Spotlight On Staff: Sarah Lang

As director of GSEHD’s admissions and student services, Sarah Lang enjoys helping students become tomorrow’s educators.

By Julia Parmley

More than 1,500 applications pass through GW’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) every year, and each one gets a look from Sarah Lang, director of the school’s admissions and student services. Lang and her six-member staff currently manage the application process for all 2,000 students at GSEHD, as well as the student service efforts for the 1,400 master’s, certificate and education specialist candidates. Lang came to GW in 2007 from the admissions office of Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota and says the best part of her job is helping “career changers” pursue their teaching dreams.

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice?
A: I like the quote “If it wasn’t hard, then it wasn’t worth doing.” I hear a lot of graduate students say that GSEHD’s programs are very challenging, but I tell them that if the programs weren’t, achieving the degree wouldn’t be worth it!

Q: What is your favorite snack?
A: I love candy and chocolate. I have a real sweet tooth, which I try to keep under control. We recently had brownie sundaes for a coworker’s birthday so that was a nice afternoon treat.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I love to bake. I make really good buckeyes, which are peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. I brought some in once for coworkers, and they keep asking for more!

Q: When you were younger, what career did you think you would have?
A: I wanted to be an architect or graphic designer, because I liked to draw. But obviously I didn’t go into that—maybe because architecture is way too reliant on math. I still think
about going back to school for graphic design some day.

Q: Where did you go on your last vacation?
A: My husband, Brian, and I went to the Jersey Shore last summer and loved it so much that we are going to make it an annual trip. I am a beach bum; if I could live on the beach, I would! For some reason Brian and I always get free things when we are on vacation: free upgrades, free food, and coupons. Our friends always say they should travel with us!

Q: What’s a typical weekend at your house?
A: If the weather is nice, I love going outside with my dog Minne. We live near Old Town Alexandria, so Brian and I like to walk around town or visit estate and antique sales. My favorite purchase from one is an orange-yellow globe lamp that is in my son Henry’s room. It is really whimsical-looking and was only $30. I also love playing with Henry;
he is nine months old, so I do things to make him laugh. You never realize how silly you can act until you have a kid.

Q: Where is your favorite place to eat around campus?
A: The GW Deli is across the street from my office. They make great sandwiches, and the staff is so nice. When I was pregnant I would always order a turkey burger, and when they saw me walk in they would put it on the grill so that by the time I got to the counter it would be done. After Henry was born I brought in pictures for them to see. He is my turkey burger baby!

Q: What’s the most exciting thing you have ever done?
A: Surfing in Hawaii. I was horrible, but it was really exciting. My husband and I went in 2006, and I told him we should go back someday to renew our vows. It was beautiful. We hiked, swam, and ate delicious food. I cannot wait to go back.

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu