Alumni spotlight: Captain Evie Lastra-West
Homecoming, a longheld tradition at Lee, is a gathering of Lee’s family – the alumni. Whether they join us to catch up with friends or attend a reunion, this year will be no different. Every homecoming celebration Lee recognizes distinguished alumni from each department. These alumni have achieved excellence or recent promotion in their field. Accomplished alumna, Captain Evie Lastra-West was selected as the 2025 School of Theology and Ministry’s (STM) distinguished alumni.
Lastra-West’s recent promotion to Captain of Cleveland Police Department in August 2025 as the first female and latina brought her to the department’s attention.
Dr. Terry Cross, dean of the STM, said the vote was unanimous. While her selection marks a first for the school – regularly honoring pastors, missionaries, and teachers – the leadership team decided she was to receive the honor.
“We want people to realize that a degree in ministry can be spread throughout a variety of professions,” Cross said.
Lastra-West once studied as an intercultural studies major in the former School of Religion. However, her story is not that of a typical Lee student.
Before arriving at Lee University in January 1996, Lastra-West faced many obstacles. She experienced bullying in public school which led to her involvement in gang violence between ages 12-19. This gang involvement led to Lastra-West stepping into motherhood at the age of 16. At her mother’s urging, she arrived on Lee’s campus at the beginning of the spring semester in 1996.
Lastra-West and her son, Josh, after arriving on campus to register for classes. Photo courtesy of Evie Lastra-West
During Lastra-West’s first semester, she encountered Christ and the Lee family. However, early in her Lee journey, Lastra-West faced a second unplanned pregnancy. She found support through New Hope Pregnancy Center and ultimately decided upon adoption.
After her transformational first semester, Lastra-West moved into married student and family housing, Carroll Courts, as a single mother with a young son. There she found support and a new home team – Dr. Phil Cook and his wife Tonya, now president and first lady of Lee.
Dr. Cook became a friend and mentor to Lastra-West as the apartment manager at Carroll Courts in 1996.
As a graduate, Lastra-West joined the Cleveland Police Department, earned a Master’s degree, and has traveled internationally as a pro-life speaker to raise funds for pregnancy centers for over 13 years. When Lastra-West is not speaking, she is serving the Cleveland community. Lastra-West also teaches for the University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center in Knoxville, Tenn. as well as at Tennessee Wesleyan University.
Since joining the force in 2001, Lastra-West has lived by her personal mission to share hope and purpose with everyone she encounters.
Lastra-West serving on a missions trip to Mexico. Photo courtesy of Evie Lastra-West
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a woman who’s pregnant, a man who’s homeless, a drug addict, or someone arrested for shoplifting—my purpose is to let them know there’s hope for their life,” Lastra-West said.
Lastra-West’s determination and fulfillment of this mission is evident to those around her. Cross noted her integrity, work ethic, and ability to earn respect of her colleagues and community.
“Becoming a captain as a female and Hispanic – the first in both categories – says a whole lot about her abilities,” Cross said.
After receiving the news of Lastra-West’s recent promotion, Cook expressed his pride as the president of her alma mater and as a friend.
“Evie West is the ideal Lee University alum for our mission and our students. She's excellent at what she does. She operates from a deep commitment to serving God, following Jesus and impacting the church,” Cook said. “That's why she does what she does, so I can't think of a better example of a Lee alum whose values line up so perfectly with the Lee University mission statement and values. She is the quintessential example of what we want Lee alums to be.”
When asked Lee’s impact on her life, Lastra-West reflected on the kindness of those around her.
“Jesus changed my life, but He used Lee to do it—through the people, the students, the faculty, everyone,” Lastra-West said. “No one treated me differently. They didn’t see a single mom from California. They just loved me, and that helped me find my way back to Jesus.”
Lastra-West’s Lee experience prepared her to serve the Cleveland community.
“I realized very quickly that this is missions. Everyone I come in contact with is dealing with some kind of trauma. My purpose is to communicate that they’re loved and created for a purpose,” Lastra-West said.
Cross realized Lastra-West’s story and impact demonstrates divine handiwork.
“Her story shows that God can use our past—not to define us, but to help others find healing and purpose,” Cross said.
Lastra-West will be named Alumna of the Year for the School of Theology and Ministry on Nov. 7 at 3:30 p.m. Dr. Cross will interview her on stage during the recognition event rather than having her give a speech, to honor her story in a more conversational and personal way.
The homecoming schedule is available online and across campus.
