
Nancy O’Brien, Education Librarian and Head of the Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library, has been named a recipient of the 2025 VIP Award from the Department of Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership (EPOL) in the College of Education. This award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to supporting students and faculty at the University of Illinois.
O’Brien is recognized for her many years of dedicated support to the EPOL community, providing expert research assistance, instructional guidance, and resource development to help advance scholarship and teaching. Her work has spanned both in-person and virtual settings, ensuring broad and equitable access to library services.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award in recognition of my work with students and faculty in the Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership in the College of Education,” said O’Brien. “Whether providing online or in-person assistance to scholars in the program, I have been privileged to work with current and emerging leaders who will have a profound impact on education in the U.S. and globally.”
Congratulations to O’Brien on this well-deserved recognition of her lasting contributions to the University of Illinois academic community!