Dr. John Hisey, left, presents the 2017 Department of Natural Sciences & Mathematics Distinguished Alumnus Award to Darrell Spell at a department breakfast during Homecoming
Darrell Spell was awarded the 2017 Distinguished Alumnus Award for Lee University’s Department of Natural Sciences & Mathematics at a departmental breakfast during Homecoming.
“Darrell Spell impressively balances his leadership in his professional field and service to his church, community organizations, philanthropy, and missions with his devotion to his wife and family,” said Dr. John Hisey, associate professor of biology and chair of the department’s award committee. “This is the kind of person we want to honor.”
Mr. Spell is a consulting actuary with over 30 years of experience in the life and health industry, serving in both corporate and consulting roles. He joined the world’s largest health insurance consulting firm of Milliman, Inc. in 1998. Over the past 18 years, Mr. Spell's practice has grown to become one of the larger practices within the firm. It has grown from two employees in the first year to 40 employees currently.
Previously, Mr. Spell served as the product line manager for individual accident and health products for GE Financial Assurance (now Genworth Financial), then a subsidiary of GE Capital. In 1994, he was presented with GE Capital’s highest employee award. Prior to joining GE Financial, Mr. Spell was a leader at Professional Insurance Corporation.
As a professional, Mr. Spell has served on several committees dedicated to critical illness studies, health programs, and more. He also serves as an elder in his church and has previously served as an advisory board member, music pastor, missions team member, and deacon, as well as other positions in churches.
Mr. Spell earned his Master of Arts in mathematics from the University of North Florida and his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Bachelor in Music Education from Lee in 1982.
The Department of Natural Sciences & Mathematics chooses winners based on professional development, leadership roles, professional excellence in their field, publications, discoveries, grants, research, and service to community, church, missions, and philanthropy.