Tennesseans' take on Lee University (Jackson, Cleveland: credit, home, job market)

[Saintmarks]

My son just began his freshman year at Lee University in Cleveland, TN. So far we are thrilled with his choice. In our years in Atlanta, we knew there was a large pipeline from the Mt. Paran Church and School since Mt. Paran has been the largest church in the denomination, but I wanted a perspective from natives of the state as to its academic reputation as well as how graduates are respected in the job market.

Any and all viewpoints are welcome. We have already made the decision, just want a little confirmation, I guess.

[alleycat]

As far as I know (which isn't far), Lee has a good reputation. However, I don't think most people in either Middle or West Tennessee would have much of an opinion on Lee either way. I'm guessing that most of the students are either from the East Tennessee area, or from out of state, and when they graduate they stay in East Tennessee or go back to their home state.

As far as the choice of Lee for your son, I don't think you have any need for concern as far as academics go. And I think a diploma from Lee would generally be respected anywhere. The only real negative I can see is that at a small college like Lee, the student don't get to "network" with others quite as much as they would at some other universities (for example, if someone wants a top-tier job in Nashville, nothing beats being a Vanderbilt graduate). Of course, there are also advantages to going to a small college like Lee such as smaller classes and getting closer to faculty members than is often possible at a large university.

Just some random thoughts. Again, I'm not that familiar with Lee except knowing about it in a general way. Good luck to your son.

[Saintmarks]

Originally Posted by alleycat

As far as I know (which isn't far), Lee has a good reputation. However, I don't think most people in either Middle or West Tennessee would have much of an opinion on Lee either way. I'm guessing that most of the students are either from the East Tennessee area, or from out of state, and when they graduate they stay in East Tennessee or go back to their home state.

As far as the choice of Lee for your son, I don't think you have any need for concern as far as academics go. And I think a diploma from Lee would generally be respected anywhere. The only real negative I can see is that at a small college like Lee, the student don't get to "network" with others quite as much as they would at some other universities (for example, if someone want a top-tier job in Nashville, nothing beats being a Vanderbilt graduate). Of course, there are also advantages to going to a small college like Lee such as smaller classes and getting closer to faculty members than is often possible at a large university.

Just some random thoughts. Again, I'm not that familiar with Lee except knowing about it in a general way. Good luck to your son.

Thanks that helps. He is the first of four to leave the nest and it is a long way from Dallas. My mom and other family are in GA, so he has family close. I'm still in that "my boy is gone" realm. I haven't been to the campus yet, his mom helped him move in, and I want some more info so I can put my mind at ease a little more.

Thanks again Alleycat. Anybody else?

[Suzanne1945]

My neighbor's daughter is a second year student at Lee. The daughter was home schooled and has adjusted well to the environment surrounding Lee. Her mother has mentioned that she saw her daughter lose many of the insecurities she carried to college. Both speak highly of the education received at Lee.

[skyblueNashville]

I really appreciate the education I received while at Lee University. When I decided to make a career change, that's where I went to get my new degree because it was local for me at the time and had a great elementary education program. That was in 1996. I'm sure it has only improved since then. I had no problem getting a job afterwards, but that may depend on what field your son has chosen. All the best to him; I hope he enjoys it and learns a lot!

[tamor]

I live in West Tennessee and my daughter just finished her sophomore year at Lee University. She actually had several friends from this area and a couple of neighboring counties that she met while she was there. It is a great school that is ranked highly in its category.

She decided to transfer to Lambuth University in Jackson, TN which is a Methodist affiliated liberal arts university for the reamining two years of school, because its closer to home. She had a great experience at Lee and I think your son made an excellent choice.

[H10]

Lee has to be better choice than Johnson Bible College. I strongly question Johnson's validity as a training ground for church leadership since I know many Johnson graduates & students and they are some of the least knowledgeable people on the bible that I've met. Don't get me wrong, I know some Johnson grads who know the bible well too, but I'm pretty sure their knowledge is from private study & outside resources.

So if Lee & Johnson are the major Bible college choices in the area I can't imagine Lee wouldn't be the better choice.

[tamor]

Originally Posted by H10

Lee has to be better choice than Johnson Bible College. I strongly question Johnson's validity as a training ground for church leadership since I know many Johnson graduates & students and they are some of the least knowledgeable people on the bible that I've met. Don't get me wrong, I know some Johnson grads who know the bible well too, but I'm pretty sure their knowledge is from private study & outside resources.

So if Lee & Johnson are the major Bible college choices in the area I can't imagine Lee wouldn't be the better choice.

Lee is not a Bible college, per se. It is a Church of God liberal arts university. It is an accredited university. If one is going into fulltime ministry, they offer degrees that compliment that, such as theology, music, etc.

A typical bible college licenses or certifies one to ministry but does not provide the degree.

[Saintmarks]

I appreciate all of your comments, sounds like we made a good choice. He seems to be adjusting well. Thought I might get a negative comment or two, but so far no one has ventured anything like that. Much appreciated and everyone gets a rep!

[H10]

Originally Posted by tamor

Lee is not a Bible college, per se. It is a Church of God liberal arts university. It is an accredited university. If one is going into fulltime ministry, they offer degrees that compliment that, such as theology, music, etc.

A typical bible college licenses or certifies one to ministry but does not provide the degree.

Wait, Church of God? Don't they use snakes in their worship?

I think my endorsement would have to go to Johnson if that's the case. While I doubt Johnson's quality and have a few quibbles about their theology, not to mention their "MRS" program being a disgrace on the body of Christ, all of those negatives are better than ingesting snake venom...