About Me

In May 2024, the Board of Trustees appointed Larry K. Lee as the 20th President of Blackburn College. He began his term on July 1, 2024.

During his nearly 30-year career in higher education, Lee has extensive experience in financial growth initiatives, facilities operations, fundraising and friend-raising, athletic and recreation programs, audits and budgeting, and strategic planning. He also brings a proven track record of developing new revenue streams at his previous positions, spearheading initiatives that help ensure financial stability. Since 2022, Lee has been the Vice President for Finance and Administration at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, providing leadership for the university’s business services, finance and administration, facilities management, bookstore, and campus dining services. He became acting President of SCSU and served in that role until taking office at Blackburn.

“Since my first encounter with Blackburn, I have been captivated by its storied history, vibrant community, and unwavering dedication to providing an affordable, rigorous education to underserved students,” said President-Elect Lee. “As a first-generation Pell-eligible student who worked on commercial fishing boats in Alaska to pay my way through college, I know first-hand how hard students work to achieve their educational dreams. By combining academic excellence and hands-on experience with its unique Work Program, Blackburn helps make a life-changing degree possible and serves as the very definition of a well-rounded education.”

Originally from Dupo, Illinois, Lee holds a Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University-Pueblo and a Master’s from the University of Denver. He is married to Cathy Lee, originally from Bordeaux, France. She is an accomplished judoka who earned a silver medal at the Pan American Games in 1991 and served as an Olympic Team Alternate in 1992. The Lees have twin adult children, Gabrielle and Spencer.