Retirements
Tandi Valdez
Tandi Valdez
Tandi Valdez retired in December after 38 years of service with UW Libraries. Tandi
was the Library Assistant, Senior in the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) department.
Within ILL she served the UW community and libraries across the nation. ILL is used
to request materials, including books, DVDs and CDs, held by lenders worldwide. Her
attention to detail while processing these orders ensures that patrons have reliable
and timely access to items.
Tandi has been an invaluable member of the libraries, contributing her expertise,
professionalism, kindness, and unwavering dedication. She was recognized with UW Libraries'
Outstanding Service Award for her contributions to UW Libraries in 2023.
Awards & Recognitions
Abby Beaver
Abby Beaver, Wyoming State Librarian and UW Adjunct Faculty Member
The University of Wyoming recently appointed Abby Beaver, Wyoming State Librarian, as
an adjunct faculty member. This appointment recognizes the many important roles Abby and the Wyoming State Library
perform not only for the state in general but also for the university.
When asked how she felt about the appointment, Abby responded, “The University of
Wyoming holds special meaning for me as both my alma mater and where I began my library
career. I’m elated and deeply honored to have been named UW Adjunct Faculty. UW Libraries’
Dean Cass Kvenild and I have already had some great discussions about opportunities
for Wyoming libraries and residents.”
Wyoming Library Leadership Institute & UW Presidential Leadership Institute
Three members of the UW Libraries team attended the Wyoming Library Leadership Institute (WLLI) in Pinedale in September. WLLI is a program of the Wyoming Library Association and has provided opportunities
for learning, mentoring and developing leadership skills to both degreed and non-degreed
library professionals, promoting the personal and professional growth of the Wyoming
library community since 2001. UW Libraries participants included Shannon Smith, Deisy Vaske, and (former UW Libraries employee) Denis Shannon.
Jennifer Kirk was a participant in the inaugural cohort of the University of Wyoming's Presidential Leadership Institute that took place this past summer and fall. Designed for UW staff members up to the director level, PLI focuses on five areas:
understanding your strengths; change management; leadership and relationships; communication;
and stress and conflict management. The program equips participants with the leadership,
communication and conflict management skills essential for professional growth.
NEW HIRES & APPOINTMENTS
Elyse Johnson
Elyse Johnson, Collection Management Librarian
Elyse Johnson joined the University of Wyoming Libraries as an Assistant Librarian
in Collection Management. She holds a Master of Library Science from Texas Woman’s
University. During her undergrad she double majored and received her Bachelor of Arts
in Psychology and Human Services from Buena Vista University. Previously, she served
as a Prospect Research and Constituent Analyst at the University of Wyoming Foundation.
Outside of work, Elyse enjoys gardening during the summer, playing with her two cats,
spending time with her family, and caring for her numerous orchids.
2025 Staff Years of Service Award
2025 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:
Cody Brown - 5 Years of Service
Orrin Koenig - 5 Years of Service
Andrea Hastings - 10 Years of Service
Ellie Kerstetter - 10 Years of Service
Cathy Dodgson - 20 Years of Service
Shannon Person - 25 Years of Service
Congratulations and thank you to all our staff members who were recognized this year!
