Brad Hilgert, Ph.D., began teaching Spanish in the Upper School at Columbus Academy at the start of the 2025-26 school year. He came to Academy after serving 10 years as academic vice rector (provost) and professor at Universidad de las Artes in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Throughout his career, Brad has received multiple fellowships and grants for teaching, research and community engagement both in the United States and internationally. In 2022, he was notably awarded the U.S. Embassy (Ecuador) Public Diplomacy Grant, in which he was principal investigator and involved with a $50,000 project on Afro-Ecuadorian cuisine and cultural heritage. Brad was also a previous recipient of the Pedro Krotsch Award for Research on the University (CLACSO) and Best Practice in Education, awarded by Corporación Líderes Para Gobernar. He holds a B.A. in Spanish and Philosophy from Ohio Wesleyan University and three degrees from Ohio State University including a M.A. in Latin American Literatures and Cultures, M.A. in Latin American Studies (Community Development) and Ph.D. in Latin American Literatures and Cultures. Brad and his wife, Lisette Arellano - an educator and entrepreneur - have three children: Emmylou, Chloe and Owen.
Brad's favorite thing about Columbus Academy
"I am excited to join this year and have been so thankful for the warmth and intentionality of the community."
Favorite sports team
"The Buckeyes, of course!"
Little-known fact about Brad
"I once helped launch a community radio station in a neighborhood called Nigeria—not the country, but a barrio in Guayaquil, Ecuador."
- B.A. Ohio Wesleyan University , Spanish and Philosophy
- M.A. Ohio State University , Latin American Literatures and Cultures
- M.A. Ohio State University , Latin American Studies (Community Development)
- Ph.D. Ohio State University , Latin American Literatures and Cultures
