In the heart of South Florida, a television legacy unfolds each week as Lee Pitts ’82 takes the stage on his self-titled show, Lee Pitts Live. For over 30 years, the program has become the longest-running TV talk show in the region’s history. A Talladega College alumnus, Pitts’ journey from the Collegeville public housing community in Birmingham, Alabama, to the forefront of media and community service is a testament to his talent, tenacity, and the transformative power of education.
Growing up in a challenging environment, Pitts’ aspirations seemed a world away. “Pretty much my whole childhood, I grew up in poverty. I did not know I was in poverty.”
Raised in government housing, Lee says his family didn’t have much. But, there’s one bright spot they did have. “I am so glad we had a pool located smack dab in the middle of the housing projects.”
Access to the pool would cost Pitts .50 cents a visit, a sum the cash-strapped family did not have. Despite his mother taking on multiple jobs to raise the family of eight as a single parent, funds were tight.
Seeing the example of hard work and relentlessness in his mother, Pitts decided to make a way for himself at a young age and find the money to gain pool access himself.
Pitts spent as much time as he could finding and collecting empty soda bottles. He’d trade them in for change to gain access to the pool. Lee swam so much that a lifeguard noticed one day when Pitts stood by the gate and didn’t enter the actual pool.
Pitts says that’s because he didn’t have enough bottles that day. “This is what changed my life,” said Pitts. That lifeguard told Pitts about free swim classes for disadvantaged children.
Given this new opportunity, he started swimming from the time the pool opened until the time it closed.
The access to the pool marked a turning point in Pitts’ life. He mastered swimming. Pitts went on to swim for the Macline Swim Team and the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Swim Team. He became a Red Cross-certified swim instructor and taught others in his hometown how to swim.
Despite an education system that, at the time, didn’t boast the best outcomes for students, Pitts was a shining star in his own right—an athlete, an honors student, and an active community youth advocate. Lee’s potential was boundless. But he could not see what so many saw in himself.
After graduating high school, Lee had no plans to attend college.
In a chance conversation, Lee was introduced to the idea of attending Talladega College. “I didn’t even think I could attend college, but I saw the brochure, and it looked like it could be a fun outing,” said Pitts.
It was late summer, and most admission periods had closed. “I called the College’s admissions office. Some guy gave me the whole spiel. He told me it was too late. He concluded by telling me to go ahead and fill out the application anyway, send it in, and maybe they could get me in next semester.”
Talladega had no open beds, but after the intervention of Dr. Joseph N. Gayles, the institution’s President at the time, Pitts was admitted that semester. “The admissions clerk called me back and said after speaking to the President, they would bring me in the first semester.”
But his determination and drive, fueled by what seemed to be divine doors opening, helpful individuals he calls angels, led him to his intended destination of Talladega College, a place where his potential began to unfold. As a business administration major, Pitts not only excelled academically but also made a splash outside the classroom, quite literally, by helping hundreds of his classmates learn to swim to meet the College’s graduation requirement. This passion for swimming would later become a hallmark of his diverse career.
With his bachelor’s degree in hand, Pitts advanced his education further at Clark Atlanta University, where he earned a master’s in economics. His keen understanding of finance and leadership qualities quickly propelled him up the ranks in the banking industry, becoming a vice president at First Union (now Well Fargo) in Florida by the age of 29 and a senior vice president just three years later.
However, it was his groundbreaking swim lesson DVD in the 1990s that catapulted Pitts into the national spotlight. As an award-winning swim instructor, Pitts not only taught the skill of swimming but also instilled confidence and a sense of safety in the water. His expertise led to appearances on national television programs like Good Morning America and features in esteemed publications such as Essence magazine and USA Today.
In 1991, Pitts opened the Lee Pitts Swim School in Fort Myers, Florida, combining his corporate acumen with his passion for swimming. The visibility he gained both from his public service announcements promoting swimming and his status as a bank VP naturally segued into a career in television. His advice to others is reflective of his own journey. "You never know what you’re training to be, so continue to set your goals high and dream,” he added.
As a television host, Pitts has become a trusted voice in the community. He interviews prominent politicians, celebrities, and athletes and engages in discussions that shape public opinion and foster community dialogue. His commitment to his craft and his community has earned his program multiple accolades and the loyalty of countless viewers.
Pitts’ connection to Talladega College remains strong. He is a notable alumnus and a staunch supporter of the institution that helped shape his early years. Last year, Pitts made a substantial $10,000 donation to the College and has committed to making the same gift in 2024. The proud alum has committed to continue like-support in the near future.
“I am moved by this (the positive progress happening at Talladega College). I feel like they (TC administrators) are doing something unique. Dr. Vincent and his team are doing their best to move our institution in a more substantial way,” Pitts said. These actions are why he stands behind the institution and encourages other alumni to find their own personal reasons to give and support.
As Lee Pitts Live surpasses 30 years, Pitts stands as a shining example of what Talladega College aims to instill in its students: a spirit of perseverance, dedication to one’s passions, and the skills to make an indelible mark on the world.
Lee Pitts’ story is not just about personal triumph; it’s about the impact one can have on a community. His dual roles as a media personality and an advocate for life skills such as swimming have allowed him to touch the lives of many, from the youth in his swim classes to the diverse audience that tunes in every week to watch his show.
“I don’t see myself as a success,” said Pitts. “I believe that none of us are successful until ALL of us are successful. So, we should always be striving to help others to become successful.
Pitts is among those who shine brightly and is listed among Talladega College’s Notable Alumni for good reason. His career accomplishments and personal successes serve as a beacon of inspiration for current and future students. His unwavering support for the college exemplifies the lasting bond and pride that Talladega College instills in those who walk through its doors.
“I am honored to be featured as one of Talladega College’s Notable Alumni. I hope that College continues to feature alumni that students can see in the modern day being successful and making an impact,” Pitts added.
As Lee Pitts continues to set the bar high in television and community service, he also continues to embody the values of Talladega College. His legacy is not just one of individual success but also of the enduring power of education and the boundless opportunities it can create. As we look forward to the next chapter of Lee Pitts Live, we also look forward to the continued success of the students and alumni of Talladega College, who will undoubtedly carry the torch of excellence.
