Sylvia López

Sylvia López is the Chair and Harry C. Moore Professor of Modern Languages & Literatures at Beloit College, where she also serves as Director of Community Connections and a member of the Impact Beloit Team. She holds a B.A. from Connecticut College and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

Her research focuses on Spanish Gothic fiction, mothers and mental health in literature, and experiential language learning. Recent publications include analyses of trauma in Chicano literature and occult themes in 19th-century narratives. She has co-authored a Spanish language textbook for advanced beginners.

Dr. López has received the 2019 James R. Underkofler Teaching Award and the 2020 Beloit Rotary Club Teacher of the Month honor. Beyond academia, she chairs the Beloit Historical Society board and leads initiatives connecting students with community partners through real-world projects.

Her service roles include chairing the Modern Languages department, serving on the Provost Co-Management Team (2018-19), and directing Student Retention (2019-2022). She advocates for inclusive pedagogy and career readiness through community-based learning.