Illinois College archivist, curator recognized as promising leader
The Association of Midwest Museums has announced that Samantha Sauer, archivist, curator, and assistant professor of history, is the recipient of the organization鈥檚 2021 Promising Leadership Award.
The organization praised Sauer鈥檚 鈥渋ncredible energy鈥� in 鈥渢ransforming the Khalaf Al Habtoor Archives and the Paul A. Findley Congressional Office Museum into essential campus and community resources.鈥�
鈥淚n crafting and fulfilling her vision, Sauer demonstrates an unparalleled level of professionalism and intentionality, creating student-centered projects to explore campus history, highlight diverse collections and voices, and build institutional capacity. Her sustained pattern of excellence in leadership for nearly six years and leadership prowess in curricular development, co-curricular activities, and campus and community engagement exemplify the spirit of the Promising Leadership Award,鈥� the organization .
Sauer earned a terminal degree in historical administration from Eastern Illinois University and joined Illinois College in 2016.
Sauer will be recognized in . In addition to accepting the award, Sauer will give a presentation exploring how her team has developed mission-driven learning laboratories to serve the campus community and beyond.
Since its founding in 1927, the Association of Midwest Museums has sought to connect museums across the eight-state region of the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
To learn more about the resources available at the Khalaf Al Habtoor Archives at Illinois College, visit . You can also learn more about Illinois College's historic campus collections by contacting .