TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
Joe. A. Lee 1945-2024
University and Boston University. Johnson was initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. via the Charlotte (NC) Alumni Chapter on March 6, 1981. During his forty-three years of membership, Johnson was an esteemed chapter member and a strong and dedicated supporter of the Fraternity’s programs and activities locally, regionally,
Past president of Tougaloo College and Alabama State University, Educator By Drs. Joseph Lee & Bertis English
D r. Joe A. Lee—11th Mississippi, and 12th president of Alabama State University—was born away to Chapter Invisible on January 31, 2024. Lee’s life began on August 12, 1945, in Brewton, AL. After completing a predom- inantly Black high school in Brewton called Southern Normal, Lee enrolled at president of Tougaloo College in Jackson, Talladega College. In the fall of 1965, while matriculating through Talladega College, Lee was duly initiated into the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. As a student-scholar, Lee deseg- regated the United States Forestry Service, becoming one of three African Amer- ican park rangers. In 1968, Lee earned a B.S. degree in biology and returned to his high school alma mater, where he taught biology, chemistry, earth science, physical sciences, and physics courses. Of equal
“... 11TH PRESIDENT OF TOUGALOO COLLEGE IN JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, AND 12TH PRESIDENT OF ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ...”
and nationally. He was named Charlotte (NC)
Alumni Chapter Man of the Year and Senior Brother of the Year and served with distinction as Chairman of the Beautillion Militaire, the Chapter’s signature Guide Right program. He was a devoted, loving father, brother, grandfather, and friend. His family, friends and fraternity brothers, will remember him with admiration and fondness for his devotion to family; his passion for and commitment to mentoring and empowering youth. Brother Clarence Johnson, Jr., is survived by his son, Clarence Kendell Johnson, daughter, Tomika Coleman and brother Patrick McDonnough; four grandchildren; Nasir Coleman, Nalah Coleman,
significance to his teaching duties, Lee mentored youth, was a devoted church- goer, and sought to serve Brewton in sundry other admirable ways. Lee returned to Talla- dega College in 1971 as an educational administrator in the HBCU Fundrais- ing and Public Relations departments. Eventually, he became director of devel- opment. In 1992, following a sabbatical from Talladega to pursue doctoral study at Miami University in educational administration, he returned to Talladega College, after which he assumed the Provost & Vice
President for Academic Affairs position. In the summer of 1995, Lee left Talladega Col- lege to become the 12th president of Tougaloo College. According to him, “fundraising in a very tight marketplace, restoring aging campus infrastruc- ture, and maintaining the visibility of the historically Black college in the twilight of affirmative action” were three of the most signifi- cant challenges he faced as president. During his six-year presidency, Lee inaugurated a $6 million, 48,000-square-foot health and wellness center and a
Kaharri Coleman and Kartier Coleman. ♦
64 THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2023-2024
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