By Shayna Ryan

Hannah Sullivan, a 2010 graduate of Lee University, was recently named the Department of Language and Literature’s Alum of the Year.

“I am humbled to see a student who welcomes others with warm and open arms receive this award as this proves her intercultural competence,” said Dr. Carmen Guerrero, associate professor of Spanish at Lee. “I believe we need more Hannahs in God’s kingdom.”

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at Lee, Sullivan went on to receive a Master of Arts in Spanish and applied linguistics, and later, her Doctor of Philosophy in secondary education and teaching, both from the University of Alabama.

While earning her doctorate, Sullivan taught Spanish for multiple levels at Tuscaloosa Academy in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She was named the Alabama World Language Teacher of the Year in 2019. She is currently an assistant professor of Spanish at Charleston Southern University and serves as a national rater for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exams.

“Hannah proved to be an outstanding student – disciplined, dedicated, determined, and committed to her success and that of the class,” said Guerrero. “As her teacher, I was able to observe her natural curiosity and how she embraced Latin American culture and the Spanish language. Her passion for this piece of God’s creation is inspiring.”

Sullivan received the departmental Distinguished Alum of the Year Award at a reception held earlier this month during Lee’s 2021 Homecoming celebration.

Hannah Sullivan, right, is pictured here with Dr. Donna Summerlin, department chair, after receiving her Language and Literature Alum of the Year Award medal.