For Sean Hutchinson, his career in higher education has been focused on helping students build connections. Whether it’s been connecting students with the university resources or connecting them with the community at large for service-learning opportunities, Hutchinson has been there to assist students in building a bridge to success.
“To advise students during their collegiate experience is to gently guide, fiercely support and endlessly encourage individuals at a pivotal time in their lives. Every student deserves ample support to succeed educationally and to be met where they are,” said Hutchinson, who recently began his new role as Academic Advisor II at Temple Ambler. “This is why Temple University’s commitment to provide students with access to an excellent, affordable higher education struck me as a perfect complement to what has become my personal mission. Accessible education means seeing each student as an individual and meeting their needs.”
Hutchinson, who arrives at Temple with 12 years of experience in academic and student affairs, said positive experiences while pursuing his own undergraduate degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice at La Salle University “made me realize I wanted to go into higher education as a career.”
“From my personal experiences in higher education and the relationships I built as an undergraduate, I knew I wanted to be there for other students going on that journey,” he said. “I entered my first job right out of college at La Salle University in Student Affairs — I was Coordinator on Call for Residence Life and then Assistant Director for Civic Engagement. I really enjoyed working with students day in and day out, helping them grow and move forward in their career and educational journeys.”
Prior to arriving at Temple University Ambler, Hutchinson was Manager of Experiential Learning Initiatives at Montgomery County Community College, an institution where he wore many hats during his more than five-year tenure.
“Before becoming manager of experiential learning, I was the coordinator. In those roles, I primarily helped faculty build hands-on experiences into their courses, anything from internships to service-learning and community-based learning opportunities,” he said. “I also helped other faculty with honors societies, field trips, travel off-campus and additional initiatives to connect students with their communities and the region.”
At Montgomery County Community College, Hutchinson served two stints as Temporary Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, “helping out wherever I was needed” in addition to being an adjunct faculty member in Communications teaching public speaking, a role he has maintained while making his transition to Temple.
As Assistant Director for Civic Engagement at La Salle University, “I oversaw a number of service programs and worked closely with our student leaders.”
“I worked in student affairs for seven years and academic affairs for about five years. That gives me a diverse background in how to work with students in different environments,” he said. “I feel like I’m able to relate to students and help them with their academic journey.”
As an academic advisor at Temple University Ambler, Hutchinson will provide in-person and virtual advising services, academic support and guidance, course selection and registration support and academic coaching for students taking courses and programs at the Ambler Campus, students seeking University College certificates and students in the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) program.
“As an academic advisor my role is to help students be successful, however a student defines success. What do they envision academic success to be and how can I help them achieve that,” he said. “I approach student advising holistically — before they can achieve in a classroom, we have to ensure that their basic needs are met. If they need assistance in other facets of their life, maybe that requires referring them to other resources at Temple or off-campus as well. Their educational journey can only be successful if their personal journey is going well.”
According to Hutchinson, one of the main reasons he applied for the academic advising position at Temple Ambler was “the opportunity to work face-to-face with students helping them find their path, wherever that path might lead to.”
“I wanted to be able to work with students on-on-one. I’m a community-based person, so I really enjoy working at schools that are within my own community and using those connections to provide unique and interesting opportunities for our students,” he said. “Temple Ambler is definitely a closeknit community — you can make essential connections here. Everyone here has a common goal of ensuring student success.”