Exciting News: Lee University Reveals 2025 YAPD Grant Award Winners!

The Lee University Office of Alumni Relations announced the winners of the 2025 Young Alumni Professional Development Grant. This grant helps recent graduates pursue career opportunities. Andrea Patrick, the director of Alumni Relations, emphasized its importance. “It empowers alumni to attend conferences, gain new skills, and stay connected,” she said.

Open to all alumni within ten years of graduating, the grant has diverse winners this year: Azure Bell, Andrew Franklin, Davis Hale, Alissa Long, Brianna McCall, Bethany Reinsch, and Alisha Willett.

Azure Bell graduated from the School of Nursing in 2020. She works as a postpartum registered nurse at Erlanger East Hospital in Chattanooga. With this grant, she aims to become a certified lactation consultant, enabling her to support new mothers better.

Andrew Franklin, a 2021 biology and psychology graduate, is now an otolaryngology resident at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He plans to use the funds for a research project to enhance surgical safety and effectiveness.

Davis Hale, also a 2021 graduate, is starting a drone tech company focused on construction. He will attend the XPONENTIAL Conference in Houston to connect with industry leaders and explore partnerships.

Alissa Long, a 2015 Spanish grad, works as the Middle Tennessee regional coordinator for Isaiah 117 House, which helps children in the foster system. She plans to use the grant for training in leadership and trauma care.

Brianna McCall, a civil engineer with the USDA Forest Service, graduated in 2020. She will use her grant to cover costs for her professional engineer exam, a crucial step in her career.

Bethany Reinsch, who double-majored in Spanish and English writing at Lee, graduated in 2024. She aims to enhance her studies at Kansas State University by participating in a French immersion program in Normandy.

Alisha Willett, graduated in 2023 with a degree in ministry leadership and counseling. She works as a counselor and plans to take courses in anger management and domestic violence to deepen her expertise.

The selection process for the grant is competitive. Patrick noted that the Alumni Advisory Board carefully reviews applications, ensuring recipients have promising professional goals. “It’s inspiring to see such impressive applicants,” she said. This initiative not only helps individuals grow but also nurtures a culture of lifelong learning among alumni.

Research shows that opportunities for professional development can significantly increase job satisfaction and career advancement. According to a survey by LinkedIn, 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development.

For more information on the YAPD Grant, interested alumni can connect through alumni@leeuniversity.edu or call (423) 614-8316.



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