University Relations Expands

A string of transitions to Lee University's University Relations sector was recently announced by Lee President Paul Conn at the school's annual employee meeting. According to Conn the new team is comprised of familiar faces serving in new roles together with others in the university's advancement unit.

"These professionals will help tell the Lee story, build strong relationships, and better serve many of the school's constituents, internally and externally," said Conn.

Moving to the sector from other parts of the university administration are Vanessa Hammond and Carman Lastoria.

Hammond, who has been at Lee since 1993 serving in roles such as lecturer in literature, director of academic services, and director of grants, joins University Relations as its senior officer in the role of senior director of foundation and corporate relations.

Carman Lastoria, having previously served as associate athletic director and director of athletic communications at Lee, is now serving as the director of donor relations.

Also new to the team is Kristen Grisham, who was introduced earlier this month as the director of community engagement.

They join Andrea Patrick, who began serving as director of alumni relations in May, and Dr. Fijoy Johnson, who has served in University Relations since 2022 as director of special projects but has now been named director of church relations.

The group will collaborate with other dedicated University Relations team members Carolyn Carroll and Edie Shackelford in Advancement Services; Cameron Tucker, coordinator of Grant Management and Accounting; and Audra Iannarone, the administrative assistant to the entire sector, to work toward the advancement of the institution on many fronts.

"We need strong bridges between Lee and people in our community, congregations, alumni groups, foundations, and businesses," added Conn. "I'm happy to announce that this is the team who will be building these bridges and am eager to see them flourish in this good work."