Living & Learning International is pleased to announce that Donald Hawkins II is joining the team as the new Rome Program Director beginning Fall 2023. He and his wife Sequoi, will move to Rome this summer to settle in and begin their life in Italy.

L&LI is thankful for who Donald is and the experience he brings to this role. During his undergrad at Virginia Commonwealth University, he studied abroad in Barbados and earned his B.A. in African American Studies. After graduating, Donald was the Team Leader for two years with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps where he oversaw teams, collaborated with partners, and managed logistics.

Donald then transitioned to the Associate Director of Study Abroad at Liberty University. There he developed study abroad programs, increased student involvement, advised students on academic, financial, and experiential needs, fostered university partnerships, traveled to different countries, and lead the diversity and inclusion efforts for international education for Liberty University. During his four years in this role, he also received his M.A. in Theology and studied abroad in Israel.

From 2020-2022, Donald taught four subjects in social studies at Linkhorne Middle School. There he completed lesson plans, and developed, managed, and delivered curriculum with the school’s division guidelines.

Since January 2022, Donald has served as the Associate Director of Academics of Veritas Christian Study Abroad Program. There he oversaw all academic courses, collaborated with university partners, and fostered relationships with Veritas mentors to ensure the spiritual, mental, and physical health of the students studying abroad.

Donald is currently a candidate for his Doctor of Education degree with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction.

Living & Learning is looking forward to having Donald and Sequoi in Italy and is excited to see what the Lord has in store. Living & Learning is thankful for the current Rome Program Directors Dr. Larry and Debbie Peck, and pray that their transition to retirement is smooth and that they enjoy sweet time with their family. L&LI is grateful for all that they've done and is thankful to be able to continue their work with our new Program Director, Donald Hawkins II.

A Letter of Introduction from Donald

We are looking forward to another chapter of life. Living abroad and having it connected to purpose and faith is something Sequoi and I talked a lot about before we got married and dreamed about together after marriage. Both of us have had our fair share of international experiences through ministry, work and personal commitments; we are grateful for an opportunity to live and work together in a new cultural context.

I did not think international education would be the career I pursued 12 years ago when I finished my undergraduate degree, but by God’s provision and guidance, here I am. There has been a lot of prayer and faith that has brought me to this point. I continue to give thanks to God for the way he opened a door for me at Liberty [University] through Audrey Hammond. That was my introduction to international education, as well as an opportunity that paid for my master’s degree when my funding for seminary ended. I have held great admiration for the mission and model of Living & Learning. After visiting the Rome and Ecuador program in 2019, I knew what kind of study abroad program I desired to be a part of if I ever got the opportunity. I am passionate about teaching the scriptures and helping others understand what life as a believer in the Messiah, Jesus Christ looks like and truly means. I also truly enjoy learning new languages, cultures, history and cultivating community with others. I’ve come to learn over the years that I am an educator; what I learn, I desire to share with others and help them to think critically, discover, and ponder the complexities and beauty of this world. I believe the Rome Program Director is an incredible endeavor to do all of those things, and to journey alongside my wife as we continue our race. Truly, Sequoi and I are here by God’s grace, to him belongs all the praise and glory.
- Donald Hawkins II

L&LI Announces Donald Hawkins II as Rome Program Director

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