Hannibal-LaGrange announces winners of top faculty award, staff member of the year

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal-LaGrange University recently announced the winners of the Parkway Distinguished Professor Award and the Immanuel Staff Member of the Year for the 2021-22 academic year.

The Parkway Distinguished Professor Award, HLGU’s highest faculty award, was given to Miles Mullin. He began at HLGU in 2015 as the vice president for academic administration. He transitioned to professor of Christian Studies and Religious History in February 2020. He now serves as the director of the Center for Christian Worldview and is the HLGU honors program director.

The award is given annually by Parkway Baptist Church in St. Louis. This is the 32nd year for the award. Selection is based on outstanding professional and personal contributions to Christian education.

“Miles Mullin exemplifies what an HLGU professor is: scholar, professor, leader, servant. Mullin represents the best of Christian higher education,” Vice President of Academic Administration Robert Matz said in a press release. “He and his wife, Jenny, teach, mentor and disciple students. His vision and implementation of the Colson Fellows program, which is directing our entire faculty towards the integration of Christian faith and learning, helps to shape our entire campus culture. HLGU is blessed to have a man of Mullin’s character as part of our faculty. This award is well-deserved.”

The Immanuel Baptist Staff Member of the Year Award was given posthumously to Cary Lieurance. He began his employment at HLGU in the library part-time before serving as the full-time director of computer services beginning in 1999. He served in this role until his death on April 2.

The award is sponsored by Immanuel Baptist Church in Hannibal. Full-time staff members are nominated by their colleagues and confirmed by the executive cabinet. Criteria for nomination is exemplary performance in contractual duties, contributions to the university in time, effort, creativity, and understanding and embodiment of “knowledge for service.”

“During Cary’s service to HLGU, he initiated much change for campus, including leading in two major database changes, networking campus and designing a multitude of programs,” Vice President for Institutional Advancement Ray Carty said. “Cary gave endless hours and commitment to Hannibal-LaGrange University.”