Dr. Lee Cheek Jr., who was recently named associate vice president for Academic Affairs at Athens State University, says there was nothing wrong with his position as vice president for College Advancement at Brewton-Parker College in South Georgia, but he longed to plant his feet on more rolling land.

Beginning Dec. 1, Cheek, who also serves as a professor of Political Science and Philosophy at Brewton-Parker, will assist Vice President for Academic Affairs Denver Betts to develop and revise policies, procedures, guidelines, and other documents pertaining to the academic structure of the institution.

A native of Pinnacle, N.C., and raised in the foothills of a mountain range, Cheek, said the flatlands 90 miles inland from Savannah, where he has been for many years, are really not to his liking.

While the Tennessee Valley cannot be exactly described as “rolling,” Athens is near the foothills of the Appalachians, and that’s good enough for Cheek.

“I was born in the same county where Andy Griffith was born, so I always say I am from Mayberry,” he said.

A youthful looking 48 years, Cheek jokingly says his appearance is a result of “clean living.”

“I feel a lot older and the clean living is probably not up to my mother’s and grandmother’s standards,” he said.

“I’ve been in South Georgia for many years and I’m looking forward to some hill country and a strong academic environment,” said Cheek. “Not that Brewton-Parker is not strong academically, but I wanted something new.”

Cheek is married to Kathy B. Cheek, a dance instructor and choreographer who currently serves as the executive director of Ohoopee Regional Council for the Arts.

“She has owned a dance studio for 25 years,” said Cheek. “She is really very good and has danced with Gregory Hines. She hopes to remain strong in the arts.”

ASU President Dr. Robert Glenn said he was pleased that Cheek agreed to come to Athens.

“Dr. Cheek brings a myriad of experiences to the table that is needed to sustain a broad view for Academic Affairs for the years ahead,” said Glenn.

“Dr. Cheek’s experience as both a professor and an administrator make him a choice candidate for the position,” stated Betts. “After our national search, we were extremely excited to be able to offer him the position and are thrilled he accepted.”

Cheek received his doctorate in Political Studies from The Catholic University of America in 1998, and he holds masters degrees from Western Carolina and Duke Universities. His responsibilities at Brewton-Parker included being chief development officer and supervising the staffs of Alumni Relations, Development, and Athletics.

“Athens State’s reputation for academic excellence made the decision for me to join their ranks an easy one,” said Cheek. “I look forward to becoming a member of their faculty, and a part of the Athens community.”