Sharon Priest accepting the 2017 School of Business Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award for her mother, Dr. Evaline Echols
Dr. Evaline Echols was named the 2017 School of Business Distinguished Alumnus of the Year at the annual department breakfast at Lee University’s Homecoming.
“It is upon these shoulders [Echols] that we, the current School of Business, stand,” said Dr. DeWayne Thompson, dean of Lee’s School of Business. “This is her legacy and the reason she is the 2017 School of Business Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.”
Dr. Echols has served at Lee for the past 60 years in a variety of ways. She originally worked in the president’s office from 1957-1984, then served as the business department chair until 2004, and as a full time professor until 2016. She currently is a senior adjunct professor in business.
According to Dr. Thompson, Dr. Echols received this award due to her commitment to Lee, the students, to her colleagues, and the administration.
Along with Dr. Thompson, Chad Carter, a School of Business alum, addressed Dr. Echols saying “more than anything, I personally appreciate how you loved each one of us with sincerity of heart as you taught us. Congratulations on 60 years of serving Christ and motivating young lives like mine.”
She was also awarded the Excellence in Scholarship Award by the university in 1991.
Dr. Echols is a frequent speaker at seminars and professional meetings. She has also published four books with Pathway Press: “Sitting at His Feet,” “Basketful of Blessings,” “Climb Up Through Your Valleys,” and “Mount Up With Wings.”
She received her doctorate from Louisiana State University, her master’s from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and her bachelor’s from Lee College.
Dr. Echols was unable to attend the breakfast, but her daughter, Sharon Priest, was there to accept the award on her behalf.
Dr. Evaline Echols