Cleveland, Tennessee, July 28, 2025
News Summary
This Saturday, graduates at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, will gather for the summer commencement ceremony featuring Dr. Joshua Rice as the keynote speaker. As a proud alumnus and current provost at Richmont Graduate University, Dr. Rice embodies academic excellence and dedication. The ceremony will confer 106 degrees, accompanied by a musical performance from The Voices of Lee. Family and friends will celebrate this momentous occasion together, with live streaming available for those unable to attend in person.
Exciting Times in Cleveland, Tennessee: Dr. Joshua Rice to Deliver Commencement Address at Lee University
This Saturday marks an important milestone for graduates at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. The summer commencement ceremony, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. in the Conn Center, will be graced by Stalwart alumnus Dr. Joshua Rice as the keynote speaker. Graduates, family, and friends gather in anticipation to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Who is Dr. Joshua Rice?
Dr. Rice isn’t just any speaker. He’s someone who has deep roots at Lee University, as he is a proud graduate himself. Now serving as the provost and dean of the School of Ministry at Richmont Graduate University, he embodies the spirit of dedication and academic excellence that Lee University nurtures in its students.
Richmont Graduate University operates in vibrant cities like Atlanta and Chattanooga, and even accommodates online learners. Dr. Rice’s role extends beyond administrative duties; he also teaches biblical studies and supervises master’s theses in the online graduate programs, showcasing his commitment to education.
A Man of Many Hats
But Dr. Rice’s expertise goes beyond academia. He’s an active member of the pastoral staff at New Life Church of God located in Canton, Georgia. His work is driven by a passion for ministry and community service, making him a well-rounded individual with much to share at the graduation ceremony.
Lee University President Dr. Phil Cook expressed immense honor at welcoming Dr. Rice back for this special event. Known as a favorite speaker among students at various university functions like chapel and convocation, his engaging and inspiring communication style is much anticipated.
Dr. Rice’s resume is impressive, featuring work with Ministry Renewal, a consulting firm, and he is in the process of applying to serve as a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserves. With his rich academic background, he holds three books under his name, reflecting on topics ranging from biblical patronage to Pentecostal spirituality.
The Road Less Traveled
His academic journey includes a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Theology from the Lutheran School of Theology, a master’s degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, and, of course, his undergraduate degree from Lee University. Not one to rest on his laurels, Dr. Rice is also pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Georgia State University.
On the personal front, Dr. Rice shares a wonderful life with his wife, Johnna, and their two daughters, Sophia and Evangelia. Their close-knit family exemplifies the values of community and support.
Commencement Ceremony Details
This year’s summer graduation ceremony will confer a total of 106 degrees, making it one of the three graduation ceremonies that occur annually at Lee University. A hooding ceremony will take place on Friday at 4:30 p.m. in The Lee Chapel. This special event honors master’s and education specialist degree recipients, as well as doctoral graduates.
The musical performance at the Saturday ceremony will be provided by The Voices of Lee, directed by Danny Murray, adding another layer of excitement to the day’s proceedings. It’s worth noting that both the hooding and commencement ceremonies are ticketed events. However, if you can’t be there in person, don’t worry! You can catch all the action through live streaming available at leeu.live.
For anyone with questions about the commencement exercises, the Academic Events Office is available for inquiries via email at [email protected], or they can be reached at (423) 614-8117. More detailed information can also be found at leeuniversity.edu/academics/graduation-info/.
In Summary
The summer commencement ceremony at Lee University promises to be filled with joy, inspiration, and a sense of achievement. With Dr. Joshua Rice at the helm as the commencement speaker, graduates will undoubtedly leave with a renewed sense of purpose and passion.
FAQ Section
When is the Lee University summer commencement ceremony?
The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Who will be speaking at the ceremony?
Dr. Joshua Rice, an alumnus of Lee University and current provost at Richmont Graduate University, will deliver the commencement address.
How many degrees will be conferred during the ceremony?
A total of 106 degrees will be conferred during the summer ceremony.
Will there be a musical performance at the ceremony?
Yes, The Voices of Lee, directed by Danny Murray, will perform during the ceremony.
Can the ceremony be streamed live?
Yes, the ceremony will be available for live streaming at leeu.live.
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Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan: Dr. Joshua Rice to Speak at Lee University’s Commencement
- Lee Clarion: Lee University’s President Search
- Chattanoogan: Lowry to Speak at Lee’s Spring Event
- WAVY: Sheryl Lee Ralph to Keynote Norfolk State University Commencement
- NOLA: Tulane University Keynote Speaker Sheryl Lee Ralph
- Wikipedia: Lee University
- Google Search: Lee University
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