Dr. Mason Lee has been appointed dean of the Graduate School of Theology, effective immediately, after serving as interim dean since 2025.

Lee has been at ACU since 2020, serving as associate dean and director of contextual education before stepping into his role as interim dean.

Lee said the appointment is less about personal achievement than continuing the Graduate School of Theology’s longstanding mission.

“It’s really just a tremendous honor–knowing the legacy and the history that I’m stepping into and what it means to be a steward of that now,” said Lee.

Lee credited recent enrollment growth and the Lilly Endowment grant to the collective work of the Graduate School of Theology rather than his own leadership. The $1 million Lilly Endowment grant supports the Graduate School of Theology’s Ministry Residency Program, the largest grant in the school’s history.

“Those aren’t necessarily my accomplishments, said Lee. “The achievement is getting to participate in a community that’s capable of things like that and to be at an institution that encourages that–It’s pretty exciting and humbling.”

As dean, Lee said that a collaborative approach carries into his daily responsibilities. He said his days range from discussing new academic programs and finances to curriculum planning and student support.

“At the heart of what a dean’s job is, it’s shepherding and stewarding the faculty, staff and students in your care well,” said Lee.

Those leadership qualities were among the reasons former colleagues believed Lee was the right choice.

Former dean Carson Reed said Lee possesses the qualities needed to lead the Graduate School of Theology.

“He loves the church deeply and cares about congregations,” said Reed. “He has a compelling vision for the future of the Graduate School of Theology.”

Search committee chair, Dr. Andy Little, also spoke to Lee’s qualifications.

“He had the right combination of experience at the university, strong scholarship, good teaching, and was highly regarded by the faculty in the Graduate School of Theology. He stood out in all regards.”

As he begins serving as dean, Lee said he is grateful for the encouragement he has received from across campus.

“The way I have felt supported and encouraged just speaks to the kind of community this is, and I just feel incredibly grateful to be here and to get to serve in this role,” said Lee.