News

Colorado Springs, Colo., March 8, 2021 – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Matthew H. Lee as Director of Research. Lee’s responsibilities will include building on ACSI’s groundbreaking Flourishing Schools research and ongoing sustainability research, as well as developing new initiatives that will undergird ACSI’s thought leadership in Christian education.

He assumed duties on March 1, 2021.

Lee joins ACSI with a wealth of experience in academic and applied research and writing, including numerous articles related to school choice outcomes, private school leadership and educational program evaluation. His work has been cited in national outlets such as Education Next and Education Week, as well as by major policy organizations such as the American Enterprise Institute, the R Street Institute, and the Cato Institute.

Dr. Lynn Swaner, ACSI Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, believes Lee brings a unique skillset to this role.

“I am thrilled to have Matt Lee join ACSI as our Director of Research,” she said. “He brings the right mix of expertise and passion to ACSI, and we look forward to his leadership in research on matters of educational, spiritual and cultural importance for Christian schools.”

Lee is the co-editor of the book, “Religious Liberty and Education,” published in 2020 by Rowan & Littlefield, which garnered the praise of Yuval Levin (National Affairs), Frederick Hess (AEI), and Ruth Wisse (Harvard University). He recently completed his dissertation, “Faith-based Education and Civic Value Formation,” at the University of Arkansas under the supervision of Cardus Senior Fellow, Dr. Albert Cheng. Lee has also previously served as intern for ACSI Thought Leadership & Research in fall 2020.

ACSI President, Dr. Larry Taylor, is confident that Lee will be a great addition to the Thought Leadership & Research team.

“Dr. Lee has already done incredible work at ACSI,” he said. “I have no doubt that he will continue to strengthen the innovative efforts of the department, ultimately benefiting our Christian schools.”

Lee looks forward to assuming his new duties.

“I am excited to join the talented Thought Leadership & Research team and am grateful to God for the opportunity to support ACSI schools as they prepare students for lives of faithfulness and flourishing,” he said.

Lee lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with his wife Caroline and their two children.

To learn more about ACSI Thought Leadership & Research, visit the website or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or by emailing research@acsi.org.

About ACSI:

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools through multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.

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