Paul Conn Education

In August 2020, after 34 years as President of Lee University, Paul Conn stepped down from his post he has held since 1986. Now Chancellor of the University, moved into the top spot at Lee after fourteen years as a member of the psychology faculty at the institution. During his administration, the university saw significant growth in the size of the campus, student body, and reputation as an educational leader in the region.

Conn earned his Ph.D. degree in psychology and Master of Arts degree from Emory University. He also spent three years at Harvard University as a postdoctoral student in the Graduate School of Education, one year as a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Divinity School, and completed his undergraduate work at Lee College and Georgia State University.

Among the board and executive positions Conn has held during his tenure at Lee are Board Member of the Council of Independent Colleges, Chairman of the President’s Council of the Southern States Athletic Conference, Commissioner of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, member of the Executive Committee of the Commission on Colleges, member of the Executive Committee of the Appalachian Colleges Association, Board Member of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association, and Board Member on the national board of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

Conn was the winner of numerous awards for leadership, in educational and professional circles, throughout his career. Conn and his wife, Darlia, have three children and ten grandchildren.