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Slagell honored with Outstanding Achievement Award

Dean Jeff Slagell is the recipient of the 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Mississippi Library Association.

Jeff Slagell, Dean of Library Services at Delta State University, has been recognized with the 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Mississippi Library Association.

The award is given by the MLA to a librarian who has contributed to the permanent improvement of library service; made significant contributions to professional literature; and provided outstanding service to his/her community or institution.

Melissa Dennis, Outreach & Instruction librarian at the University of Mississippi, nominated Slagell.

“It’s always satisfying to be recognized by your colleagues,” said Slagell. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with many talented librarians across the state and have benefited from those relationships, both personally and professionally.”

“Our profession is unique in that on an almost daily basis, you can see the impact that our resources and services have on people in a tangible way,” he added. “You know you’re making a difference. That’s gratifying for all of us here at Delta State.”

Slagell has dedicated the last 18 years of his career serving the students, faculty, staff and community at the Roberts-LaForge library. As dean, he manages the library, Charles W. Capps Jr. Archives and Museum, and the Instructional Resources Center.

His areas of expertise include academic library administration, budgets, accreditation, assessment, and conference coordination.

Slagell has been a speaker and supporter for MLA initiatives for over a decade. He has served the roles of president, vice president, past president, ALA councilor and ACRL chair.

“Jeff is amazing at supporting others but doesn’t do the best job promoting himself,” said Dennis. “I felt like it was about time someone bragged on the way he has lifted up so many of us. He has impacted the community in so many ways.”

“Jeff’s selfless compassion for others has not only allowed him to be a great librarian, but has also contributed to his influence on our state by serving as a leader, mentor, advisor, activist, listener, teacher and friend,” she added.

Dr. Charles McAdams, Delta State provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said Slagell is extremely worthy of the recognition.

“Dean Slagell is very deserving of this award from the Mississippi Library Association,” said McAdams. “He operates a student-focused, service-orientated, library with extremely limited resources. Regardless, he continues to ‘make things happen’ in the library, and we all owe Dean Slagell a debt of gratitude for what he does for students, faculty, staff and the community. I am pleased for him that his statewide professional organization has chosen to reward him in this manner.”

Learn more about the Mississippi Library Association at http://www.misslib.org.