Sullivans Named Belhaven Alumni of The Year for Service, Leadership

Special to Pelahatchie News

Belhaven University announces Spencer and Melanie Sullivan of Pelahatchie, Mississippi, as the recipients of its 2025 Alumni of the Year Award. The Sullivans, both 2001 graduates of Belhaven, are being recognized for their lifelong commitment to service. From Melanie’s dedication to her students to Spencer’s founding of a children’s soccer ministry, their lives reflect a deep passion for serving others and embody Belhaven University’s mission “to serve and not to be served.”

“Our award recipients are chosen not only for success in their field, but for how well they exemplify the mission of our University,” said Frank Laws, Associate Vice President of Advancement. “In this case, Spencer and Melanie meet that criteria and in a very direct way. Their lives are a great encouragement to our current students, prospective students, and our alumni. We couldn’t be more pleased to have them back home for homecoming and for the awards.”

Spencer, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Ministry, and Melanie, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, have spent their lives committed to service. Married shortly after graduating, the Sullivans followed a call to minister overseas, spending 12 years in the Middle East working with unreached communities and refugees. Spencer’s sports ministry and strategic mission leadership took him across 10 countries, while Melanie worked closely with displaced families, offering compassion and support.

In 2018, the couple returned to Mississippi, continuing their commitment to service in their hometown of Pelahatchie. Spencer serves as pastor of Pelahatchie Baptist Church and sits on the boards of multiple ministries focused on global missions. Melanie is a special education teacher at Pelahatchie Elementary School and is pursuing a Master of Education in Dyslexia Therapy at Mississippi College.

The Sullivans will be formally honored during Belhaven’s Homecoming & Family Weekend, where they will be celebrated by fellow alumni, students, faculty, and the Belhaven community.