Lee Alumnus Juan Jose Perez Inducted Into TICUA Hall of Fame
Cleveland, TN (10/14/2026) — Lee University alumnus Juan Jose "John" Perez was among 25 distinguished alumni recently inducted into the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association's (TICUA) 2026 Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes alumni of TICUA member institutions whose work has made a lasting impact in Tennessee and around the world.
"We are proud to see John recognized for his distinguished career and his contributions to the communities he serves," said Lee President Dr. Phil Cook. "His accomplishments reflect the difference Lee alumni can make through their professional work and service to others."
Perez is the founding partner of Perez Morris, Ohio's largest woman-owned business law firm, headquartered in Columbus with offices across six states. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, corporate transactions, and construction and real estate cases.
Originally from Texas, Perez was a first-generation college student who earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Lee before going on to receive his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law.
Perez also co-founded Vista Village, a faith-based tiny-home community in Columbus that addresses homelessness through 41 fully furnished microhomes and wraparound social services designed to help residents move toward economic independence.
Perez has served on the boards of the Mount Carmel Health System, where he was board chair from 2013 to 2016, Columbus First Bank, and the University of Toledo. He also chaired the board of Make-A-Wish of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and served on the national Make-A-Wish Foundation governance committee.
In 2022, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Perez to The Ohio State University Board of Trustees, where he chairs the Master Planning and Facilities Committee. He also serves on the Wexner Medical Center Board.
In 2019, Perez and his wife, Joan, also a Lee alumna, established the Joan E. Perez Endowed Scholarship Fund at Lee University. They live in Westerville, Ohio, and have three sons and five grandchildren.
TICUA engages Tennessee's 34 private, nonprofit colleges and universities in collaboration on public policy, cost containment, and professional development to better serve the state and its citizens.
For more information about TICUA or the honorees, visit ticua.org.
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