Sally Z. Hare, Singleton Endowed Professor of Education and director of the Center of Education and Community at Coastal Carolina University, was recently recognized as one of the eight recipients of the 2002 South Carolina Women of Achievement award. She was one of the 49 nominees for the award, which is sponsored each year by the Governor's Commission on Women.

According to the commission, Hare was chosen for the award for her achievements as an educator. Throughout her 32-year career she has been committed to erasing the barriers of racism and other prejudices, and helping young people reach their full potential.

The Women of Achievement awards have been given since the early 1970s. Nominations are open to the public and are solicited statewide. According to the award criteria, the honor is given to women who demonstrate leadership, make lasting contributions in their fields of expertise, are exceptional role models and mentors for young women, and open the doors of opportunity for future generations.

Hare, who joined the Coastal faculty in 1974, founded Coastal's Center for Education and Community in 1993 and has served as its only director. She previously served as dean of Graduate and Continuing Education at Coastal for 10 years. During her career at Coastal, Hare has been a Kellogg National Fellow and a Fetzer Teaching Fellow and she won a national award in Community Development from the National Continuing Education Association. Under her guidance, Coastal's Center for Education and Community has sponsored a number of innovative programs linking the university and the community, including Calling All Colors, Jump for the Sun and America Reads. Hare earned a bachelor's degree, master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina.

In spring 2001, Hare was the sixth recipient of Coastal's Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Lecturer award, sponsored by Horry Telephone Cooperative, Inc. The annual award is presented to a faculty member who has outstanding abilities as a teacher, scholar and communicator.