Lee University Names John Maupin Vice President for Athletics and Student Life

Cleveland, TN (10/01/2026) — Lee University has named John Maupin vice president for Athletics and Student Life, effective Oct. 1. Maupin, who currently serves as the university's athletic director, will succeed Dr. Suzanne Holt, who is retiring after more than three decades of service to the university.

"John has spent nearly two decades serving Lee and investing in the success of our students," said Lee President Dr. Phil Cook. "His experience as a coach and athletic director, along with his understanding of our campus community, will serve him well in this expanded role. We are grateful for Dr. Holt's more than three decades of service to Lee and the many ways she has invested in our students and university."

In his new role, Maupin will oversee Lee's Athletics Department as well as Student Conduct, Residential Life and Housing, Racial and Ethnic Relations, Student Engagement and Clubs, Campus Recreation, the Counseling Center, the Health Clinic, and Summer Honors.

"I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve Lee University in this new role," said Maupin. "Lee has been such an important part of my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our students, coaches, faculty, and staff in this capacity. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the history of Student Life at Lee and all of the people who have poured their hearts and time into our students. I look forward to working with our campus community as we continue to support the growth and success of our students both in and out of the classroom."

Maupin came to Lee in 2008 to coach golf following a playing career at Berry College, where he earned multiple All-Conference and All-Region honors and helped lead the Vikings to three national tournament appearances.

As a coach, Maupin led the Flames and Lady Flames to sustained success over 15 years, including conference titles and national tournament appearances in both NAIA and NCAA competition. Since Maupin became athletic director, Lee Athletics has continued its national success, winning the GSC All-Sports Trophy for six consecutive years. Fifteen Lee sports have advanced to NCAA national championships over the past three years, and the department has ranked among the top 30 NCAA Division II programs in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings in each of Maupin's three years as athletic director. Last season, the Flames finished No. 15 among all NCAA Division II programs.

Maupin earned a Master of Business Administration from Lee and a Bachelor of Science from Berry College. He and his wife Jayne have three children: Addie, Jackson, and Annie.

Holt has served as Lee's vice president for Student Life since fall 2022, following more than three decades of service to the university in a variety of faculty and administrative roles. She began her career at Lee in 1987 as a resident director and went on to serve in leadership roles spanning both the academic and student life areas.

"I am incredibly grateful for my many years at Lee and for the opportunity to serve our students and this university in so many different ways," said Holt. "I will always be thankful for the people, relationships, and experiences that have made my time at Lee so special. I am confident in John's leadership and look forward to watching Lee continue to grow and serve its students well."

During her tenure at Lee, Holt founded several offices and programs, including the Office of Student Engagement, First Year Programs, and Global Perspectives. She also served as the founding director of Lee's Learn Engage Achieve Program (LEAP), which provides comprehensive support to qualifying students to help them persist and graduate. Before becoming vice president, Holt served as a faculty member in educational leadership and adult learning.

Holt earned her Doctor of Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, her Master of Science from the University of Edinburgh, her Master of Arts from the Church of God Theological Seminary, and her Bachelor of Arts from Lee University. In addition to more than 35 years of experience in higher education, Holt is an ordained minister.

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