Lee University doctoral candidate Brandon Holt presenting his research during the 2024 symposium
Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education will host the Fourth Annual Doctoral Student Research Poster Symposium in the School of Nursing lobby on Wednesday, April 30, at 5:30 p.m. The symposium will feature students from Lee’s Doctor of Education, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy programs.
“This symposium is a dynamic space for doctoral students to showcase research that bridges theory, practice, and faith,” said Dr. Roy Y. Chan, assistant professor of education and director of graduate studies in education at Lee. “By bringing together faculty, colleagues, and graduate students across disciplines, this doctoral student-led conference embodies our commitment to Christ-animated learning and scholarship – work that not only advances knowledge but actively serves the church, strengthens our community, and transforms the East Tennessee region.”
The research poster symposium allows faculty members, staff, and students to meet the doctoral students at Lee and to bring together colleagues, friends, family, and community members interested in graduate education.
“We are so proud to have several of our students presenting their dissertation research at this year’s symposium,” said Dr. Brandon Rodgers, director of graduate studies in counseling and assistant professor of MFT at Lee. “This event highlights the meaningful work being done by our PhD students in Marriage and Family Therapy here at Lee. This annual event not only showcases the academic excellence of our doctoral candidates but also emphasizes their commitment to advancing the field through research that directly impacts families, therapists, and communities.”
Amanda Edens, Teresa Goins and Gavin Reiniche from the EdD program are presenting on fostering connection in latino families, K-12 trauma-informed training, and a targeted mental health program for student athletes.
From the DNP program, Rebecca Bouvier, Jacqueline Edleblute and Alia Parker will present on topics such as family dietary and health behaviors, improvement of inpatient outcomes, and directed medical therapy for heart failure.
Presenters from the PhD program are Madison Gabhart, Abigail Jones, Hannah Manning and Linden Turner, covering topics such as generational relationships, short term residential care treatment approaches, faith deconstruction and perspectives of mothers-in-law.
The event is co-hosted by the EdD program, the DNP program and the PhD in MFT program.
"We cannot wait to showcase the innovative work of our DNP students alongside their peers from across the university,” said Dr. Julie Campbell, director of graduate studies in nursing and assistant professor of nursing at Lee. “This symposium celebrates the significant contributions our doctoral students are making within their respective fields, and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines and appreciate the continued support of our campus community towards scholarly excellence.”
Dr. Jean Eledge, vice president for academic affairs, will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. She joined Lee’s faculty of Language and Literature in 1990 as a professor of French. She has served the institution in various roles that include full-time faculty, chairperson of the Department of Language and Literature for 21 years, assistant vice president for academic affairs for five years, and vice president of academic affairs since 2023.
"I am pleased and honored to be a part of this outstanding event,” said Dr. Eledge. “This event is an opportunity to highlight our doctoral students and their research. They have achieved their personal goals and are now ready to take advanced knowledge, training and skills to their respective fields and to those whom they will serve.”
The EdD Program in Professional Practice seeks to develop passionate and empathetic leaders through the practice of ethical action, redemptive service, and responsible citizenship in the church, community, and the world. The program was developed by faculty in the Lee University HDCOE and Local Education Agency partners.
The DNP Program offers a terminal degree that prepares graduates to practice at the highest level of nursing and lead change through translational research. Students benefit from Lee’s distinctive programming related to rural, global, and disaster healthcare, with the integration of a Christian worldview.
The mission of the Lee University MFT Doctoral Program is to prepare leaders in the marriage and family field that serve the underserved through Christian organizations and their surrounding communities. The core priorities of the program are to develop each student to become an innovative clinician, a proficient educator, a systemic supervisor, and a pragmatic researcher.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information about Lee’s EdD program, visit leeu/academics/graduate/edd/.
For more information about Lee’s DNP program, visit leeu/academics/nursing/dnp/.
For more information about Lee’s MFT doctoral program, visit leeu/graduate/ and click “Graduate Studies in Counseling.”
For more information about the symposium, contact Graduate Studies in Education at 614-8544.
Dr. Jean Eledge