On the evening of Wednesday, April 13, students mistakenly received an all-student email informing them that a Western professor, Dr. Chris Lee, has been placed on leave.
Dr. Lee was arrested on domestic violence and child abuse charges on April 12 and is currently being held in the Gunnison County Detention Center. His court date is set for April 26.
Professor Lee is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from Western in 2002 and returning to Western as a faculty member in 2018.
Dean Gary Pierson assured students at the Wednesday, April 13 SGA meeting that the necessary accommodations will be made for students currently enrolled in Dr. Lee’s courses to finish out the semester.
Dr. Lee is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 for a plea hearing.
Update: Dr. Lee is no longer listed on Western’s faculty page.
Editor’s note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available.