Sara Hatch Southwick: Eleven Years Supporting Students

A Decade+ Supporting Students

This fall, veteran College of Education advisor Sara Hatch Southwick (left) moved into a new role in the Navigate U Hub. The hub unites the U's most community-centered disciplines, Education and Social Work, to focus on undergraduate advising and support in the areas of elementary and secondary education, social work, educational psychology, behavioral health, special education, and related fields. Hatch brings 11 years of advising experience to the hub. Her journey to the U began with a passion for working with students that crystallized during her undergraduate years at Utah Valley University, where she earned her B.S. in English. Hatch worked with freshman classes teaching time management and study skills—experiences that piqued her curiosity about possible careers in higher education.

When she joined the College of Education in 2014 as an Academic Program Specialist, Hatch initially worked with secondary education students. Over the years, her role evolved into a senior academic advising position, where she is a department go-to for her extensive knowledge of program requirements and her genuine care for student wellbeing. Associate Dean Mary D. Burbank speaks to Hatch's impact: 

"Sara Hatch Southwick has been a mainstay in support of the College of Education's degree and licensure programs for both students seeking elementary degrees and  those seeking licensure in K-6 and 6-12. Sara's work reflects her commitment to  collaboration across campus in ways that require communication and information sharing with multiple majors. Sara's instrumental role with partners will inform her work in the newly developed College of Education, College of Social Work Hub."

"I see in my students that they're excited to be helpful to others and to lead the next generation," Hatch said, capturing the spirit that drives both her advisees and her own work.

What has kept Hatch thriving at the U is a strong sense of community. Beyond the day-to-day advising work, she has built meaningful connections through an unofficial book club with UITE faculty and Special Education colleagues. Hatch described her unit as a close-knit community where colleagues support each other through both professional challenges and personal milestones.

Hatch’s leadership also extends across campus. She represents the College of Education on the Academic Advising Standards Council, a university-wide committee that establishes standardized advising practices. For three years, Hatch has also served as a mentor to new advisors, currently working with Cassidy Huntsman in a mutually supportive relationship that has enriched both advisors' practices.

The Navigate U Hub 

The hub officially opened in September, though advisee appointments are just beginning to pick up in early October. As the College of Education's lead advisor, Hatch now balances her time between two offices: maintaining her UITE office on Tuesdays and spending Thursdays and Fridays in the hub's new space in the College of Social Work.

Hatch is enthusiastic about the hub's potential to provide students with a one-stop shop for advising, career coaching, and student success resources. "I'm excited to have a true official team of advisors," she shared. Having colleagues from social work like Mandy Halloranand Nimmy Grewal means they can lean on each other and provide better backup support for students. She looks forward to mentoring her new colleagues and bringing her College of Education expertise to the hub while learning from the social work advising approach.

Still, Hatch is mindful of maintaining strong ties: "We want to still be involved. We still want to be part of the College of Education," she said, encouraging departments to stay connected to the hub as it develops.

Sage Advice for CoEdu Students

Hatch's advice to undergraduate students is direct and encouraging: "Don't be afraid to ask questions. The University of Utah is a big place, and we've got a ton of different resources available for students." She urged students to reach out to professors and advisors, and just as importantly, to have fun and get connected to campus life.

One of Hatch’s's favorite traditions is attending the College of Education graduation ceremony each spring, where she witnesses the joy and pride on her advisees' faces as they celebrate their accomplishments. "It's just a celebration to see all their hard work being accomplished," she said.

If you need to find Sara’s new office, consider looking for the advisor who might be enjoying some chocolate—her family runs the beloved Hatch Family Chocolates in the Avenues! If that doesn’t work, you can always find the new Navigate U Hub in the College of Social Work, suite 319.

Connect with Sara here.