J.R.E. LEE, SR. LODGE #422

ABOUT J.R.E. LEE, SR.

John Robert Edward Lee, born to John and Mary Lee of Seguin, Texas in 1860 began his career in an ideal Christian household.  He finished Bishop College in 1889, seven years after marrying.  His career has been marked by singular events such as: The first alumnus appointee to the faculty of Bishop College; Directorship of the Academic Department of Tuskegee Institute under Dr. Booker T. Washington; Organization of the Negro National Business League in St. Louis in 1900; Founding of the National Association of Teachers in Colored Schools in 1904, now known as American Teachers Association; Principal of Lincoln High School in Kansas City, Missouri from 1915 -1921; Extension Secretary of the National Urban League; and Presidency of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1924.

His presidency, some say, at the recommendation of Dr. Booker T. Washington, marked the period of greatest physical growth of Florida A&M University, as well as the college’s growth in academic respect, acknowledged by its admission to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as a class “A” college, and its membership in many organizations.  J.R.E. Lee, Sr. believed that a stronger, more organized athletic program was needed at Florida A&M University.  He presented his case in these words to the Florida Board of Control, now the Board of Regents: “No school in this day can expect to attract promising men or women, that does not give organized athletics a foremost place…Young men and women of promise desire to be connected with an institution that has spirit ad force”. 

Acknowledgments of his contributions in the field of education are evidenced by honorary degrees conferred upon him by his Alma Mater - Bishop College, Wilber University, and Howard University. Those who have followed his career consider him the ablest disciple and the staunchest exponent of the philosophy of the education as exemplified by Dr. Booker T. Washington.