Alumnus Andrew “Andy” Sullivan Honored with Teaching Award at UMO

November 22, 2025
Contact:  Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations

MOUNT OLIVE, NC – During the University of Mount Olive’s annual Homecoming Weekend, alumnus Stephen Andrew “Andy” Sullivan was recognized with the Lorelle Martin and Michael Pelt Excellence in Teaching Award, honoring his outstanding commitment to education, leadership, and student success.

A native of Wayne County, Sullivan grew up in Mar Mac, North Carolina, where his parents, Ann and Danny Sullivan, instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hard work and learning. After graduating from Southern Wayne High School in 2000, Sullivan attended Mount Olive College, where he earned his degree in Visual Communications and met his future wife, Christy. The couple now resides in Wayne County with their two daughters, Chloe and Camden.

Sullivan began his teaching career at Lakewood High School in Salemburg before returning to his alma mater, Southern Wayne High School, where he has taught for nearly two decades. Known for his creativity, leadership, and dedication to his students, Sullivan has served on the school’s leadership team for 17 years and was previously honored with the Zeno Spence Excellence in Visual Arts Education Award. His influence extends beyond the classroom as he has coached baseball, wrestling, softball, and girls soccer, inspiring students to excel both academically and athletically.

In addition to his teaching career, Sullivan is an accomplished artist and craftsman. As a member of the Core Sound Decoy Guild and owner of SASquatch Decoys, he carves traditional gunner-style decoys and collaborates with notable figures and organizations in the duck hunting community, including outdoor advocate Sadie Robertson. Through this passion, he continues to promote heritage crafts and conservation education.

The Lorelle Martin and Michael Pelt Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes educators who embody the spirit of teaching excellence exemplified by its namesakes, longtime UMO professors whose dedication to students left an enduring mark on the University and the broader educational community.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.