Friends, colleagues, and family members shared stories highlighting the decorated career of Dr. Lemley and the lifetime of achievement and influence he has had on higher education.

His experiences at LCU began as a student when he arrived as a college freshman in 1963. After earning his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, he eventually came back to LCU and served as a faculty member, then as academic dean, and ultimately, he was appointed president—a role in which he served from 1982-1993.

He then served Pepperdine University in Malibu California as provost and professor from 1993 to 2012. He returned to Lubbock and to the classroom in 2012 serving as Distinguished Professor of Communication at LCU until his retirement as the spring semester ends.

Dr. Lemley’s extensive experience in the university setting has uniquely set him up as an advisor to numerous individuals in universities across the nation. His vast experience has also made him an exceptional teacher in the classroom, imparting practical wisdom to his students studying communication.  

One of Dr. Lemley’s most notable contributions to his alma mater as president was moving the institution from a being a college to university status, with the addition of master’s degree offerings. He also made great strides in the beautification efforts in the university’s campus mall area.

The legacy left by Dr. Steve Lemley will not soon be forgotten. His heart for LCU, his care and concern for current and future students, and his strong belief in the power and importance of Christian higher education will be felt at LCU for years to come.  

The Steven S. and Emily Lemley Endowed Scholarship was established in 2016 to honor Dr. Steven Lemley, and his wife, Dr. Emily Lemley, for their lifetime of service to Christian higher education.