Dr. Charles Lea Retires from Welch College

Jun 30, 2021

Dr. Charles Lea recently retired from his position as Special Assistant to the President and Professor of Educational Leadership at Welch College, according to President Matt Pinson.

Before coming to Welch, Lea served as executive director of the Hendersonville campus of Union University. Prior to his work with Union, Lea served 16 years as Academic Vice President at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tennessee.

“I first met Dr. Lea when we started looking at our current property in Gallatin about thirteen years ago,” Pinson said. “Dr. Lea has been a wonderful friend to Welch, commending our mission and vision to the people of Sumner County and helping move us forward in a significant way. It’s been such a blessing to have his seasoned counsel and exemplary Christian leadership.”

Lea, who received his Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Vanderbilt University, has spent forty-five years in higher education and community leadership, most of that in Sumner County.

In a recent communiqué, Lea said, “It has been a joy to serve Welch College and to work with the many talented administrators and faculty at the college over the past four and one half years. I never thought when I began my work at Welch that I would stay this long, but due to the friendships, initiatives and Christ-like atmosphere, I delayed my departure.”  

“When I came to Volunteer State Community College some 30 years ago, I never dreamt I would be able to complete my public service to the Tennessee Board of Regents in Sumner County and assist in bringing Union University to Hendersonville and assist Welch in its relocation to Gallatin,” Lea continued. “I am particularly pleased with the work which I have completed at Welch. We have formed unique partnerships with other higher education institutions, public schools and business leaders.  We have also created a signature event for the college, Strong and Courageous.” 

Pinson said, “I’m delighted that Dr. Lea will continue to volunteer as an advisor to me and our leadership team here at Welch. What a great friend he has been and will continue to be to our institution!” 

The Welch community thanks Dr. Lea and wishes him and his wife Rita God’s blessings during their retirement.

We are a Christian Community of Faith and Learning

At Welch College, we provide a unique setting for preparing student-leaders to serve God in whatever field He is calling them to.

In this Christian community of faith and learning, students find their place in God’s world, and we equip them with the tools to fulfill that calling.

Educating leaders to
Serve Christ.

Explore our 50 programs of study.

Whatever your future occupation may be, we want you to know that life is about God. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to the spiritual formation of our students.

Degrees

Welch Divinity School

Associate’s Degrees

Bachelor’s Degrees

Master’s Degrees

Certificado de Estudios Bíblicos

The Certificate of Biblical & Ministry Studies

ESL Endorsement

Resources

Academic Calendar

Catalog

Populi

Library

Quick Links

Registrar

Contact Academic Office

In-Person. On-Campus.
See You This Fall.

Welch College has announced plans to return to a fully in-person learning and living campus experience this fall.

Explore our safe and thriving in-person community.

Visit Welch

Schedule a Visit

Welcome Days

Senior Days

Resources

#WelchBound

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Apply

On-Campus, Undergrad

Adult and Online

Graduate Degrees

Dual Enrollment

Contact Admissions

Better Together

At Welch College, you will be part of a community where students and professors know who you are.

Our students love it here, and you will too! You will have a great time making friendships that last a lifetime while learning in a safe, wholesome environment.

Campus Life

Christian Service

Community

The Arts at Welch

Athletics

Student Wellness

Resources

Incoming Students

Quick Links

WelchStudent.com

Contact Student Services