Lee University

Cross Encourages Lee Graduates to Seek Wisdom, Show Love

Cleveland, TN (08/07/2026) — Lee University awarded 129 degrees during its summer commencement ceremony Saturday morning in the Conn Center, where graduates, faculty, family, and friends gathered to celebrate their achievements. Dr. Terry L. Cross, distinguished professor of theology, delivered the keynote address.

In his address, Cross reminded graduates that commencement marks not an ending, but the beginning of a new journey. He encouraged them to embrace two essential practices for navigating the future: seeking wisdom and showing love.

"Knowledge is important, but wisdom is the ability to understand what truly matters and how to apply what we have learned to life," said Cross. "As you begin this next chapter, continue learning, seek God's wisdom, and use what you have gained to make the world a better place."

Cross also challenged graduates to demonstrate love through action, encouraging them to cultivate a daily relationship with God and extend that love to others. He concluded his remarks by sharing "The Bridge Builder" by Will Allen Dromgoole, emphasizing the importance of living in a way that prepares the path for those who follow.

A 1978 Lee graduate, Cross returned to his alma mater to teach in 1997 and was appointed dean of the School of Theology & Ministry in 2002. During his 24 years as dean, he became the longest-serving dean in the university's history.

An ordained bishop in the Church of God, Cross earned a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. He also holds a Master of Arts in church history and a Master of Divinity in theology from Ashland Theological Seminary, along with a Bachelor of Arts in biblical education from Lee.

The Saturday event also featured reflections from graduates Chase Carroll and Dhuranique Ferguson. A hooding ceremony took place Friday evening for recipients of master's, education specialist, and doctoral degrees.

The ceremony awarded degrees to 72 undergraduate and 57 graduate students, including nine doctoral graduates.

To view the ceremonies, visit leeu.live.

For more information about commencement exercises, please contact the Academic Events Office at academicevents@leeuniversity.edu, (423) 614-8117, or visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/graduation-info/.