Dewayne Thompson, Dean
Shane Griffith, Associate Dean
In keeping with the goals of Lee University, the School of Business seeks to provide major programs of quality to prepare students for success in graduate and professional schools and in the early stages of their careers as they consider their calling. The School of Business offers programs of study designed to prepare men and women for professional experiences in business, government, nonprofit, the teaching profession and the community at large. This is done by imparting the ethical, philosophical and diversity principles upon which our society and our economy rest and by equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills. A pedagogical emphasis is placed on experiential learning bolstered by a focus on critical thinking skills. Since a significant dimension of the business curriculum includes the integration of one’s faith with the discipline, graduates should demonstrate a Christian worldview as they discharge the duties of their profession.
The School of Business is accredited by the
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
(http://www.acbsp.org)
The School offers majors in Accounting, Business Administration (with emphases in Finance, International Business, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing Management, and Nonprofit Management), Business Education/Corporate Training with teacher certification, Healthcare Administration, and Information Systems. Minors are offered to non-school majors in Accounting, Business Administration, Information Systems, and Finance.
An Information Systems major who wishes to add Business Administration as a second major must select an emphasis other than Management Information Systems.
Accounting
The program in accounting is designed to equip students with broad training and intensive preparation for the practice of accounting from a Christian worldview. The coursework focuses on the principles and theories that support preparation of financial statements according to U.S. and international accounting principles with information that supports the decision-making process of internal and external users. The undergraduate accounting program incorporates accounting standards, financial statement preparation, managerial accounting, budgeting, taxation, accounting information systems, auditing, governmental and not-for-profit accounting concepts. It is intended to prepare undergraduate students to expand, create, and employ accounting knowledge for practical impact as scholars, practitioners, educators, and policy-makers with an ethical disposition. Students should be prepared to enter careers in the private, public, governmental, or the nonprofit sector as accountants, consultants, financial analysts, tax or business advisors, tax preparers, or internal auditors. The curriculum is designed with consideration given to preparation for the CPA exam.
Business Administration
The Business Administration program is designed to prepare graduates to fulfill vital roles in private, public and nonprofit organizations as well as lay a solid foundation for pursuing graduate studies in business. The curriculum cultivates critical thinking skills, strengthens faith integration, broadens research, enhances teamwork, and applies experiential learning to produce a competent, entry level business professional with a strong sense of moral integrity. Students should have a robust grasp of business administration principles, technical know-how and interpersonal skills needed to be effective in key areas of business such as management, marketing, finance, international business, and non-profit management. The emphases offered in business administration allow students to focus the program of study in a particular business area that will further enhance their skill set and expertise. Students should be prepared to function effectively integrating their Christian faith into a wholesome approach to their professional identity that will make them better professionals in the business setting.
Business Education/Corporate Training
The Business Education program prepares graduates for initial employment as business teachers in secondary schools, careers in business, corporate training and for graduate school. Given the diverse and dynamic nature of today’s world, the program emphasizes decision making, problem-solving, technological skills and pedagogical skills.
Healthcare Administration
The healthcare administration program prepares students to lead and promote excellence in the delivery of healthcare services. Based on biblical truths in a faith-based setting, the program emphasizes the conceptual, analytical, and applied skills necessary to succeed in management positions with the healthcare profession. The curriculum includes a wide variety of courses including healthcare informatics, clinical programming, accounting and finance specific to healthcare, legal compliance, staffing effectiveness, and marketing and operational excellence. In addition, students have the opportunity to enter into an Administrator-in-Training program that will prepare them for the NHA licensure test or take an internship track that reflects the student’s desired career path. Graduates of the program are eligible for employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, physician group practices, medical clinics, home health agencies and assisted living facilities. Additionally, graduates could have the opportunity to improve healthcare policy by pursuing employment on a local, state, or federal basis (e.g., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, etc.).
Information Systems
Information systems (IS) is a field that encompasses the components of application development, system support and security, user support, database administration, network administration, and web support that businesses and organizations rely on to implement and manage their operations, interact with customers and suppliers, and compete in the marketplace. The IS program is designed to prepare students for working in this field where the technology changes at a rapid pace and continuous education is the expectation. Ethical analysis and critical thinking are key components that are emphasized along with the biblical truths that are part of the faith integrated curriculum. Internships that provide experiential learning integrating course concepts and practical applications are strongly recommended. Partnerships with local businesses and organizations in proximity to the student’s residence are encouraged. Additionally, students should pursue professional certifications that document skills as they complete their coursework. Students should be prepared to work in any organization with information technology needs.
Minors
The School of Business offers four minors to non-school majors (18 hours each): accounting, business, information systems, and finance. All prerequisites for minor courses must be met in addition to the required courses.
School of Business Faculty
Accounting
| Assistant Professors Randy Miedaner and Amy Sussin |
| Senior Lecturer Beth Seymour |
Business
| Professors Dewayne Thompson, Shane Griffith and Hermilo Jasso |
| Associate Professors Guy DeLoach and Kathy Estes |
| Assistant Professors Allison Pierce and David Smartt |
| Visiting Lecturer Holly Sullivan |
Information Systems
| Associate Professor Mava Wilson |
Marketing
| Associate Professor Karen Mountain |
| Lecturer Marc Gilbert |
Business Cross-Cultural Opportunities
Students with an international business emphasis must participate in a School of Business cross-cultural experience. Trips may include travel to Europe, the Middle East / North Africa, various Asian or South American countries, or the post-Soviet states. Domestic travel opportunities exist as well.
The School of Business offers the following programs of study:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Other Programs
