Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year recognition is a tradition at Fairfield where students recognize an undergraduate and a graduate faculty member for their dedication to the teaching profession and their support for students. Nominations are based on scholarship, loyalty, and service — the three pillars of the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit honor society.

Erica Hartwell, PhD, LMFT, associate professor of Marriage and Family Therapy and director of the certificate in Sexual and Gender Minority Mental Health, has been recognized as the 2020 Fairfield University Alpha Sigma Nu Graduate Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Hartwell joined the Fairfield faculty in 2013. She serves the community through a variety of roles including instructor and supervisor of therapists, president of the board of directors of the Triangle Community Center in Norwalk, Conn., and chair of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Queer and Trans Advocacy Network. She is passionate about the health and well-being of sexual and gender minorities and last year launched a first-of-its-kind online certificate in SGM mental health at Fairfield. Students recognized Dr. Hartwell’s dedication to community engagement and commitment to mentorship as they prepare for professional careers.

“This is one of the most meaningful awards I could receive because it comes directly from students,” said Dr. Hartwell. “I have worked hard over the years to grow and develop as a teacher, to find new ways to connect with students, and to help them grasp what it means to be a marriage and family therapist. To me, this award means that all of that work has had an impact on them. I am so grateful for that and for the honor of being named Graduate Teacher of the Year.”