The 2025 Starnes Award for Outstanding Achievement was presented to Shivon Lee at Pfeiffer University’s 2025 Convocation exercises, held Friday, August 29, 2025. Lee has served as Pfeiffer’s controller since 2007.

In presenting the award, University President Dr. Scott Bullard described Lee as “a respected and trusted advisor of the CFO and President,” noting that she is a campus leader who “has a theologically grounded understanding of stewardship.” Bullard recognized Lee as an employee who exemplifies Pfeiffer’s mission through her work ethic and her care for colleagues and students. 

“I was shocked and am humbled to be honored in this way.  There are countless folks at Pfeiffer who work very hard and are dedicated to their work. I am really blessed to work alongside them and privileged to have so many people to learn from every day,” Lee said. 

Lee received her MBA from Pfeiffer University in 2024 after earning an undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She worked previously as a financial reporting analyst at First Charter Bank in Charlotte, NC. The Starnes Award for Outstanding Achievement was established in 1995 by Ruth Peeler Starnes, a member of the Pfeiffer Junior College class of 1930. Her daughter, Pat Starnes Bramlett, and Dr. Chris Bramlett, a trustee emeritus of the University, attended the Convocation ceremony as representatives of the Starnes family. The endowed fund is intended to provide recognition to a faculty or staff member of Pfeiffer University who has made a significant contribution in an academic, service, humanitarian, or athletic endeavor. The Starnes Award recipient receives a $1.000 cash gift and an engraved award. Recipients are also recognized on a plaque located at the entry of Jerry and Evon Jordan Hall.