From left to right: Beth Reeder, Jeretta Robinson, and Theresa Yocum.
UK Libraries is pleased to announce that three staff members, Beth Reeder, Jeretta Robinson, and Theresa Yocum, have been recognized with the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Staff Performance.
Nominated by their peers, award winners demonstrate exemplary professionalism and collegiality, creativity and initiative in the performance of their duties and responsibilities, and dedication and commitment to furthering the mission of UK Libraries.
“If the library is the heart of the university, then its employees are what make it beat,” said UK Libraries Dean Doug Way. “It is an honor to recognize and uphold the librarians, archivists, and staff members that set us apart and allow us to offer inspiring spaces, outstanding collections, and vibrant services to our users.”
Awardees are recognized for the difference they make to the lives and work of UK Libraries users, as well as to their colleagues. “It is a pleasure to work with such dedicated and creative individuals,” said Dean Way. “Their positive influence is felt within their teams and across the entire organization.”
You can read more about this year’s Outstand Staff Award winners below.
Beth Reeder began her career at UK Libraries in the Agricultural Information Center in 2013. Following the Center’s closure in mid-2020, Reeder relocated to the Medical Center Library, where she currently serves as the Medical Center Library Manager. She continues to be active in instruction and reference support for the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, and has also become engaged in support of the Medical Campus, principally through literature searches and reference support. “I am honored to be recognized by my peers,” she said. “I work with a truly collaborative and supportive team here in the Medical Center Library. I could not have asked for a better landing spot. The diversity of work is rewarding, and I am constantly learning and being challenged.”
Jeretta Robinson began working at UK Libraries in 2017. She currently serves as Library Specialist in the Education Library, where she processes, organizes, and maintains the library’s collections, manages and operates the Butler Education Studio, supervises student employees, and supports student and faculty at the College of Education through literature searches and reference support. “There are so many amazing employees at UK Libraries that do great work every day, and to be chosen from among them feels very special,” she said. “Through my position in UK Libraries, I have grown in my managerial experience, expanded my knowledge base of the Education field, and gotten to know such wonderful colleagues. The work in the Education Library offers me new challenges, experiences, and knowledge every day.”
Theresa Yocum began her career at UK Libraries in 2003. After fifteen years of distinguished service in the Business Office, Theresa became a member of the Acquisitions team in 2018, where she manages accounts payable for library acquisitions and processes U.S. Federal Depository materials. “Working in Acquisitions has been a wonderful opportunity to learn more about library operations,” she said. “I absolutely love coming to work. Each day is filled with new challenges that keep me motivated and allow me to grow and acquire new skills.” Long an exemplary member of UK Libraries staff, Theresa was recognized with the Outstanding Staff Award in 2009. “I have the pleasure of working with amazing colleagues, and to be recognized for my contributions with this award is truly an honor.”
