By Colton Strader, Lyon College
BATESVILLE, Arkansas – Nestled in the picturesque hills of Arkansas, Lyon College has long been a beacon of intellectual curiosity and community engagement. Among its illustrious alumni, one name shines brightly – Dr. Stephanie Saunders, associate professor of Spanish. Saunders, a first-generation alumna, embarked on a transformative journey from Lyon student to dedicated educator. Her story is one of unwavering passion and a deep-rooted commitment to both education and community.
Saunders’ Lyon odyssey began in 1998 when she chose Lyon College as her academic home. Reflecting on that decision, she shared, “Lyon was close to my hometown, had a great reputation — it still does — and made me feel welcome since stepping foot on what is still one of the most beautiful campuses that I have seen.”
Her alma mater’s charm, the serene Bryan Lake, historic brick buildings, and vibrant green spaces captured her heart. However, it was the influence of the college’s alumni, who were her high school teachers, that cemented her choice.
As a student, Saunders’ time at Lyon was marked by a tapestry of experiences. Volunteering in the community, studying abroad, and serving as a residence director enriched her college years.
“It was a four-year span that changed the course of my life through the introduction to ideas, critical-thinking, other cultures, leadership, research opportunities, travel, and friendships,” she recalled.
Following her Lyon journey, Saunders pursued graduate studies at the University of Kentucky, where her passion for teaching flourished. “I knew that I wanted to come back to a liberal arts institution with a focus on educating the whole student,” she shared.
Her path led her to Capital University in Ohio, where she spent 13 impactful years. Memories of teaching, leading student groups abroad and fostering student success remain close to her heart. Her exceptional commitment to teaching was recognized through awards such as the Faculty Scholarship Award and the Praestania Teaching Award.
In a serendipitous turn of events, Saunders found herself returning to her Lyon roots in 2022 after two decades. As a faculty member, she continues to find the college’s campus breathtaking and vibrant. “There is never a dull moment here,” she said.
Saunders’ dedication extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her involvement in community organizations. She serves on the board of the Independence County Library’s Friends Foundation and the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project. Her passion for promoting literacy and education has led her to volunteer at community events and work toward connecting Lyon students with these vital initiatives.
In a display of creativity, Saunders ventured into the world of children’s literature, co-authoring “Fabia the Fabulous Goes to Work” with Sophia Mikhailovna Park. The book, a labor of love that took over a decade to complete, exemplifies her multifaceted talents. Saunders’ creative journey and her determination to instill a love for literature in young minds served as an inspiration.
“This journey began in 2011 while I was working for a microbial copper company in Santiago, Chile,” she recalled. “Yes, my life has taken lots of turns. It was my first time outside of a university community in my adult life, and I was writing a lot creatively. I was experimenting with creative outlets, and Fabia the Fabulous came about.”
The story itself, dedicated to “two very fabulous dogs,” Fabia, belonging to Saunders, and Gladys, belonging to Park, follows Fabia and her friends through their journeys in various beautiful landscapes while she learns new lessons and encounters breathtaking geographies.
Speaking on the length of the creative process, Saunders said, “That mainly had to do with finding the perfect illustrator. Sophia is so talented and witty. My favorite parts were brainstorming with her and bouncing feedback around. We truly had a lot of fun with this.”
And thankfully, “Fabia the Fabulous Goes to Work” is just one of the many stories from Fabia’s adventures. Other journeys, such as Fabia’s travels to the Atacama Desert and the Pyrenees Mountains, are on pause while Park finishes graduate school, but the pair have plans to keep Fabia’s adventures alive and well.
“Fabia the Fabulous Goes to Work” is currently available for purchase on Amazon for Kindle users for just $4.99, or for free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
As Saunders continues contributing to Lyon College’s legacy, her story remains a testament to the power of education, community engagement, and the pursuit of one’s passions. Lyon College celebrates her journey from student to professor and her enduring commitment to nurturing thoughtful, engaged citizens of the world.
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Dr. Stephanie Saunders will feature “Fabia the Fabulous Goes to Work” at Saturday Storytime, Saturday, Nov. 4, at 10 a.m. at the Independence County Library. For more information, contact the library at (870) 793-8814, or visit indcolib.com.
Image: Lyon College
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