A familiar face is taking the helm of Graduate Programs in Counseling & Psychology (GPCP) at Southern Nazarene University (SNU), and we couldn’t be more excited. Dr. Wesley C. Lee, an SNU alum and long-time educator, administrator, and researcher, brings over 26 years of experience in higher education to this leadership position.
As the GPCP Program Director, Dr. Lee will be overseeing both the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) and Master of Arts in Applied Psychology (MAAP) programs. Along with his extensive experience, Dr. Lee’s diverse professional background and commitment to Christian higher education make him an excellent fit for the position of program director.
“I’m honored to return to SNU, where my academic journey first began and where I now continue my commitment to Christian higher education in this new role,” Dr. Lee shares. “This is a place where faith and learning come together in powerful ways to prepare students for meaningful service.”
Dr. Lee’s SNU roots run deep. He earned both his Bachelor of Science in Biology (with minors in Physics and Psychology) and his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at SNU before completing his Ph.D. in Health Psychology at Northcentral University in San Diego, California.
Dr. Lee served on SNU’s faculty for many years before retiring in 2018 and earning the title of SNU Professor Emeritus. However, his retirement didn’t last long. He joined Southwestern Christian University as Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences soon after. In 2023, Dr. Lee was appointed Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer. His academic journey has come full circle as he returns to SNU as the GPCP Program Director.
Before entering a career in the field of Christian higher education, Dr. Lee had a diverse professional journey. He enjoyed working as a licensed nuclear reactor operator, behavioral practitioner, certified behavioral analyst, Christian radio announcer, carpenter, and emergency medical technician.
“There are crucial skills—complex problem-solving, critical thinking, triage, and behavioral analysis—that I developed early in my career which continue to serve me well as a professor, research psychologist, and university administrator,” Dr. Lee says.
These varied experiences provide Dr. Lee with a unique perspective on counseling and psychology, valuing not only academic rigor but also human connection.
According to Dr. Lee, a cornerstone of the program is the development of students’ ability to foster therapeutic trust with clients. He understands the significant part that trust plays in the healing process. “Healing is nearly impossible without a foundation of trust,” he explains. “We take a comprehensive approach that addresses emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.”
This comprehensive approach shapes every aspect of the graduate programs. From coursework to practicum, learn not only theory and technique, but also how to connect with clients on a human level. This connection is beneficial in fostering safety, openness, and hope within client-practitioner relationships.
Dr. Lee knows that success in graduate counseling and psychology programs requires more than strong academic prowess. “It entails self-awareness, resilience, and a genuine commitment to personal and professional growth,” he says.
He describes successful students as those who:
“In a faith-based setting, integrating biblical principles with evidence-based practices is essential,” Dr. Lee says. “Those who succeed here understand that counseling is both a science and a calling—one that requires both heart and skill." He is passionate about equipping future counselors with both clinical insight and a solid, Christ-centered theological foundation.
As a published researcher, Dr. Lee has presented at several academic forums, including the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the Best Practices in Psychology Conference. He has also co-edited a medical psychology textbook, contributed to several other books, and co-authored more than ten peer-reviewed journal articles.
Despite his achievements as a scholar, he says, “The most meaningful accomplishments are reflected in the lives of university students I’ve had the privilege to mentor and disciple.”
Psychology is more than a profession for Dr. Lee. It is a ministry. “Psychology, as a discipline, offers powerful tools to impact the world for Christ—particularly through its cognitive approach, which often invites individuals into meaningful introspection and personal growth,” he explains.
Dr. Lee credits much of his success to his faith in God. He also acknowledges the mentorship of his childhood pastor, who was also a university professor. Raised in a middle-class family, Dr. Lee learned the value of hard work and education at an early age. He firmly believes perseverance is a key trait of lasting success.
Education and ministry are a way of life for Dr. Lee and his wife of 44 years, Esther, a retired educator and current adjunct professor. They have served together through the years in Christian ministry as Sunday School teachers, Bible Quiz coaches, and youth leaders.
Dr. Lee’s intellectual and spiritual influences include J. I. Packer, Henri Nouwen, and Viktor Frankl. One of his favorite books is Packer’s Knowing God.
Looking ahead, Dr. Lee plans to focus his research on the factors that influence life satisfaction in the later stages of life. He is particularly intrigued by the remarkably low prevalence of dementia among older adults living in global "blue zones."
His vision for SNU’s counseling and psychology graduate programs is clear:
With Dr. Lee at the helm, SNU’s Graduate Programs in Counseling & Psychology remain a place where heart meets skill, and where future counselors are equipped to serve with wisdom, compassion, and faith.