Current Recipient

Susana Cisneros, Senior Lecturer

Department of Languages, Cultures, and Translation

Cisneros, senior lecturer of Spanish in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Translation, is a passionate educator and community connector who sees teaching as a journey of growth for student and teacher. A former attorney from Argentina and a certified paralegal, she brings a global perspective and a community-centered ethos to her Spanish language instruction at UNC Charlotte.

“Teaching is a lifelong learning process for students, teachers, mentors and community
partners,” Cisneros said. “It involves encouraging others to be their best selves, to stop judgment and see opportunity and, most importantly, to become part of the solution. The classroom is where I belong and can become my full self through new experiences, challenges and happiness.”

Her philosophy is rooted in building authentic relationships with her students, the curriculum and the community. On the first day of class, she asks students to write her letters about how she can best support them and creates language exchanges with peers in Argentina and Spain. Her focus is always on learning that is personal, contextual and transformative.

Cisneros has led community-engaged projects supported by North Carolina Campus Engagement and partnered with institutions like the Levine Museum of the New South and the Camino Community Center. She also mentors through the FIT HLX transition program, supporting Latinx and first-generation students as they build belonging and skills for college success.

“Susana is a creative and highly committed faculty member who has met the highest standards for outstanding education and commitment to student success,” said Christopher Boyer, dean of the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences.

Graves and Cisneros were honored Thursday, Sept. 11, in the Popp Martin Student Union, along with teaching excellence award finalists Luke Reinke, associate professor, reading and elementary education; Margaret Quinlan, professor, communication studies; Andrew Goff, lecturer, biological sciences; and Nadia Najjar, teaching associate professor, software and information systems.