Emma Spett

32 | Program Manager, UVM Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships / Owner & Operator, River & Rye
Residence: Windham

Career highlight: I’m proud of my trajectory at UVM. I started here almost 9 years ago as a graduate student, and have had the opportunity to help build the Office of Engagement, Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships, and Vermont Data Collaborative. I so appreciate and value the dynamic nature of my work- in a given week, I’m doing research on rural data or the impact of collaborative grantmaking, supporting community partners at events and through partnership development, teaching a graduate-level course or in a professional development programming. The nature of rural issues is complex, and my job is reflective of the magic of engaging with that complexity.

Community involvement: I am involved in many different communities across Vermont. In my home town of Jamaica, I sit on the board of the Jamaica Community Arts Council, and am a member of the Jamaica Village School Re-Use Committee. More broadly, I am also a board member for the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, Vermont Women’s Fund, and I sit on the education and program committee at The Generator.

In Jamaica, I also own and operate a small business that tries to center our community in everything that we do. We’re always hosting local musicians, feature local artwork, and offer opportunities for gatherings around civic engagement, crafts, trivia, and more.

Motivation for living and working in Vermont: I grew up spending summers in Vermont, and fell in love with the rural community in Windham County where my family spent time. As an adult, I want to see Vermont thrive, and I want to leverage collaboration to see that through.

Favorite part of your job:  I have a lot of jobs! I work at UVM doing research, program development, and teaching, and I own and operate an inn and restaurant on the weekends. My favorite parts of all my jobs is that they center human connection and community building, and that every day looks different.

Best career advice: The best career advice I have received is to underpromise and over-deliver. I think that’s a really important thing to hold when you’re working in a rural community.

Favorite downtime activity: My favorite downtime activity is knitting. I’ve gotten a bit obsessed, with everything from making my own clothes to understanding the dynamics of the wool and fiber industry in Vermont.

What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years: I’m trying to finish my dissertation, and continue to pursue work as a “pracademic”- or practitioner academic. Beyond that, I’d like to keep learning and growing as a scholar, business owner, and educator. I’d also love to give that work/life balance thing a try.