Library Employee News

NEW HIRES & APPOINTMENTS

Amanda Bugbee
Discovery Librarian

Amanda Bugbee joined the University of Wyoming Libraries as the Discovery Librarian. She holds a dual Master of Library Science with a specialization in Art Librarianship, and Master of Arts in Art History from Indiana University-Bloomington. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, with Museum Studies and History minors from the University of Wyoming. Previously, she served as a Library Specialist, Acquisitions, in UW Libraries Resource, Discovery & Management department. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys trying new recipes, walking her four dogs, and watching old films. She also considers herself a dissectologist.

Jordan Hemingway
Graduate Research & Engagement Librarian

Jordan Hemingway joined UW Libraries as the Graduate Research & Engagement Librarian. She holds a Master of Library & Information Science with an Information Technology concentration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Literary Studies minor from the University of Wyoming. Previously, she served as a Library Specialist in UW Libraries’ Digital Scholarship Center. Outside of work, she enjoys trail running, playing fetch with her cat Hazel, tinkering with code, DIY, narrative video games, and throwing ideas at any given wall to see what sticks.

Cass Kvenild
Dean of UW Libraries

The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees appointed Cass Kvenild as Dean of UW Libraries in March. She has served as interim dean since August 2023.

Cass has worked at UW Libraries for 20 years, serving as the distance learning librarian, the head of the Learning Resource Center, Assistant Dean of Education & Research Services, the UW Libraries Associate Dean and most recently interim Dean. 

 

 

 

 

 

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Sammy Peter
Chair, Research & Instruction and Instructional Design Librarian

Sammy Peter received an appointment to serve as a Next Generation Education Fellow for Academic Affairs this spring and was also chosen as the 2024 recipient of the LIRT Librarian Recognition Award.

The Next Generation University Studies Program has entered Phase III. The Next Generation Education Fellows will chair subcommittees to work on the components of the new draft model.

The Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) award of the American Library Association was created to recognize an individual’s contribution to the development, advancement and support of information literacy and instruction. 

 

 

 

 

Tandi Valdez
Library Assistant, Senior

Tandi Valdez, University of Wyoming Libraries library assistant, senior, is the recipient of the University of Wyoming Libraries Outstanding Staff Award for her contributions in 2023.

Valdez has worked for UW Libraries’ since September 1986. She assists with the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) unit, which serves the UW community and libraries across the nation. ILL is used to request materials including books, DVDs and CDs held by lenders worldwide.

Last year, Valdez provided enormous support for ILL through multiple personnel changes. The former manager of ILL retired, a new ILL manager and staff member joined the department and ILL saw an influx of requests due to the Prospector service being offline. Her ability to adapt and learn has made Valdez a valuable asset to UW Libraries and all its partners. 

 

Jennifer Kirk
Marketing & Communications Specialist

Jennifer Kirk was among one of the team members from Institutional Communications and Marketing to receive an award during the annual Wyoming Press Association (WPA) Associates group contest in January.

The WPA Associates contest drew entries from communications professionals from around the state. UW personnel competed against media representatives such as those from various Wyoming state government departments and area public relations firms.

Kirk was awarded first place for the Information Campaign category for the "You Belong Here" Information Campaign.

 

 

Jessica Rardin
Learning and Engagement Librarian

Jessica recently received the Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) Beginning Professional Award. The award recognizes an MPLA member, who as a librarian within the first five years after receiving a library masters degree has made a positive impact on the quality and role of library service. 

Rardin will be recognized at an awards ceremony at the MPLA/Utah Library Association conference this May. 

 

 

 

 

 

David Kruger
Agriculture and Business Librarian

The J. C. Penney HCSC Alumni Club, the official organization of J. C. Penney retirees established by James Cash Penney, has voted to induct David Kruger as an Honorary Member for “preserving and sharing the history and heritage of James Cash Penney and the J. C. Penney Company.” An induction ceremony took place in December.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Janice Grover
Carol J. McMurry Distinguished Librarian for Academic Excellence

Janice Grover received a 2024 Promoting Intellectual Engagement (PIE) in the First Year award. The PIE award recognizes faculty who inspire students intellectually in first-year courses and is sponsored by several programs within both academic and student affairs: the Ellbogen Center for Teaching & Learning, Center for Advising and Career Services, Dean of Students Office, and LeaRN Programs. Nominees are chosen by freshmen and sophomore students in an on-line survey, and a committee selects recipients based on number of nominations and students’ comments regarding the faculty member’s success in engaging students meaningfully in course material, promoting successful transition to college expectations, and fostering investment in learning.

 

 

 

 

2024 Staff Years of Service Award

Staff Senate annually recognizes years of service of classified staff in increments of years. This spring, UW Libraries had some employees who were recognized that we would like to highlight:

Jennifer Kirk - 10 Years of Service
Lisa Kolste - 10 Years of Service
Sarah Rhodes - 10 Years of Service

Congratulations and thank you to all our staff members who were recognized this year!