Biography

Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, a profound academician, is the 13th President of Jarvis Christian University. She is the institution’s second Black female president, having assumed this post on July 1, 2023. Pastor, educator and social worker, who found her calling as president, Dr. Pruitt has twenty-five years of experience in higher education. She has served in various capacities from faculty member to administrator on different levels. She gained valuable insight and understanding of higher education through her matriculation at public and private historically Black universities. Throughout her career, she has led and served these institutions by positively promoting academics and unity among faculty, staff, and students…thus, her tag line for her presidency and Jarvis is Accessible, Approachable and Available—JCU is the Triple “A” University.

Formerly, she served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for a period of twelve years and was a participant in a remarkably successful succession plan that was approved by the Institution’s Board of Trustees in 2016. As a part of the executive team, she was instrumental in increasing student enrollment and reducing the three year cohort default rate from 36.5% to the current rate of 0%. She also participated in budgetary management processes, which resulted in the University receiving five years of unqualified audits.

As Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, she participated in a SACSCOC reaffirmation process that culminated in Jarvis Christian University receiving reaffirmation of accreditation in 2014; the establishment of the Dallas Teaching Site, re-establishment of the Associate of Arts (AA) program, the creation of Jarvis Online (JOL), and the implementation of graduate programs in Business Administration and Criminal Justice, which led to the College’s transition to University status. Additionally, under her leadership, concentrations in the innovative academic programs of Cyber-security, Sports Management, and Healthcare Management were added to the curriculum, as was the Mass Communications major. She increased the number of faculty with terminal degrees from single digit percentages to now more than 70 percent; established international programs to enhance students’ experiences globally; facilitated the onboarding of Fulbright Scholars who have taught courses in Swahili, Arabic, and Mandarin…and as such, Jarvis Christian University is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Fulbright Leader Institution.

Prior to her arrival at Jarvis Christian University, Dr. Pruitt served in various capacities at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) from 1998 to 2012. As a Social Work faculty, she collaborated with her colleagues to establish the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, the only one in the Mississippi Delta and one of the fastest growing programs to prepare professionals to serve communities in need. Other positions held at MVSU included Director of Community Service-Service Learning, Dean of University College, and Director of the Adult Learning Program.

In preparation for executive leadership opportunities, she participated in leadership development programs, including the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Presidential Vocation and Institutional Mission Program and the Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) for prospective college and university presidents. She was also a participant in the internal leadership training programs provided by Jarvis Christian University and Mississippi Valley State University.

In addition to the various positions she has held in higher education, Dr. Pruitt demonstrated leadership skills in the role of Pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is an ordained Itinerant Elder, having served in various capacities, including service as a member of the General Board of the A. M. E. Church from 2008-2016 and the General Conference Commission from 2016-2021. She also served in a leadership position of Christian Education for the 8th Episcopal District that includes the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. Just recently, she transitioned from Pastor to President.

Dr. Pruitt holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work from Jackson State University, a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary, a Master of Social Work from Temple University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Jackson State University.

She has one daughter, Gwendolyn Lee and two granddaughters, Jailynn Mariah Lee and P’Riyah Marie Jackson.