Fourteen New Faculty Welcomed to Lee University this Fall

Cleveland, TN (08/27/2026) — Lee University welcomes 14 new faculty to campus this fall: three to the Department of Natural Sciences, one to the Department of History, Political Science, and Humanities, one to the Department of Language and Literature, one to the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, one to the School of Business, one to the School of Engineering, three to the School of Music, and three to the School of Nursing.

"Our 14 new faculty bring remarkable talent and diversity of experiences along with a passion for teaching and serving students," said Dr. Jean Eledge, vice president for Academic Affairs. "I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our students, our programs, and the future of Lee University."

Dr. Zackary Hulsey joins the Department of Natural Sciences as an assistant professor of chemistry. A recent doctoral graduate in organic chemistry, his research focused on the synthesis and application of metabolic probes. During his graduate studies, he developed a strong interest in organic chemistry and spectroscopy. Hulsey also gained industry experience as an intern with MFG Chemical in Dalton, Georgia.

Hulsey received a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in organic chemistry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in chemistry from Dalton State College.

Dr. Benjamin Kaercher joins the Department of Natural Sciences as an assistant professor of chemistry. A Tennessee native and Lee alumnus, Kaercher teaches general chemistry and laboratory courses. Prior to joining Lee, he conducted his dissertation research at The Pennsylvania State University, focusing on gold nanoparticle surface ligand interactions. He is committed to serving as a mentor and resource for students while developing research opportunities for undergraduates interested in careers in the sciences.

Kaercher received a PhD in chemistry from The Pennsylvania State University and a BS in chemistry from Lee.

Dr. Trent McDaniel joins the Department of Natural Sciences as a visiting assistant professor of health science. He is a board-certified family medicine physician and ordained Southern Baptist pastor whose career integrates health care, ministry and education. He brings experience in clinical practice, medical review, and clinical instruction, along with years of church service. Drawing on his medical and pastoral backgrounds, McDaniel brings an interdisciplinary perspective to the classroom.

McDaniel received a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, a Master of Arts (MA) in religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in physiology from Southern Illinois University.

Dr. Matthew Edholm joins the Department of History, Political Science, and Humanities as an assistant professor of classics. A Lee alumnus, Edholm is a historian of the ancient and medieval worlds whose research focuses on the transmission and reception of classical literature through Late Antiquity into the early Middle Ages. After serving three years as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army, he pursued studies in classical studies, medieval studies, and English literature. He has taught courses in Latin, Roman history, medieval history, and humanities.

Edholm received a PhD in medieval history and a Master of Letters (MLitt) in medieval studies from the University of St. Andrews, and a BA in classical studies from Lee.

Dr. Jason Ney joins the Department of Language and Literature as an associate professor of English after teaching at Colorado Christian University for 13 years. His teaching specialty is American literature, particularly the exploration of ideological developments in American history through its narratives. His scholarship often focuses on American cinema, especially film noir. Ney is the author of the biography "Richard Fleischer: Journeyman" and has contributed dozens of audio commentaries to 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD releases.

Ney received a PhD from the University of Denver, an MA from the University of Cincinnati, and a BA from Cedarville University.

Dr. Gabrielle Oechsle joins the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences as an assistant professor of psychology. After completing her doctoral studies, Oechsle spent a year working as a clinical psychologist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She later returned to Lee to study theology and teach psychology courses as a part-time instructor from fall 2024 through summer 2026. She is expected to graduate with an MA in biblical and theological studies from Lee this December.

Oechsle received a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from Wheaton College and a BA in psychology from Lee.

Dr. Adina L. Scruggs joins the School of Business as a professor of marketing after nearly two decades of experience in higher education, academic leadership, and business instruction. Prior to Lee, she served at Bryan College for 18 years, holding roles including professor of business, department chair, dean, and assistant vice president of academics. Scruggs has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in marketing, management, strategy, leadership, and nonprofit management. She also consults with faith-based nonprofit organizations in strategic planning, board governance, fundraising, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness.

Scruggs received a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in marketing from Argosy University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and a BS from Bryan College.

Dr. Andrew Ejenakevwe joins the School of Engineering as an assistant professor of engineering. Prior to Lee, he completed postdoctoral research at the University of Oklahoma, where he conducted research on building energy efficiency and control strategies while also teaching Air Conditioning Systems Design. He previously served as a graduate research assistant at the University of Oklahoma and as a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, where he taught thermal engineering, advanced heat transfer, advanced strength of materials, thermodynamics, and theory of elasticity.

Ejenakevwe received a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Engineering (MEng) and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in mechanical engineering from the University of Nigeria.

Dr. Rhea Marshall joins the School of Music as an assistant professor of music and worship while continuing to serve as director of the Lee University Campus Choir. An ordained minister in the Church of God, Marshall brings more than 25 years of experience in Christian ministry and education. Her teaching experience includes classroom instruction, schools of worship, arts camps, private voice pedagogy, and choral direction. She has taught part time at Lee for two years and will serve as area coordinator for the Music and Worship program.

Marshall received a PhD in Christian worship from Liberty University and an MA and BA from Lee.

Tyler Morrison joins the School of Music as an assistant professor of music education/band after serving in public school music education. A Lee alumnus, Morrison most recently served as head band director at Kingwood High School in Houston, Texas. During his tenure, he was named Kingwood High School Teacher of the Year, and the band received University Interscholastic League (UIL) Superior ratings. Morrison's students have been selected for the Juilliard Summer Institute, the Butler Texas Young Artists Program, Tennessee Governor's School, and both the Tennessee and Texas All-State Bands.

Morrison received a Master of Music Education (MME) from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Music Education (BME) from Lee.

Dr. David Mosher joins the School of Music as a visiting assistant professor of music. His teaching interests include piano, aural skills, and music theory, while his research focuses on jazz, popular music, music analysis, and music cognition and perception. He has presented research at professional conferences, including the International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition. Mosher has also served with the Music Theory Society of New York State and founded the Music Talks at Saint Rose lecture series.

Mosher received a PhD in music theory from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a Master of Music (MM) in music theory from the University of Houston Moores School of Music, and a BME in piano from Howard Payne University Davidson School of Music.

Jaimee Bettis joins the School of Nursing as a lecturer of nursing after serving as part-time clinical faculty since August 2025. Bettis has been a registered nurse for 20 years and brings experience from several local health care organizations, including Tennova, Erlanger East, and Galen Digestive Health. She has also served as a population health consultant with Chattanooga-based Russ Blakely & Associates/Baldwin Risk Partners.

Bettis received a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an emphasis in leadership and management and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Western Governors University.

Kara Dorsey joins the School of Nursing as a senior lecturer of nursing. She is a registered nurse with more than 20 years of acute care, education, and leadership experience. Prior to Lee, Dorsey served as an assistant professor of nursing for the BSN program and program coordinator for the associate degree in nursing program at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. She previously served as the simulation and skills lab coordinator at Southeastern University. Dorsey is also a credentialed and ordained minister with the Church of God.

Dorsey received an MS in nursing education from Wilkes University.

Jennifer Stoody joins the School of Nursing as a lecturer of nursing, having served since August 2025 as a part-time clinical instructor in the program. Prior to joining Lee, Stoody worked as a bedside nurse at Bradley Medical Center, providing care in the Women's Center, Postpartum, and Newborn Nursery. She brings her clinical experience into the classroom, offering students practical insight into patient care and the nursing profession.

Stoody received an MSN from California State University, a BSN from Biola University, and a BS from Chapman University.

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