Outstanding Young Alumna Award 2017

Terri Lee (’04) has taken her degree in interactive media and used it to connect the Searcy Police Department to the community as public information officer. As spokesperson, Lee is the liaison between the department and media and speaks to community groups like schools and civic organizations about crime prevention, community policing and other law enforcement topics. She says that God led her to this role.

“It definitely wasn’t part of my plan,” says Lee. “I would never have guessed I would be in law enforcement. I have found myself thinking often that I have been put in this position at this time in my life for a reason. When I look back on the journey so far, it is ever apparent how God has guided my steps.”

Prior to this position, Lee was assistant to the sports information director at the University and media relations coordinator, patrol officer and detective for the SPD. She has been honored as SPD Officer of the Year in 2014, SAC Award of Excellence by the Social Security Administration’s Officer of Inspector General in 2013, International Ambassador for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, and speaker at the International Homicide Investigators Association Symposium 2017.

“I admire Terri for her willingness to step out on faith, leave her comfort zone and take on situations head on when others would back down,” says Scott Goode, assistant athletic director for sports information. “She did this for several years in the sports information office at Harding and has continued to display an uncommon inner strength as a member of the Searcy Police Department.”

Lee actively raises money and awareness for Special Olympics through the Law Enforcement Torch Run and teaches Bible classes at Highway Church of Christ.

“A common law enforcement motto is ‘to serve and protect,’” Lee says. “I hope it can be said of me that I put my all into upholding that, not just for this city and its people, but also for the hearts and souls of everyone I come into contact with.”