Lee’s Dirksen Named Distinguished Professor

  • Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Dr. Carolyn Dirksen
Dr. Carolyn Dirksen

Dr. Carolyn Dirksen has been awarded the rank of “Distinguished Professor of English” by the Lee University board of directors.

Dr. Dirksen is one of five professors in Lee’s history to be awarded this title.

Dr. Dirksen currently serves as vice president for Academic Affairs at Lee where she has been on faculty since 1968.  Prior to becoming vice president in 1999, Dr. Dirksen served as a member of the English department faculty, department chair, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and associate academic dean. 

The university conferred Dr. Dirksen's promotion in rank while celebrating her 15 years as vice president, the longest tenure of a chief academic officer in Lee's history.

While at Lee, Dr. Dirksen has received the Excellence in Scholarship and the Excellence in Teaching awards.  In 1998, she was given the Distinguished Educator Faculty Award at the Church of God General Assembly in San Antonio, Texas. In September 2002, Dr. Dirksen was named honorary professor of Henan University, and in 2009, she was named honorary professor of Sias University, both in The People’s Republic of China. 

In addition to her work at Lee University, Dr. Dirksen also serves on the World Missions Board of the Church of God.

In July, Dr. Dirksen will begin a new role at Lee, serving as the director for the Center for Teaching Excellence.

A native of Bisbee, Ariz., Dr. Dirksen holds the PhD in Linguistics from the University of Arizona.  She is married to Murl Dirksen and they have one daughter.

Student Scene
Tyner High Class Of 1964 Planning 60th Reunion
  • 3/26/2024

The Tyner High School Class of 1964 is planning its 60th Reunion. The planning committee includes Margaret Inglis Officer, Jody Weller Brooks, Shirley Smith Richardson, Janice Ray White, Elaine ... more

UTC School Of Education Announces Director Roles For Dr. Kim Wingate And Dr. Allen Pratt
UTC School Of Education Announces Director Roles For Dr. Kim Wingate And Dr. Allen Pratt
  • 3/26/2024

Dr. Kim Wingate, a longtime member of the UTC faculty, has been named director of the University’s School of Education. Dr. Wingate joined the UTC faculty as an assistant professor in the School ... more

CSCCs Student Wildlife Society Places 10th In Competition
CSCCs Student Wildlife Society Places 10th In Competition
  • 3/26/2024

Cleveland State Community College’s Student Wildlife Society recently competed in the Southeastern Wildlife Conclave competition hosted by Murray State University in Kentucky. The college team ... more