Lee Vartanian became the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Montana State University Billings in July of 2025. Previously, Lee served as the Athens State University College of Education Dean from 2020 – 2023 and 2024 – 2026, as well as Interim Provost from 2023 – 2024. Prior to 2020, Lee served as a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Teacher Education at Lander University. A teacher at heart, he grew student leadership initiatives, led multiple study abroad experiences, and expanded experiential learning programs, along with serving as a school board member.

From his work as an elementary classroom teacher, to a stint as a school board member to college professor and dean of a college of education, Vartanian has devoted his professional career to delivering the best teaching/learning experience.

Lee received his B.A. in Social Work from Auburn State, along with his M.S. Ed. in Early Childhood Education and Ph.D. in Urban Services, from Old Dominion University.