Belfast, Maine — Patricia Libby has been named the coordinator of instruction and student services at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center. 

“We are delighted to welcome Patty to our professional staff,” said Hutchinson Center Director Sue McCullough. “Patty’s extensive background in education, psychology, business and clinical social work gives her the expertise to meet the unique educational needs of adult learners, as well as traditional-age students.”

Libby will serve as academic advisor, scholarship coordinator, tutor coordinator, Maine Disability Support Services liaison and facilitator to career center resources. She will also serve the UMaine faculty in instructional technology support for instruction and as a key member of the Lifelong Learning Advising Center team, based in UMaine’s Division of Lifelong Learning in Orono. 

According to Associate Dean Virginia Nees-Hatlen, Libby’s background as a veteran advisor and her strong grounding in social work and instructional technology gives the team — now engaged in recruiting adults who want to finish college degrees — great depth and breadth.

“She is a generous colleague, whose dedication to great student service is an inspiration to students and co-workers,” Nees-Hatlen says.

“I am passionate about supporting and advising students in their pursuit of higher education,” says Libby. “Quality advising gently assists students to bring their career aspirations into workable alignment with their aptitudes and life goals.”

Libby says she appreciates the courage it takes for students to make that first phone call to initiate a college career, apply to graduate school or finish a degree after years of being out of college. 

“Please know that at the other end of the phone will be a knowledgeable, empathetic and solution-based professional,” Libby says.

Registration for the spring 2014 semester continues until the week of January 13, 2014.

Libby is available by appointment Monday through Friday; patricia.libby@umit.maine.edu or 338.8000.