We would like to congratulate and recognize the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library faculty and academic professionals on the leadership they provide beyond our campus. A list of those elected or appointed to positions in professional associations, advocacy groups, and other organizations this past fall is presented below.

• Gen Schmitt, Software Developer, Scholarly Communication & Repository Services: elected Vice Chair of the Big Ten Academic Alliance Women+ In Technology Executive Team for a three-year term beginning in October 2025
• Daniel Tracy, Head, Scholarly Communication and Publishing; Scholarly Communication and Publishing Librarian; and Associate Professor: invited to serve as an Associate Director of Modernist Networks (“ModNets”) beginning November 2025

We would like to congratulate and recognize the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library faculty and academic professionals on the leadership they provide beyond our campus. A list of those elected or appointed to positions in professional associations, advocacy groups, and other organizations this past summer is presented below.

Beginning in Spring 2025, we will release a new series alongside our triannual recognition of Presentations and Publications by Library Faculty and Academic Professionals, recognizing Professional Service.

We would like to congratulate and recognize the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library faculty and academic professionals on the leadership they provide beyond our campus. A list of those elected or appointed to positions in professional associations, advocacy groups, and other organizations this past spring is presented below.

• Mary Schlembach, Head, Chemistry Library; Chemistry and Physical Sciences Librarian; and Professor: Appointed to Joint Information Systems Committee (Jisc) Open Policy Finder Advisory Committee

Jessica Ballard-Lawrence, Assistant Professor and Archivist for Multicultural Collections and Services, has been appointed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to serve on the State Historic Preservation Board for a three-year term. She was selected for her expertise in library studies and archival work in Illinois.

The Board plays a vital role in preserving the state’s historic legacy, including listing and de-listing historic sites, advising on conservation efforts, and ensuring that stories of historically excluded communities are represented in the state’s historic portfolio.

“I am deeply honored to be selected to serve in this appointment. The state of Illinois has many rich histories shaped by the numerous communities that inhabit the state. I look forward to working with the other board members who represent multiple regions of Illinois. These integral histories of the state’s development both known and unknown will hopefully have an opportunity to be more widely available and it is incredibly meaningful to serve in this capacity,” said Ballard-Lawrence.

Congratulations to Ballard-Lawrence on this well-deserved recognition and important service to Illinois!