I am a professor and chair of the Advanced Education Programs at FHSU. Most of my career was spent as a librarian at public or school libraries. In 2009, I completed a Ph.D. in Library and Information Management and spent 11 years at the University of Nebraska Kearney as program coordinator of the School Librarian Program. My colleague, Dr. Judy Henning, and I recently received the 2023 L. Anne Clyde Memorial Research Award from the International Association for School Librarians for our research on the characteristics of juniors in high school who are intrinsically motivated to read for pleasure.
What do you now do for a living? How did you end up choosing this career path?
I am passionate about researching intrinsic motivation for information-seeking and pleasure reading.
Why did you choose to attend FHSU?
My parents and siblings attended FHSU for their undergraduate degrees and a couple of them for graduate degrees. My experiences at Fort Hays State began when I was only five years old. My parents, Bob and Rose Hillman, were farmers near Ogallah but decided they wanted to finish their teaching degrees at FHSU. During the summer, they occasionally brought me along. My fondest memory was getting chocolate milk at the cafeteria! I began taking classes between my junior and senior years in high school since I was a hometown girl. It was natural to come to FHSU.
What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?
My favorite professor at FHSU, hands-down, was Donna Harsh. I began attending Donna’s author workshops while I was still in high school. In fact, I helped by picking up authors at the airport and taking them out for meals. I know these workshops and Donna’s classes in children’s literature influenced me to become a librarian.
What advice do you have for current or prospective FHSU students?
Follow your passion! Get involved! Ask how you can help at workshops and other functions.
In what ways are you proud to be a Tiger?
For me, it is a family bond. I was so happy to return to FHSU in 2020 because I bleed black and gold.
Below is a recent publication from Dr. Sherry Crow and Dr. Judy Henning that was presented in Rome this summer. https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/slw/index.php/slw/article/view/8716/5213