DONNY LEE DEDICATION RECIPIENT Dr. Raymond “Donny” Lee, Dean of CannonClary College of Education, was the recipient of the 2022-23 Petit Jean yearbook dedication. It was announced during chapel after the student body voted on the recipient through a survey. “It’s really a validation of what I think is so important here, and that is being in the life of students,” Lee said. “I value students, I mean that’s why we are here.” He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1982 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education and English. Then he earned his Master’s of Educational Leadership at University of Arkansas. He has also received a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Memphis. “I went to a state school,” Lee said. “I had no Christian professors or teachers that I can recall in high school or college that really were what I am to students.” I am trying to be what I pray for my own adult children in their lives, and I didn’t have that. I didn’t grow up in the church. I didn’t grow up with parents who did that, so I am trying to be what I know I needed and what I know my children need.” Before he came to Harding University in 1998, Lee worked as assistant principal of Pulaski County Special School District in Arkansas and was superintendent of Central Arkansas Christian Schools in North Little Rock. While working as superintendent, he established connections with people at Harding and guest taught a few classes. “I began meeting people from Harding and knew that teaching and working in higher Christian education was a way I believed God was leading me to make a difference in people’s lives,” Lee said. Lee worked at Harding for 25 years as a professor in the College of Education. He also served the Searcy community as an elder at Living Way Church of Christ. Through the church, Lee connected with students outside of classes as a mentor. “I met him whenever I started attending Living Way,” sophomore McKenzie Kilmer said. “Dr. Lee has taught me a lot about spiritual maturity and how to respond to situations with a heavenly perspective. I’ve appreciated his mentorship as I’ve navigated going through college. He’s been a source of so much peace.” As a professor and mentor, Lee strove to have meaningful connections with undergraduate and graduate students. He encouraged students, but they also encouraged him when talking through their strengths, weaknesses and abilities. “Donny loves people from all walks of life, and he loves getting to know students,” Craig Russell, Director of Public Safety, said. “It is not unusual for him to meet with students from school or church for coffee or lunch several times every week. Donny is a natural teacher and storyteller who also loves listening to people, great qualities to have in his line of work.” Even though he believed what he taught was important, he also believed that the interpersonal driven passion in students’ lives was more important. “If I didn’t have this side gig called a job, I would probably just spend all my time encouraging and being with students,” Lee said. “Never give up on the belief that God created you just as he intended you to be for his purposes.” Written by: Kayleigh Tritschler
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