October 1o, 2024
The Order of the Palmetto is the highest civilian honor achievable in the state of South Carolina. It is presented to South Carolinians in recognition of exceptional service, state-wide or national attributions, and outstanding service. The award has a long history, having been honoring extraordinary South Carolinians since its founding in 1971.
Winthrop University Professor Edward Lee was presented the Order of the Palmetto on Sept. 18 by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. The presentation was held at the Statehouse in Columbia with many of Prof. Lee’s friends and family present, such as Winthrop University’s History Department Chair Gregory Bell, S.C Representative John King, S.C Senator Mike Fanning, and many others.
Prof. Lee has been a member of Winthrop faculty on and off since he originally joined in 1994, where he’s directed the graduate studies in history program since. For 22 years, Lee served as the mayor of York and has an admirable dedication to South Carolina.
“Well, you know, I think it was a rewarding experience, and it gave me a real understanding that what local government does, it deals with the basics,” Lee said about his time as mayor. “It deals with water and sewer and emergencies, which is what we got going on right now with the storm that just came through.”
“Interwoven with teaching is my love of history as well as my affection for Winthrop University,” Lee said. “I appreciate this honor from Governor McMaster, whom I enjoyed working with when I was mayor of the county seat. He and Representative John King, who represents our campus in the state legislature, are excellent public servants.”
This is not the first time Gov. McMaster has presented Prof. Lee with an award for his local efforts. In 2015, professor Lee was given the Palmetto Trust Historic Preservation’s Elected Official Award due to Lee’s work on saving the historic York County Courthouse during his time as York mayor.
When asked about teaching, Prof. Lee says it is “in his DNA.” With both his grandmother and mother being Winthrop alumni, Lee utilizes his personal attachment to campus to further his commitment to the university and its students.
“I know Winthrop. I understand Winthrop. I have great affection for Winthrop. And it is in my DNA. Again, use that word again. It’s in my DNA, and has always been in my DNA.”
“The highest honor, and this is serious, the highest honor for me is to have students and to awaken them to the joy of history,” Lee said. “That’s the honor. It’s not something to hang on the wall – it’s teaching people.”
Professor Lee is known for his love of not just American history, but also South Carolina. He claims this passion was sparked at a young age due to having relatives living in Washington D.C, so he grew up visiting the capital and its many iconic historical buildings and landmarks, such as the Smithsonian, the Capitol Building and the Jefferson Memorial.
Besides national landmarks, Lee has also visited many local historical locations, such as the Pee Dee tobacco farms and the Lowcountry rice plantations.
“I’ve always been able to breathe the history of this nation,” Lee said. “To appreciate Southern history is to appreciate the many stories of colorful characters who have lived in the Palmetto state.”
Outside of his work as mayor and time at Winthrop, Lee has authored or co-authored 15 books. He won an award for his work titled Yorkville to York, a book on the history of his hometown, York. He’s also currently working on a book with former U.S. Representative John Napier titled “Crossing the Aisle” and is focused on bi-partisan legislation.
In response to Prof. Lee’s recent accomplishments, Winthrop President Edward Serna had plenty of praise to give.
“Professor Lee is a third-generation Winthrop graduate and traces his own history with Winthrop for more than 100 years. His grandmother was part of the Class of 1897; his mother, the Class of 1936,” Serna said. “He has brought his love of history to the classroom to help our students understand this state’s rich history. We salute him for his work as a scholar, professor and as a former mayor.”
Later this November, Prof. Lee will also be awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at the Winthrop Alumni Awards dinner. This award is the highest achievable honor by a Winthrop University alumnus for dedication of selfless time, energy, service, and talent to others. Lee’s contributions continue to inspire Winthrop’s community as he relentlessly dedicates himself to the local county.
