For Immediate Release
Bethany, OK - Southern Nazarene University (SNU) is proud to announce the appointment of Wesley C. Lee, Ph.D., as the new Program Director for SNU’s Graduate Programs in Counseling and Psychology. Dr. Lee, an SNU alum, will oversee the Master of Arts in Applied Psychology and the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree programs.
Dr. Lee is honored to return to Southern Nazarene University, where his academic journey first began and where he now continues his commitment to Christian higher education in this new role. Following his retirement from SNU in 2018, he was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus. He brings over 26 years of experience in higher education. After his abbreviated retirement, he joined Southwestern Christian University as Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, where he was appointed Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer in July 2023.
Before his career in Christian higher education, Dr. Lee had a diverse professional life. He served as a licensed nuclear reactor operator, behavioral practitioner, certified behavioral analyst, Christian radio announcer, carpenter, and emergency medical technician. Reflecting on these roles, he states:
“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 holds a B.S. in Biology with minors in Physics and Psychology and an M.S. in Counseling Psychology, both from Southern Nazarene University. He earned his Ph.D. in Health Psychology from Northcentral University in San Diego, California. A published researcher, Dr. Lee has presented his work at several academic forums, including the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the Best Practices in Psychology Conference, among others.
He is an active member of several professional and scholarly organizations, including:
American Psychological Association
Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology (Honorary President)
Psi Chi (The International Honor Society in Psychology)
Golden Key International Honour Society
National Society of Leadership and Success
Society for Pentecostal Studies
Kiwanis International
Dr. Lee and his wife of 44 years, Esther—a retired educator and current adjunct professor—have long served in Christian ministry, including roles as Sunday School teachers, Bible Quiz coaches/directors, and youth leaders. Dr. Lee shared that he attributes much of his success to his steadfast faith in God and the mentorship of his childhood pastor, who was also a university professor.
Dr. Lee is delighted to continue his work at SNU, sharing:
"...the most meaningful accomplishments are reflected in the lives of university students I've had the privilege to mentor and disciple."
Dr. Lee’s appointment marks a renewed chapter for SNU’s graduate counseling and psychology programs—one that blends academic excellence, real-world experience, and a deep commitment to Christ-centered education. Under his leadership, SNU looks forward to equipping the next generation of counselors and psychologists to serve with wisdom, compassion, and purpose.
About Southern Nazarene University
Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian liberal arts university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional and adult-focused formats. Through its Professional and Graduate Studies division, SNU delivers flexible, values-based programs designed to help students advance personally and professionally.
