Lee Names Seven Faculty to Academic Leadership Roles

by Kamea Sutherland

Cleveland, TN (09/14/2026) — The Lee University Board of Directors recently named seven faculty members to academic leadership roles, including three deans, one associate dean, and three department chairs.

The faculty members named to dean roles include Dr. Blayne Carroll, Dr. Holly Perleoni, and Dr. Justin Walker.

Carroll joined Lee's faculty in 2006 and now serves as dean of the Wright School of Engineering and Computer Science and professor of mathematics. He previously served as chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences and has played a central role in the development of new academic programs, including the establishment of Lee's engineering program and School of Engineering. In addition to his administrative leadership, Carroll continues to teach. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in mathematics and Master of Science from Emory University and his Bachelor of Science (BS) from Butler University.

Perleoni joined Lee's faculty in 2018 and now serves as dean of the School of Business and associate professor of marketing. She previously served as associate dean of the School of Business and director of Lee's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. She is a member of the Christian Business Faculty Association, American Marketing Association, and Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society and serves as faculty sponsor for the women's Lee Club Soccer team. Perleoni is a recipient of Lee's Excellence in Advising Award and earned her Doctor of Business Administration from Anderson University and her MBA and BS from Lee.

Walker joined Lee's faculty in 2019 and now serves as dean of the School of Theology & Ministry and associate professor of Old Testament and Christian ministries. His research focuses on biblical poetry, ancient Near Eastern iconography, and Old Testament theology. He is the author of "The Power of Images: The Poetics of Violence in Lamentations 2" and "Ancient Near Eastern Art." Walker has received Lee's Excellence in Teaching, Excellence in Scholarship, and Excellence in Advising awards, making him one of only three individuals in the school's history to earn all three honors. He earned his PhD, Master of Divinity, and Master of Theology from Emory University and his Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Lee.

The faculty member named associate dean is Dr. Lorinda Roberts.

Roberts joined Lee's faculty in 2019 and now serves as associate dean of the School of Theology & Ministry, director of First Year Programs, and assistant professor of youth and family ministry. She previously served as vice president for Student Success. Roberts earned her Doctor of Educational Ministry in family ministry from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, her Master of Arts (MA) in discipleship and Christian formation in family ministry from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, and her BS in Christian education from Lee. She is also an ordained minister in the Church of God.

The faculty members named department chairs include Dr. Lynda Bowers, Dr. David Broersma, and Dr. Lori West.

Bowers joined Lee's faculty in 2021 and now serves as chair of the Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Secondary Education and assistant professor of sport management in the Helen DeVos College of Education. She is an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)-certified exercise physiologist and an active contributor to coaching and sport management professional organizations. Bowers earned her PhD in coaching and teaching studies from West Virginia University, with a cognate in organizational leadership in sport, and holds degrees in kinesiology and English from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Broersma joined Lee's faculty in 2014 and now serves as chair of the Department of Language and Literature and associate professor of TESOL and linguistics. Before coming to Lee, Broersma lived and worked in Moscow, Russia, for 17 years at Russian-American Christian University and Hinkson Christian Academy. He also served as program director for the MA in TESOL at LCC International University in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Broersma holds a PhD and MA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a BA in English education from Purdue University.

West joined Lee's faculty in 2006 and now serves as chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and distinguished professor of biology, having previously served as assistant chair. She is actively engaged in student research through the SEA-PHAGES and SEA-GENES programs, resulting in the publication of several bacteriophage genomes. She also supports K-12 education as a guest scientist, performing demonstrations and experiments at local schools. West is a recipient of Lee's Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Scholarship awards. She earned her PhD from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and her BA from Maryville College.