July 7, 2011 (Jackson) - Leah McCullum ('06), a teacher at Laurel Middle School and Belhaven University graduate, was named Laurel School District's Teacher of the Year.

Jeannine Agee is the principle at Laurel Middle School and states, “McCullum is an outstanding force in our school. Her students really trust and respect her. She has also been instrumental in putting together programs and special events for the students at Laurel Middle School. McCullum is a servant who stays involved with every aspect of this school and its students. We are very proud of her accomplishments.”

McCullum teaches sixth grade reading and writing, and she was recently named assistant principle for the sixth grade. She has six years of teaching experience and has taught grades sixth, seventh and eighth.

McCullum received her master's at Belhaven University by completing Belhaven's MAT program.

Each district's winner is awarded a plaque and monetary gift then honored by the State Department of Education. At the end of the year all district winners are then considered for the State Teacher of the Year Award.

Belhaven proudly stands among the select Christian colleges and universities that offer a unique general core curriculum encouraging the development of a personal worldview. The university believes a Christian worldview is a key to preparing men and women academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas.

Founded in 1883, Belhaven University now serves over 3,000 students from campuses in Jackson, Memphis, Orlando, Houston, Chattanooga, Atlanta and online, offering traditional undergraduate degrees, graduate and adult degree programs, and online degree programs.