Lee University Welcomes New Faculty For The Fall

Lee University welcomes six new faculty to its campus for the upcoming year: two in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, one in the Communication Arts Department, and one each to the School of Business, School of Music, and School of Nursing.

Dr. Dennis Michael Franklin joins the Department of Mathematical Sciences as a professor of computer science. In addition to teaching, he will work with both the computer science and engineering programs to continue course and curriculum development, research, and secure industry partnerships.

Dr. Franklin earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Georgia State University, a Master of Science (MS) from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and his Bachelor of Science (BS) from Southern Polytechnic University. He has experience as a chief information officer and chief technology officer, working with government agencies in the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Franklin is an international speaker on AI, machine learning, robotics, and high-performance computing.

Dr. Mark Kilgore joins the Department of Mathematical Sciences as an assistant professor of engineering. He will teach courses such as Introduction to Engineering and Engineering Dynamics and will collaborate with other faculty to assist the project architects in finalizing the components of the new engineering building opening in the fall of 2026. He also serves on the advisory board of the Construction Management and Engineering College at the University of Wyoming.

Dr. Kilgore earned his PhD and Master of Engineering from the University of Florida and his MS and BS from Southern Polytechnic State University. He brings over 40 years of experience in the engineering and construction industries, having designed and managed residential, commercial, and industrial projects across the southeastern United States. His family also operates a forensic engineering firm specializing in the investigation of structural failures and construction defects in support of insurance defense.

Lee Waller joins the Communication Arts Department as an associate lecturer of cinema. With over a decade of part-time teaching experience at Lee and more than 20 years in the university’s media services department, Mr. Waller brings extensive industry and institutional knowledge. He will teach courses in film production and digital media content creation, including cinematography, audio production for film, motion media design, and visual effects.

Mr. Waller earned his Master of Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design and his BS from Lee University. He has produced visual content as a motion designer, cinematographer, videographer, editor, visual effects artist, and audio specialist. His projects include promotional content, social media, live video productions, documentaries, and short films.

Dr. Kostas Stamatiadis joins the School of Business as an assistant professor of business and will teach courses such as Business Analytics, Management Science, and Project Management. He focuses on both theory and practice, mentoring students to prepare for careers in technology-driven sectors.

Dr. Stamatiadis earned his Doctor of Business Administration from Florida International University, his Master of Business Administration from California State University, and a Bachelor in Arts from Panteion University. He has a multidisciplinary international background encompassing engineering, construction management, real estate development, and finance. His professional engagements span the United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy, working with prominent firms including AT&T, American Tower, Lucent, British Telecom, and Nokia.

Dr. Leonardo Rosario joins the School of Music as an assistant professor of strings and conductor of the Lee University Orchestra. He will also teach applied violin and viola.

Dr. Rosario earned his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Carolina, a Master of Music from the Boston Conservatory, and a Bachelor in Music from Sao Paulo State University. He has performed internationally as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player in over 10 countries. In recent years, he has expanded into conducting, leading youth and community ensembles with a focus on collaborative growth.

Dr. Lynn Whelan joins the School of Nursing as an associate professor of nursing. She will teach both undergraduate and graduate courses and serve as coordinator of the Transformational Executive Nurse Leadership track in Lee’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program. She has over 40 years of nursing experience, with clinical specialties in cardiology and neurology.

Dr. Whelan has a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Emory University School of Nursing, and a Bachelor of Nursing from Kennesaw College. She has held leadership positions across a range of healthcare settings, including for-profit, nonprofit, and academic hospitals. Her teaching experience includes roles as adjunct faculty at Emory University, the University of Alabama, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Most recently, she taught in the accelerated MSN program at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia.