It is with great sadness—along with much gratitude for his contributions to science education in general and NSTA specifically—that NSTA announces the passing of a longtime member of the association and the NSTA Board of Directors, LeRoy Lee. LeRoy passed away earlier this week following a long illness. 

LeRoy was deeply dedicated to supporting and promoting science education in schools and guiding the preparation of teachers. He taught science in Wisconsin for many years and served as science department chair at Madison Memorial High School in Madison, Wisconsin. As far back as the 1960s, LeRoy contributed his time and talent to science education and to helping teachers in their classrooms. Early in his career, he authored articles such as “1 Hour + $1.00 = Improved Bulletin Boards” and “Better Testing Through Item Analysis,” which appeared in The American Biology Teacher. Of his many publications, these exemplify his desire to assist and support all teachers.

As an NSTA member, he actively participated in numerous association initiatives, including serving as the District VII Director in the late 1970s, co-chairing the NSTA Task Force on the NSTA Vision for the 1990s and Beyond, chairing the Task Force for Defining Excellence in Career Awareness in K–12 Science, and serving on the Distance Education committee. He served as 1986–1987 NSTA President. 

During his presidency, LeRoy's strategic vision was evident. At his recommendation, the board approved the plan for the Search for Excellence in Science Education for physical sciences and the district-wide elementary science program. Also during his tenure, the board approved a plan that offered NSTA certification for teachers, a precursor to National Board Certification.

In 1994, LeRoy was appointed as the first NSTA Treasurer. In this role, he was an ex-officio member of the board and served on or chaired numerous committees related to budget, finance, investment, and development. His dedication to the association was apparent as he served as treasurer until 2006 and again during 2010–2020, providing invaluable insight and guidance on all financial matters.

In addition to his service to NSTA, throughout his life, LeRoy held many different leadership roles that helped further science and science education. In the early 80s, he served as Interim Executive Director for the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT). He also worked on Nominations Committees for the American Association for the Advancement of Science and on NABT’s Awards Committee. After retiring from teaching, he was a member of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters during 1980–2000. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Science Network.

Throughout his career, he received many awards and recognitions for his dedication, including the Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award from the National Science Education Leadership Association in 1983. That same year, NSTA honored him with its Distinguished Service to Science Education Award.

LeRoy worked tirelessly to improve science and education and assist students and teachers alike. His legacy will live on through those lives he touched, as he will be missed.

LeRoy is survived by his wife, Shelley Lee, children, Randy (Ann) Lee, Laura Lee, and David (Jessica Taylor) Lee and grandchildren, Kyra (Erik) Long, Nisse Ramser, Darren Conover, Jennifer Ganong, and Vinton Lee.

In lieu of flowers the Lee family hopes that you will consider donating to the Ridgeland Area Library. Your donations will help establish a local scholarship fund and improve the library's resource center. Funds may be sent directly to the library at P.O. Box 216, Ridgeland, WI 54763 or to Security Bank, P.O. Box 156, Ridgeland, WI 54763.