John Coats Discusses the History of Lee University

Join John Coats as he discusses his book, *Lee University: The Path from Church of God Bible Training School to Modern University*, published by The University of Tennessee Knoxville Press in 2025. In this engaging talk, Coats will delve into the rich history of Lee University, tracing its origins from a Bible training school established by the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee, in 1918. Initially intended to serve as the Christian training arm of the denomination, the institution expanded to include a high school, music school, and junior college before returning to Cleveland post-World War II and adopting the name Lee College in honor of Reverend F. J. Lee, a key figure in its legacy.

Coats, a faculty member at Lee, provides a unique insider's perspective on the university's evolution and its deep-rooted connections with the Church of God in the American South. His narrative examines the influential leaders, significant milestones, and the ongoing dynamics between traditionalists and progressives that have shaped the institution's identity over the years. This discussion will be particularly valuable for anyone interested in Appalachian religious and Pentecostal history.