Name: Lavette Shirley Elee
Title: Assistant Professor of PA Studies
Number of years: 1
Favorite quote or scripture: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” –Nelson Mandela
Educational background:
Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Kent State University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Kettering College of Medical Doctor of Science in PA Studies from MCPHS.
Bio:
Lavette Shirley Elee is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant (PA) and has been since 2012.
Dr. Elee has spent much of her career as a PA working in high-risk communities in North Carolina. While most of that time has been spent in urgent care, she has experience in primary care and psychiatry. She is passionate about educating the “leaders of tomorrow.” Dr. Elee aspires to establish a nonprofit organization to support minority women who desire to become medical providers. She has recently transitioned into academia and is excited about this new journey.
Dr. Elee is the owner of L.S. Elee Creations LLC and the author of the books “I Saw My PA today,” “Remarkably You, Remarkably Me,” and “My Primary Care PA.” Her writing motivation is multifactorial—first, her desire to address children’s fears of going to medical facilities. The second was her desire to introduce PAs to the younger generation to inspire them to enter the medical field. Lastly, she desires for young girls to be confident and supportive of each other. Her books can be purchased on Amazon.
On 02.01.2021, in collaboration with global health graduate students, Dr. Elee published an article titled, “Cross-disciplinary narratives on COVID-19: Local perspectives from global health science graduate students,” which was featured in the International Journal of Nursing and Health Care Research.
Dr. Elee is a wife and the mother of two boys, Za’kari, who is 3, and Zion, who is 18 years old. In her free time, she enjoys singing karaoke, traveling, and kickboxing. She believes that life is what you make of it, and if you put out positive vibes into the world, they will be returned 100-fold.
Tell me about your teaching style.
I teach adult students, so I have a student-centered teaching style.
Is there anything that you wish you’d known as a first-year teacher?
You will work harder than you did in any other position, but the work will be much more gratifying.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given about teaching?
During evaluation time, look for trends, do not take every negative comment personally.
In your opinion, what’s the best part of teaching?
When struggling students show improvement.
What’s the hardest part of teaching?
Dismissing a student from our program.
What is your first memory from school?
Mr. Kish, my 2nd grade teacher, gave students gummy worms on Fridays to the students who had a good week.
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