Sarah Schmidt

With a passion for education and working with learners of all ages, Sarah began her career as a private music teacher in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. Her dedication to learner success guided her transition into Teen and Reference Librarian roles at the Wood Buffalo Regional Library, where she supported the information, learning, and social needs of youth and community members. 

Sarah joined Keyano College in 2016 as a faculty librarian, motivated by a desire to return to higher education and to work closely with a diverse community of learners through academic librarianship. Since then, she has progressed through a range of academic and leadership roles, including Research and Instruction Librarian, Chair of Library Services, and Director of Academic Experience. In these past roles, guided by a commitment to inclusive learning and institutional excellence, Sarah developed and led the College’s inaugural strategies in Applied Research, Research Data Management, and Open Educational Resources. She spearheaded the development and launch of the College’s first open access Micro Credential on Digital Literacies, freely accessible to all members of the region. Sarah has also led efforts to advance program quality assurance and curriculum relevance, ensuring Keyano’s academic offerings reflect regional priorities and global best practices in higher education.  

Her leadership as Acting Vice President, Academic and Student Experience encompasses strategic oversight of Keyano’s teaching, research, and student success portfolios. Sarah continues to build on her work to foster academic quality, innovative practices, and student-centered supports throughout the college. 

Sarah’s academic journey demonstrates her commitment to lifelong learning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Music with a Psychology minor from the University of Waterloo, a Master of Library and Information Science from Western University, and a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning Studies from the University of Ottawa. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education (Research, Evaluation, and Enhancement) at Lancaster University, with research interests in student identity, digital literacy, and the experiences of diverse post-secondary learners. 

A collaborative and community-minded leader, Sarah is also dedicated to advancing the library profession and student support across Canada and beyond. She has mentored emerging librarians navigating the community college environment and has contributed her expertise through service, including as Co-Chair for the American Library Association’s Library Instruction Roundtable’s Adult Learners Committee. 

Sarah looks forward to continuing her work with the Keyano College community by furthering student success, fostering innovation in teaching and learning, and building inclusive, learner-centered pathways for all.