Robyn Hartman, MA, MPS 

Information Literacy Librarian

Where did you grow up?  I grew up in Missouri and started my career teaching high school French, Speech, Debate, and Theatre. 

What did you study at college and why? My journey into librarianship began because I loved seeing that “spark” when my students found the research information they needed, so I earned my master’s in Information Resources and Library Science. I then worked at a military intelligence library in Arizona, supporting military personnel and their specialized research needs. In 2015, I joined the FHSU community, and I’ve been proud to be a Tiger for ten years!

Why did you decide to pursue librarianship? In 2023, I completed a Master’s degree in Instructional Design from FHSU—so I’ve known life as an online student here too! That experience has deepened my understanding of online learners' unique challenges and opportunities. I’m passionate about helping students succeed, and I believe the FHSU Library offers incredible resources for online students. 

From your perspective and experience, how can online students benefit from the online library and what resources it provides?  As the library liaison to the College of Education, I support students in teacher prep and graduate programs by helping them navigate scholarly databases, evaluate sources, and use information effectively. It's incredibly gratifying to help future educators become confident, information-literate professionals. Students can explore my research guides or schedule a research appointment with me here.

Since October is National Book Month what is one of your favorite books and why?  Just One Damned Thing After Another, the first book in The Chronicles of St. Mary’s series by Jodi Taylor. It’s a fast-paced, witty series about historians who “investigate major historical events in contemporary time” (aka Time Travel)—which usually leads to chaos, danger, and hilarity. It’s perfect for curious minds and anyone who loves learning through storytelling.

Dr. Matthew Clay

President Faculty Senate

Assistant Professor, Teacher Education

Where did you grow up? I grew up outside of Wichita, KS and graduated from Clearwater High School 

What did you study in college and why? I studied biology education at Pittsburg State but I was very much fascinated with the natural world and growing up in an education family, I always knew I would end up in that sort of direction. That love of teaching about the natural world led to me doing a Masters in Science Education at Montana State University and a Doctorate of Education at the University of Northern Colorado. Both my masters and doctorate were primarily online programs. 

Was there or is there anyone in your life that inspires/inspired you? A big driver for me in my work is my children. I have 12, 10, and 2 year old boys. I am fascinated in seeing their curiosity and how they explore their world, and also it makes me very intentional about working to create the types of learning experiences and environments for all students that I want them to have.

From your perspective and experience, how can online students benefit from the opportunities your research area(s) provide? I have had several online research students in my time at FHSU, both undergraduate and graduate. I think those experiences provide an opportunity to develop a little different set of skills focused on curiosity, exploration, and problem solving. It also is a very different working relationship between professor and student. I consider my research students as collaborators and colleagues. I also feel like there is a connection formed through working on those types of experiences that isn't really matched in the traditional classroom. With several of the online research students, there has been an element of field research, but that only has required us to be in the same location for a few days which can be scheduled around work, family, and school responsibilities.  

Since October is National Book Month, what is your favorite book and why? A long time favorite book of mine is Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. It was a book of adventure that was very honest and I encountered it at the exact right time in my life. Something I think Krakauer did in that, better than any other mountaineering writer to that point, is captured the tension of successes of adventure, but also a very cutting honesty about its costs. That ability to hold the tension of seeing situations for the good, but not being blind to the challenges, is something I try to carry with me. 

Is there any other information you want online learners to know? I am always looking for additional research students. My focus is on using 360 video to create meaningful learning experiences, which currently consists of work in national and state park settings. I am more than happy to accommodate schedules and do not have any pre-required skills to join. You just need curiosity and a willingness to contribute!