Lee University to Hold Convocation Sept. 6-9

by Meredith Dufresne

Cleveland, TN (08/28/2026) — Lee University's fall Convocation will begin Sunday, Sept. 6, and conclude Wednesday, Sept. 9. This is a dedicated time for university and community-wide worship and prayer for the semester ahead.

The theme for this year's Convocation is "Abide with Me," taken from Jesus' instructions: "Abide in Me, and I in you and you will bear much fruit."

"College life can seem like a juggling act," said Wes Lutes, campus pastor. "Above all the college responsibilities is a simple command to never stray away from what matters most: our personal and interpersonal relationship with Christ. When we keep Jesus and His teachings fundamental in our lives, all other responsibilities fall in right order."

Each service will feature a different speaker, beginning with Lee President Phil Cook on Sunday and continuing with Vanessa Hardaway on Monday, Bishop Tony Stewart on Tuesday, and Jason Browning on Wednesday.

Cook is the 18th president of Lee University, bringing more than 30 years of experience in Christian higher education. His tenure at Lee spans more than two decades, including leadership roles in admissions and enrollment management. An ordained bishop in the Church of God, Cook previously served as president and CEO of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP). He holds a PhD in higher education administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a Master of Divinity from the Church of God School of Theology, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in business from Lee University.

Hardaway is a staff development trainer and motivational speaker who has equipped educators with practical tools since 2006. She serves as a behavior interventionist for McMinn County Schools and holds a Master of Science in Teaching from Lee University and a BS in business administration from Tennessee Wesleyan University. Hardaway is active at Bethel Christian Assembly in Athens, Tennessee, where she serves on the ministerial staff. She is co-author of "The Kinder Chronicles: Big Life Lessons from Tiny Plastic Chairs" with retired Lee University professor Dr. Gary Riggins.

Stewart serves as first assistant general overseer of the Church of God, having previously served as second assistant general overseer from 2022-24. He has held several leadership roles within the denomination, including chair of the Church of God International Executive Council and service on the Church of God World Missions Board of Directors. For more than 15 years, Stewart and his wife, Kaci, have served as lead pastors of CityLife Church in Tampa, Florida. An alumnus of Lee University, Stewart holds degrees from Life Christian University and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries.

Browning, also a Lee alumnus, currently serves as lead pastor of Metropolitan Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and has been a frequent Lee chapel speaker. Browning has been involved in church ministry for more than 20 years and previously served as associate pastor at Westmore Church of God in Cleveland.

Evening services will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Conn Center. Each service will begin with worship and praise led by LeeU Worship.

The university encourages all students and guests to attend and participate in this semester's Convocation. For those wishing to watch online, services will be available via livestream at leeu.live and on Facebook. Livestream viewing will also be available in the Dixon Center on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

For more information about Convocation or other chapel events, contact the Campus Ministries Office at (423) 614-8420 or email campusministries@leeuniversity.edu.

Media Attachments