Auburn College of Education alumnus Daniel Sullen turns doctorate into community impact

Throughout his professional career, Daniel Sullen has been determined to make a difference, and he believes the knowledge he gained while pursuing his doctoral degree in Auburn’s College of Education has equipped him to do just that.

“At the core of everything I do, whether it’s leading educational programs, mentoring youth, or working with families and communities, my goal is to positively impact the lives of others,” Sullen said.

Sullen graduated with a doctorate in adult education in summer 2024. That same summer, he was named County Extension Director of Macon County through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, or ACES. Prior to being named to the director role, he served as Macon County’s 4-H Extension Agent for 10 years.

As a director, Sullen supports, manages and coordinates a wide range of educational programs spanning from 4-H youth development and agriculture to health and wellness, financial literacy and community development. He has taught seniors how to guard against fraud, mentored first-generation college students, helped farmers find new solutions to age-old problems and organized community events in support of neighborhoods.

“In my role, I get to be the steady hand that lifts others up, the voice that helps unheard stories be told and the heart that keeps beating for positive change in every corner of the county,” Sullen said. “This work is deeply personal. I don’t just serve this community—I am in this community. And being able to give back in such a meaningful and lasting way is one of the greatest honors of my life.”

Through coursework in the adult education program, Sullen gained a deeper understanding of adult learning theories, concepts that have directly informed how he develops and delivers educational programming for the diverse adult population he serves in rural Macon County. Learning about these theories, including experiential and self-directed learning, helped Sullen approach programming from the perspective of the learner and adapt the lessons and activities to those he is serving.

“My experience in the College of Education has not only made me a more thoughtful and effective educator, but it has also prepared me for higher-level administrative roles within Extension, such as my current position as County Extension Director,” Sullen said. “The combination of theory, practical application and research has equipped me with the leadership, communication and strategic planning skills necessary to lead impactful community-based educational efforts across Macon County and beyond.”

Sullen chose to pursue his doctorate because he believed it to be an investment in his future, his family legacy and his community. Professionally, he gained knowledge, research skills and strategic thinking skills needed to lead at higher levels while opening the door to a broader range of career opportunities.

Sullen is the first in his family to earn a doctoral degree, an achievement he shares with his parents, his siblings and his ancestors.

“This degree is not just mine; it is theirs, too,” Sullen said. “It is a tribute to their resilience, sacrifice, talents and dreams. Their legacy lives on through me, and I carry that responsibility with honor and purpose. In every way, pursuing a Ph.D. in Adult Education was about more than a title; it was about empowerment, access and creating a pathway for others to follow.”

Prior to his time at Auburn, Sullen earned his bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from Fort Valley State University. He earned his master’s degree in horticulture from Auburn in 2010 and an extension educator certification in 2020.

Sullen’s dedication to his career has been recognized by many over the years, and he has received awards in the areas of civic leadership, community empowerment and youth development, to name a few. He served as the president of Alabama Epsilon Sigma Phi, the professional organization for extension educators, from 2023 to 2024.

Sullen said he looks forward to continuing to make an impact in people’s lives.

“As I continue my career, I want to be a bridge for others to create opportunities, open doors and provide guidance for those who need it most,” Sullen said. “Whether in my role as a 4-H Extension Agent, County Extension Director or mentor, I want people to see in me a reflection of what’s possible. If my light helps even one person find their path, then I know I’m walking in purpose.”