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Lee University Establishes Propes Scholarship for Ministry Students

Cleveland, TN (08/31/2026) — Lee University has established the Dr. M. Thomas Propes Scholarship to support students preparing for Christian service and to honor the ministry and leadership of Dr. M. Thomas Propes.

The scholarship was established in partnership with the Church of God World Missions Board of Directors, which committed an initial $20,000 to establish the scholarship fund.

"I am grateful for the leadership and ministry vision of Dr. M. Thomas Propes," said Barry A. Clardy, administrative bishop of Virginia and former chair of the Church of God World Missions Board. "It was the desire of the World Missions Board to partner with Lee University to provide a scholarship in honor of Dr. Propes' legacy and perpetuate his vision of equipping the now and next generation to fulfill their God-given destiny. It is our hope that future generations will be impacted by this scholarship opportunity and continue the vision of reaching the last, the least, and the lost."

The scholarship will be awarded annually from the earnings of the fund and is available to full-time Lee students in good standing. Recipients will be selected by the Lee University Financial Aid Committee based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and financial need, with preference given to students majoring in the School of Theology & Ministry.

"Lee University is committed to preparing students to serve Christ and lead with purpose, and this scholarship is an investment in that mission," said Dr. Fijoy Johnson, director of community and church relations at Lee. "We are grateful to partner with the Church of God World Missions Board to honor Dr. Propes and help make a Lee education possible for students preparing for ministry."

A South Georgia native and fourth-generation Church of God member, Propes began his ministry in the late 1970s and received his ordination in 1984. He served as a pastor in Georgia before serving as state overseer of the Great Lakes Region, Northern Ohio, and South Carolina. In 2004, he was appointed general director of publications at Pathway Press.

Propes later served on the Church of God Council of Eighteen from 2008 to 2012 and on the International Executive Committee from 2012 to 2016, serving as secretary general. From 2016 to 2022, he served as assistant director of World Missions before serving as general director of World Missions from 2022 to 2026.

"I am reasonably educated but am quite confident that I do not possess the verbal skills required to adequately express my heartfelt thanks to the Church of God World Missions Board of Directors and to the leadership of Lee University for this high honor," said Propes. "It is my prayer that this scholarship will be a bridge to welcome new ministry students for generations to come."

To support this or any other scholarship, contact Advancement Services at ccarroll@leeuniversity.edu or make a gift online at leeuniversity.edu/give.

Media Attachments

Shown, from left, are Bishop Barry Clardy; Dr. Fijoy Jonson; Dr. M. Thomas Propes; LaQuita Propes; Vanessa Hammond, vice president for University Relations; and Dr. Phil Cook, Lee president.

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