Award-Winning JMU Libraries Employees for 2024-2025

Posted May 9, 2025 in Giving to JMU Libraries News, JMU Libraries News, Open Education News

Please join us in celebrating the JMU Libraries employees who won JMU awards this year! 

Open Education Librarian: Liz Thompson

Liz Thompson, the Open Education Librarian, is the 2025 Distinguished Service Award winner for the JMU Libraries. 
 
This award recognizes a faculty member who provides exceptional professional-related service at the university, local and national levels. Liz’s service contributions in the Libraries range from serving on search committees to mentoring new employees and chairing committees.  

At the JMU level, Liz has contributed to research identifying barriers to scholarship and has served on the Basic Needs Advisory Board, a group that researches, creates, and advocates for resources and policy changes to better support JMU students facing financial hardship. At the state level, Liz has served as JMU’s representative to SCHEV’s Open Virginia Advisory Committee, vice chair of VIVA’s Open and Affordable Course Content Committee, and chair of the 2021 VIVA Course Materials Survey Task Force. 

As her supervisor and nominator states, “Liz continually impresses me and pushes me to be as generous a contributor as she is. She leverages her service work to inform her job in rich and meaningful ways – giving her all even when juggling intensive projects.” 

Outstanding Student Employees: Ella Iovinelli and Madison Denham

Ella Iovinelli was selected as a 2025 JMU Student Employee of the Year runner-up. Ella was recognized for her exceptional contributions to the JMU Libraries’ Collection Administration Department.   

Madison Denham was selected as a 2025 JMU Student Employee of the Year runner-up. Madison was recognized for her exceptional contributions as a Media Production Assistant in the Libraries’ Media Production and Makerspace Services Department. 

Please join us in congratulating Liz, Ella, and Madison for their achievements!