Brenna Philbrick Receives UW Libraries Outstanding Staff Award

Brenna Philbrick, University of Wyoming Libraries administrative associate, is the recipient of the UW Libraries Outstanding Staff Award for her contributions in 2024.

The Outstanding Staff Award, funded by the McMurry-Spieles Excellence Fund, honors a UW Libraries staff member who has “demonstrated exceptional service to UW Libraries and made significant contributions to the university and/or the community.” Recipients of this award are chosen by a committee of their peers.

Philbrick started working with UW Libraries as a student in 2003 and became a full-time employee in 2006. As the Dean’s Office administrative associate, she oversees recruiting; assists with faculty reappointment and promotion; facilities, emergency planning and training; and manages the front office and Coe Library conference rooms.

She is highly regarded for her expertise in managing library faculty and staff search committees, handling building issues and providing knowledgeable feedback on Human Resources policies. Her calm demeanor, professional approach to conflict resolution and extensive knowledge of the organization make her an invaluable resource for all employees. Philbrick's ability to navigate and troubleshoot problems, coupled with her strong analytical skills, ensures that she provides significant support and advice to her colleagues.

Last year, Philbrick demonstrated outstanding flexibility and support for UW Libraries during a period of retirements and personnel changes in the Dean’s Office. She guided the organization through an extensive recruiting period, managing five faculty and 11 staff searches. In addition to her core responsibilities, Philbrick took on extra duties during office vacancies, highlighting her ability to manage a demanding workload with efficiency and professionalism. She also assumed new roles, including serving as the safety coordinator for Coe Library, and successfully completed the Operations' Building Emergency Action Plan.

“Brenna is an exceptional colleague, mentor and leader within UW Libraries. She works tirelessly to make our hiring and onboarding a meaningful and kind process for both UW Libraries and all who apply for positions within the libraries,” wrote Sammy Peter, chair of research and instruction at UW Libraries, in her nomination letter. “You can often find Brenna’s office full of UW Libraries faculty and staff seeking her advice, because she is a kind ear, but what I deeply appreciate is the thoughtful and supportive advice she always provides. UW Libraries is lucky that Brenna has chosen to call us her home for 19 years.”

Colleges note that Philbrick has contributed significantly to various committees and working groups, including Emergency Preparedness, Strategic Planning, Internal Communications and Artificial Intelligence. She constantly seeks new ways to learn and grow, enhancing workflows and processes. Her personable and kind nature and extensive knowledge make her a joy to work with and a model co-worker. Her contributions to the library and campus community have made her deserving of recognition, according to her colleagues.