John Michael Lee Jr. joins SREB August 26 as vice president for development and policy research. In this role, he will lead a new development office to raise funds to expand SREB services and explore new opportunities to support states. He will also lead SREB’s policy analysis office, which researches education topics from pre-K through postsecondary and the workforce, and direct informational technology.

“I am truly looking forward to being part of an established leader in improving educational outcomes from early childhood through doctoral education,” Lee said. “I am excited to become a contributor to SREB’s mission to improve quality of life by advancing public education.”  

Most recently vice chancellor for university advancement and executive director of the foundation at Elizabeth City State University, Lee has held leadership positions at Florida A&M University, the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and the College Board. His expertise spans grant development and management, outreach and engagement, public policy development and implementation, P-16 education systems and issues, college access and success, and college and career readiness.

Lee earned his bachelor of science from Florida A&M University, master of public administration from Georgia State University and doctor of philosophy in higher education administration from New York University. 

“Dr. Lee is a results-oriented administrator, fundraiser and researcher,” said SREB President Stephen L Pruitt. “His broad experience will serve our states well as they work to improve education at all levels.”

Media Contact: Beth Day, (404) 879-5544

A nonprofit, nonpartisan interstate compact, SREB was created in 1948 by Southern governors and legislators who recognized the link between education and economic vitality. SREB states are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. More at SREB.org.