Dr. Mark Walker
Scott Sheppard
Phil Cook
Vanessa Carey
Lee University students, faculty, and staff will soon come together for a time of spiritual rest and reflection during this semester’s Convocation. Services begin Sunday evening with a message from Lee President Dr. Paul Conn and will conclude Thursday, Feb. 2.
“I’m excited about our upcoming Convocation series,” said Dr. Jimmy Harper, campus pastor at Lee. “It’s taking place a little earlier in the semester than usual, but I think it will help us get the year started in a wonderful way. It’s going to be an awesome week to focus on our relationship with God.”
On Monday night, Dr. Mark Walker will share the message. Dr. Walker began his full-time ministry in 1984 and has served as the senior pastor at Mount Paran North in Marietta, Ga., since 1992. He earned his doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University School for Leadership Studies and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in counseling form Georgia State University. He is also a member of Lee University’s Board of Directors.
Lee alum Scott Sheppard will bring Tuesday evening’s message. Mr. Sheppard has served as lead pastor of Cornerstone Church of God in Athens, Ga., for the past 16 years. In 2015, Cornerstone was named one of the top 100 fastest growing churches in America by Outreach Magazine. During his time at Lee, Mr. Sheppard served as president for Upsilon Xi and was recently named Upsilon’s Alumnus of the Year. He serves on the Board for the Church of God State Council and on the Board for Athletes in Action at the University of Georgia. Mr. Sheppard regularly speaks at conferences and seminars on relationships and leadership development.
Lee alum and current senior administrator Phil Cook will speak Wednesday evening. Mr. Cook has been employed at Lee since 1993, and his tenure in Admissions began in 1997. He currently serves as the vice president for enrollment, overseeing admissions, graduate enrollment, financial aid, international students, and veteran’s affairs. Mr. Cook earned a Master of Divinity at the Church of God School of Theology and his bachelor’s degree from Lee College. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration at the University of Tennessee of Knoxville.
Weeknight convocation services begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Conn Center with overflow in the Dixon Center. Services will include live worship led by Lee’s Chapel Praise Band.
Morning services begin at 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday and will also be held in the Conn Center with overflow in the Dixon Center.
On Tuesday morning Vanessa Carey, vice president of Women’s Services for Atlanta Mission, will speak during regular chapel time. Ms. Carey has been a part of Corporate America for the past 20 years, working with companies such as Cox Communications, specializing in the areas of training and development, leadership development, and organizational development.
Thursday morning the Conn Center will host a student-only event during regular chapel time.
To close Convocation on Thursday evening there will be a special U-Church event with Elevation Worship. Elevation is the worship team of Elevation Church, based in Charlotte, N.C. They believe in the power of using their music to lift up the name of Jesus and reflect what God is doing in and through the people of Elevation Church.
Lee University encourages all students and guests to attend and participate in this semester’s Convocation. For those unable to attend, services will be available for live stream viewing at www.leeuniversity.edu/video. For more information, contact Campus Ministries at 614-8420.