Charles Lee was named The University of Memphis’ vice-president for business and finance on Tuesday.
This announcement brings closure to nearly two years of searching to fill the key position, which was vacated by Dr. R. Eugene Smith. Smith had held the vice president position since 1971.
Lee, a native Memphian, will hold the position as the new vice president for business and finance at The U of M and bring The University closer to filling and positioning vacant administrative positions at The U of M.
“I am very pleased we were able to attract such a distinguished candidate as Mr. Charles Lee for vice president for business and finance,” said President Shirley Raines in a statement released on Tuesday. “I am looking forward to his joining the administrative team at The U of M.”
Lee is a graduate of Melrose High School in Memphis. Lee’s parents and brothers still reside in Memphis. His nephew, Joseph Lee III, is the chief financial officer for the city of Memphis.
Lee earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Fisk University and completed his graduate studies in finance at American University. Lee was also an IBM Fellow in the Alfred P. Sloan program at the Stanford University School of Business.
“I got this job with IBM which took me away from wanting to be a principal,” Lee said.
After spending 30 years at IBM, Lee decided he wanted to give back to the educational community.
Lee says it is heartwarming that he can work at The University of Memphis.
“I lived about 15 minutes from the campus but because of segregation I could not attend this university,” Lee said.
Lee was vice president for finance and administration of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). This organization is the premiere national association of college, university and independent school alumni, development and public relations officers, and was a key factor in The U of M’s selection of Lee.
“I was enthralled by the feeling of giving back and making a contribution,” Lee said. “I decided I should leave CASE and do something on a college campus.”
According to Lee, he has a full agenda as the new vice president. His first objective is to be as supportive as he can to Shirley Raines. His second agenda is to do whatever he can to change the financial conditions of the university.
Lee will be coming back and forth to The U of M, but his first assigned day to work is January 2, 2002.
