Sara Hartley

Sara Hartley, Ph.D., has a diverse work experience spanning over several years. Sara is currently working at The University of Alabama, where they hold the positions of Director of Professional Education and Associate Chair of Communication Studies. Sara is also an Associate Professor of Organizational Communication and previously served as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies & External Relations. Prior to these roles, Sara was the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies & External Relations and Assistant Professor at the same university.

Before joining The University of Alabama, Sara worked as the Assistant to the Vice President & Executive Director of First Year Experience and Parent Programs, Director of External Affairs, Assistant Director of Parent Programs, and Coordinator of Parent Programs. These positions involved overseeing various offices, leading strategy and coordination, and managing university-wide initiatives.

Aside from their work at the university, Sara has also served as an Executive Coach and Trainer, specializing in leadership and communication. Sara designs and facilitates trainings for groups and organizations, helping leaders improve their skills and achieve their goals.

In addition, Sara has worked as an Instructor for Semester At Sea / ISE, teaching courses during a specific time period. Sara'searlier experience includes serving as a Graduate Assistant at the University of South Carolina and being a student at Western Kentucky University.

Overall, Sara Hartley, Ph.D., has a broad range of experience in academia, leadership development, and teaching.

Sara Hartley, Ph.D. earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Leadership Studies from Western Kentucky University in 2006. Sara then obtained a Masters of Education degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina between 2006 and 2008. Following that, they pursued a Ph.D. in Communication Studies and Higher Education Administration at The University of Alabama from 2010 to 2014. In 2015, they received a Certificate in Management from Harvard University. In 2022, Sara Hartley obtained a certification as a Certified Executive Coach from the Center for Executive Coaching.