Sara Fernandez Medina

Dr. Sara Fernandez Medina serves as Professor of Spanish and Department Head of the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, & Cultures within the School of Humanities & Social Sciences at The Citadel. She concurrently holds roles as Spanish Section Coordinator, Spanish Club Adviser, Mexico Summer Study Abroad Director, and placement coordinator.

Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Spanish Language and Literature and an M.A. in Romance Languages and Literatures from Texas Tech University, complemented by a B.A. in History from Universidad de Alcala, Spain.

Dr. Fernandez Medina's research critically examines the Spanish Civil War's legacy, systemic gender violence in contemporary Spain, and evolving European film/media narratives. Her pedagogical work focuses on innovative language teaching methodologies, emphasizing cultural immersion and social justice frameworks. Her scholarship consistently bridges historical analysis with modern sociopolitical discourse, particularly regarding Spain's democratic transition and current gender equality movements.

Recent publications analyze cinematographic responses to Spain's economic crisis and feminist visual pedagogy, revealing interdisciplinary connections between literary representation, economic trauma, and gendered social constructs. Her editorial work on Almudena Grandes' literature establishes important linkages between memory studies and political resistance narratives.

Recognition for her academic contributions includes:

• Nomination for Commission on Higher Education Service Learning Award (2017)
• Krause Center Service Learning Recognition Award (2016)
• NROTC Teaching Appreciation and Recognition (2013)
• James A. Grimsley, Jr. Award for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence (2012)
• Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for “high thought and noble endeavor” (2011)

Through her leadership of the Spanish Club and Mexico Summer Study Abroad program, she facilitates immersive cultural experiences while developing placement protocols that enhance language acquisition. Her service learning initiatives integrate classroom theory with community engagement, particularly through the Krause Center's outreach programs.

Current departmental priorities under her direction include expanding digital pedagogy resources and strengthening transatlantic academic partnerships with Spanish institutions to advance comparative cultural studies.