Sherri VandenAkker

Sherri VandenAkker is a Professor at Springfield College, affiliated with the Department of Literature, Writing, and Journalism within the School of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with concentrations in Rhetoric and Composition, Modern Poetry, and Contemporary Poetry. Additionally, she earned a Master of Arts in English from UMass Amherst, a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology for Educators from UMass Boston, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Mount Holyoke College.

• Doctor of Philosophy: English, UMass Amherst (concentrations in Rhetoric and Composition, Modern Poetry, Contemporary Poetry)
• Master of Arts: English, UMass Amherst
• Graduate Certificate: Instructional Technology, UMass Boston
• Bachelor of Arts: English, Mount Holyoke College

Her research interests focus on Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Rhetoric and Composition, Documentary Film Writing, and Photography. She is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and nature photographer, emphasizing creative and technical storytelling. As an educator, she specializes in adult learners, blending traditional and online formats, and has developed curricula as a Subject Matter Expert. She teaches courses such as Advanced College-Level Academic Skills, Communications Skills II, and Critical Thinking through Literature, fostering critical engagement with societal issues.

VandenAkker’s pedagogical philosophy aligns with Paulo Freire’s emphasis on empowering learners to address personal and community challenges through education. Her work bridges literary analysis, digital pedagogy, and interdisciplinary creativity.