Dr. Deborah Bromfield Lee Appointed to Lead as Jessie Ball duPont Chair in Natural Sciences
Florida Southern College has recently appointed Dr. Deborah Bromfield Lee as the Jessie Ball duPont Endowed Chair in the Natural Sciences, marking a significant achievement in the college's academic narrative. This honorary position is a testament to Dr. Bromfield Lee's excellence in teaching, research, and her impactful role within the scientific community.
Dr. Bromfield Lee began her journey at Florida Southern in 2012, where she has made remarkable strides as the Department Chair and Director of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Her research primarily focuses on green chemistry and chemical education, areas critically linked to sustainability and environmental safety. Dr. Bromfield Lee's scholarly contributions have been recognized through publications in prestigious journals, including the Green Chemistry Letters and Review, and the Journal of Chemical Education.
Throughout her academic career, Dr. Bromfield Lee has devoted significant efforts to advancing green chemistry, including substantial involvement with Beyond Benign, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting green chemistry education globally. This appointment underscores her dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of chemistry that prioritizes environmental impact.
"Dr. Deborah Bromfield Lee’s appointment to the Jessie Ball duPont Chair is a well-deserved recognition of her contributions to the field," expressed Dr. Tracey Tedder, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Florida Southern College. This endowed chair facilitates ongoing advancement in the natural sciences and aligns perfectly with Florida Southern's mission to foster positive societal change through education.
In reflecting on this appointment, Dr. Bromfield Lee expressed, "Florida Southern has provided me with the platform to further develop my skills as an educator while allowing me to pursue scholarship that matters to me. The Jessie Ball duPont Chair symbolizes the acknowledgment of my work as an educator and scholar and the contributions from my peers who have supported me throughout my journey."
The endowed chair was established in 1980, supported by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, which aims to enhance access to education and promote inclusivity within academia. Dr. Bromfield Lee's qualifications are exemplary; she holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of South Florida, a master's from Florida Atlantic University, and a doctorate from North Carolina State University. Previous to her tenure at Florida Southern, she lectured at Elon University and Kennesaw State University, further enriching her experience.
Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College stands as the oldest private college in Florida, committed to providing an education characterized by academic rigor and innovation. With over 70 undergraduate programs and diversified graduate offerings in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy, the institution is dedicated to maintaining a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring engaged and personalized learning experiences. Florida Southern College proudly ranks among the top institutions in various categories, including the U.S. News & World Report's rankings for 2025. The college is also celebrated for its distinctive campus design, housing the world's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture, comprising 13 structures.
Dr. Deborah Bromfield Lee's new role as the Jessie Ball duPont Chair in the Natural Sciences heralds a new era for Florida Southern College, promising continued contributions to important environmental science education and research that strive for impactful societal change.