Chapter by Chapter: UWG Alumna Transforms Newnan Carnegie Library Share this page
When Susan Crutchfield ’12 graduated from the University of West Georgia with a degree in sport management, she didn’t expect her path to lead to one of Newnan’s most beloved cultural landmarks. But today, as director of the Newnan Carnegie Library, Crutchfield has not only found her place but is helping others find theirs, too.
A graduate from UWG’s College of Education, Crutchfield began her career in sports event management and administration but found a new passion in community engagement when she joined the Carnegie Library in 2017 as the adult program coordinator. Two years later, she was promoted to director.
“A lot of what I do now, like planning programs, leading my staff and strategic planning, has roots in what I learned at UWG,” Crutchfield said. “My education gave me a strong foundation in leadership and problem-solving that has helped me grow into this role.”
Since stepping into her leadership role, Crutchfield has guided the library through both triumphs and trials. Among her proudest accomplishments is leading the library through the COVID-19 pandemic, an experience that tested her leadership skills early in her tenure.
Under her direction, Carnegie has become a dynamic and responsive institution. Crutchfield prioritizes community input, adapting services based on patron feedback.
“Listening is one of the most important skills I developed as a leader,” explained Crutchfield. “At UWG, I learned how to engage with different perspectives and bring people together. Those lessons have been essential in shaping the Carnegie into what our community needs it to be.”
The 15th anniversary of the library’s renovation in 2024 was a particularly meaningful milestone for Crutchfield and her team. A yearlong listening process with community members culminated in a lantern walk and a documentary screening, celebrating the past while casting light on the future. Her time at UWG helped lay the foundation for this kind of innovative leadership.
“That anniversary reminded me how powerful libraries can be as community spaces,” Crutchfield said. “UWG helped instill in me a sense of purpose and the confidence to lead with creativity and compassion.”