College of Education and Human Services’ Terri Grief receives James A. Nelson Advocacy Award

MURRAY, Ky. – Terri Grief, library media instructor and program coordinator in the College of Education and Human Services at Murray State University, has been awarded the James A. Nelson Advocacy Award, recognizing her exceptional efforts to promote and protect libraries in government relations.

President Robert Gieszl presented the award at the annual Kentucky Library Association Conference on Oct. 4 in Frankfort.

The Kentucky Library Association provides leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services, as well as the profession of librarianship. The association enhances learning and ensures access to information for all.

Grief was nominated by Melissa England, the current president of the Kentucky Library Association. Grief said she was moved upon receiving the email notification of her award.

“I was a school librarian in McCracken County for 28 years before transferring to this position,” Grief said. “I served as president of the Kentucky Association of School Librarians, the Kentucky Library Association and was elected nationally as president of the American Association of School Librarians. I was also the first school librarian to serve on the American Library Association’s Executive Board. Throughout those roles, I continually advocated for our students to have the best education, which includes having a school librarian.”

Dr. Stephanie Sullivan, chair of the Department of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling, praised Grief for her commitment to growing the library media program since she began at Murray State in 2017.

“Murray State’s program is one of only four in the state, and it is the only one that includes an alternative certification route,” Sullivan said. “The program attracts candidates not only from Kentucky but also from Tennessee, Connecticut, Colorado and Missouri. One of the program's appeals is that it is project-based and practitioner-focused. Terri has earned a positive reputation as a presenter and advocate, which has led to referrals from professionals in the field.”

For more information about the library media program, visit  bit.ly/librarymediaprogram.