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    Sarah Hutton

    Head of Student Success & Engagement, UMass Amherst Libraries @GOGN_OER @schutton works.bepress.com/sarah_hutton

    Professional Background

    Sarah Hutton, Ph.D., MLIS, is a distinguished librarian and educator with a robust background in educational policy and leadership, particularly in the realm of higher education. Currently serving as the Head of Student Success & Engagement at the University Libraries of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Dr. Hutton has a proven track record of enhancing academic support services and fostering student engagement within the library system. Over her career, she has held several leadership positions at UMass Amherst, including her role as the Head of Undergraduate Teaching and Learning Services, where she successfully implemented initiatives aimed at improving undergraduate students' academic experiences and information literacy skills.

    Prior to her significant contributions at UMass Amherst, Dr. Hutton gained valuable experience as the Head Information Specialist at the University of Bridgeport, where she played a crucial role in bridging gaps between student needs and library services. In the earlier stages of her career, Sarah worked in various capacities across several esteemed institutions, including roles as a Library Technician II at Boston University and Lesley University, as well as an Interlibrary Loan Technician at Rice University. These diverse experiences have equipped her with a well-rounded perspective on library services and academia.

    Advocate for Open Education

    In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Hutton is recognized as a strong advocate for open educational resources (OER) and open access (OA) initiatives. She actively promotes the significance of free and equitable access to educational materials, believing that they are critical to enhancing student success and learning opportunities. Through her social media presence, notably on Twitter where she engages with communities around @GOGN_OER and @umasseduc, Dr. Hutton shares her insights and contributions to the ongoing discourse surrounding accessibility in education.

    Education and Achievements

    Dr. Hutton's academic journey illustrates her commitment to furthering her expertise and contributing meaningfully to the field of education. She is presently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Policy and Leadership, specializing in Higher Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with her candidacy status (ABD - All But Dissertation) achieved as of Spring 2019. Her research focuses on policies and practices that shape the educational landscape and enhance student outcomes in higher education. This pursuit reflects her dedication to understanding how educational systems can be improved to better serve diverse student populations.

    Before embarking on her Ph.D. journey, Dr. Hutton obtained her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the University of Rhode Island, where she honed her skills in information management and library sciences. Her educational background also includes a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Counseling from Lesley University, equipping her with the interpersonal skills necessary for understanding student needs and providing effective support.

    Notable Contributions

    Dr. Hutton's career is marked by several notable contributions to library and educational services. As a leader in student success initiatives, she has designed and implemented programs that support undergraduate students' academic journeys, ensuring they have access to the tools and resources necessary for thriving in their studies. Her role in developing learning services at the W.E.B. Du Bois Library at UMass Amherst was pivotal, as she embraced innovative pedagogical approaches to library instruction and information literacy.

    Beyond her immediate responsibilities, Sarah also contributes to the broader academic community, participating in workshops and discussions about the future of libraries in education. Her work in fostering a culture of collaboration between faculty and librarians has been particularly impactful, as it promotes the integration of library resources within curricula, enhancing the overall learning environment for students.

    Leadership in Library Services

    Throughout her extensive career, Dr. Hutton has consistently demonstrated her leadership in various library settings. Her early experience as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Rhode Island and Student Reference Assistant provided her with a foundational understanding of library operations and student interactions. This experience informed her subsequent positions, allowing her to ascend to roles involving significant responsibilities and decision-making.

    As a former Library Technician II at both Boston University and Lesley University, Dr. Hutton developed a comprehensive grasp of the logistical aspects of library services, ensuring efficient library operations and user service delivery. Her experience as an Interlibrary Loan Technician at Rice University further enriched her skills in resource sharing and collaboration between institutions, vital components of modern library services.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Dr. Sarah Hutton stands out as a dedicated librarian, educator, and advocate for open access and educational equity. With a wealth of experience in higher education and library services, paired with her ongoing doctoral studies, she is well-equipped to shape the future landscape of academic libraries and student support services. Her proactive engagement with open educational resources underscores her commitment to advancing equal access to quality education for all students. Dr. Hutton's vision and leadership continue to inspire those around her, making her a pivotal figure in the field of educational policy, library science, and student engagement.

    Related Questions

    How did Sarah Hutton develop her expertise in educational policy and leadership?
    What initiatives has Sarah Hutton implemented to enhance student success at the University of Massachusetts Amherst?
    In what ways does Sarah Hutton advocate for open educational resources and open access in higher education?
    How has Sarah Hutton's background in Counseling influenced her approach to library services and student engagement?
    What are some of the notable achievements in Sarah Hutton's career that reflect her commitment to enhancing the academic experience for students?
    Sarah Hutton
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    Location

    Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Area