Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

Dr. Carl Lee, a faculty member and pioneer in the fields of statistics and data science, has announced his retirement after an incredible 41-year journey at Central Michigan University (CMU). His passion for teaching, innovation, and helping students succeed has left a lasting legacy at CMU and beyond.

From a small village to a big dream

Dr. Lee’s story began in a small mountain village in Southern Taiwan, where his love for learning and drive to make a difference set him on an extraordinary path. After earning his undergraduate degree at National Taiwan University, he pursued advanced degrees in the United States, eventually earning his Ph.D. in Statistics from Iowa State University. In 1984, he accepted a faculty position at CMU, a decision that would shape his career and impact thousands of lives.

“I always dreamed of becoming a professor,” Dr. Lee said. “CMU gave me the chance to not only teach but to innovate, research, and mentor, and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve had along the way.”

Building a legacy at CMU

Over the years, Dr. Lee took on many roles at CMU, helping shape the university’s approach to statistics, actuarial science, and data science. He was instrumental in creating several groundbreaking programs, including the Ph.D. in Statistics and Analytics and the Graduate Certificate in Data Mining. One of his proudest accomplishments was founding the Department of Statistics, Actuarial, and Data Sciences (STAD) in 2019.

Beyond CMU, Dr. Lee made a mark on the wider field of statistics. He co-founded the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the American Statistical Association and started the National Undergraduate Statistics Project Competition, giving students a chance to shine in a national spotlight.

Awards and impact

Dr. Lee’s contributions have earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Michigan Distinguished Professor Award and the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Distinguished Teaching Award. But for Dr. Lee, the real rewards came from seeing his students succeed.

“Some of my favorite memories are of students defending their dissertations, landing great jobs, or coming back to tell me how much my teaching helped them,” he shared.

One particularly inspiring story involved a student who started in an introductory statistics class and, with Dr. Lee’s guidance, went on to earn multiple degrees, build a successful career, and even pursue a PhD.

Looking ahead

As Dr. Lee steps into retirement, he’s excited about spending more time with family, traveling, and enjoying life at a slower pace. But he admits he’ll miss the “Aha!” moments in class and the thrill of mentoring students.

“I hope my students learned that success isn’t about being perfect in everything—it’s about effort, planning, and perseverance,” he said. “I’m confident they’ll go on to do amazing things.”

A heartfelt farewell

Dr. Lee’s departure is bittersweet for the CMU community, which has benefited so much from his wisdom, vision, and dedication. His impact will be felt for years to come through the strong programs he built, the many students he mentored, and the countless lives he touched.

As we say goodbye to one of our most cherished professors, we celebrate not just a remarkable career but a legacy that will continue to inspire.