award, and he was named among "Who's Who Among American Teachers." He is also an ordained bishop in the Church of God.

"I'm grateful to the selection committee for this award," Conn said. "It is a rare privilege to spend all of one's professional lifetime in a single place. That has been one of God's greatest blessings to me. I have had a single-minded passion for Lee University and Church of God higher education for many years. It has certainly been a lifetime, and I'm very gratified that others regard it as one of achievement. I can't think of any better way to spend one's energy and passion than doing the work to which God has called me."

Conn was a previous recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award in 1996.

He has dedicated more than five decades of his professional life to Lee University, including 34 years as president from 1986 to 2020. At the time he transitioned to chancellor, Conn was the longest-serving university president in Tennessee, and his tenure ranked among the 70 longest college presidential tenures in U.S. history.

During Conn's presidency, Lee experienced extraordinary growth in enrollment, academic offerings, campus development, and national reputation. The university's enrollment and campus size increased fivefold, while its annual operating budget grew tenfold. More than 30 major construction projects were completed during his tenure.

The scope of Conn's impact on Lee can also be measured in the lives represented by the 21,420 degrees he personally conferred during his initial tenure as president. Following his presidency, Conn served as chancellor for nearly four years before returning to serve as both president and chancellor during the 2024-25 academic year. Over more than five decades of service, he has played a defining role in shaping the university's identity and trajectory and helping position Lee for continued growth while maintaining its commitment to Christian higher education.

Since 1976, the Church of God has conferred the Distinguished Educator Award on individuals who have made significant or unique contributions to education within the Church of God around the world. The awards are presented in multiple categories, including faculty, leadership, and lifetime achievement.

Media Attachments

Dr. Michael L. Baker, president of the Pentecostal Theological Seminary (left), presents Dr. Terry L. Cross with the Distinguished Educator Award for Faculty during the Church of God General Assembly in July.

Dr. Michael L Baker (center) and Dr. Michael D. Reynolds, director of Ministerial Development for the Church of God (left), are shown here presenting Dr. Paul Conn with the Distinguished Educator Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Copyright © 2026 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out