Feature Friday: 5 Former Libraries Student Employees and What They’re Doing Now

Posted November 12, 2025 in Uncategorized

Each year, JMU Libraries provides on-campus jobs to almost 100 hardworking student employees who develop professional skills and make lasting memories while serving the campus community. But the story doesn’t end when they graduate. The lessons learned behind the desk, in the stacks, and alongside peers often carry forward—shaping their futures in education, research, and beyond.  

We recently caught up with several former student employees to learn where they are now—and how their experience in the Libraries helped prepare them for life after JMU. 

Rachael Stromberg (’24): Balancing Books and Building Futures

Now an early childhood educator and master’s student in speech-language pathology at JMU, Rachael Stromberg spends her days planning lessons for ten energetic 3-year-olds while managing graduate coursework.

“Working in the Libraries taught me how to balance a job with schoolwork,” Rachael shared. “I also learned so much about the library’s resources that I still use frequently for my graduate assignments.”

Her favorite part of working at JMU Libraries? The people. “I loved meeting other students from so many different organizations through working at the Libraries,” she said. Those connections—and the ability to juggle responsibilities—continue to serve her well as she pursues her passion for education.

Jess Hoare (’20): Building Community Through Research Access

For Jess Hoare, her time behind the desk at JMU Libraries turned out to be the perfect training ground for a career in higher education. Today, she’s the Program Coordinator for the Robert A. Winn Career Development Award at Virginia Commonwealth University, supporting early-career doctors who are expanding access to clinical trial research.

“The public-facing aspect of working at the front desk prepared me for any customer service type of role and taught me to problem-solve and answer questions quickly,” Jess said.

“In [job] interviews I love to talk about the community aspect of working for a university and how my love for that community began with this job.”

Jess fondly recalls late-night shifts during exam week—sharing Benny’s pizza at 1 a.m., chatting with regular patrons, and even taste-testing Starbucks drinks. “It always felt like the most inviting community,” she said. “Working at the Libraries has been one of my favorite jobs.”

Cameron Kelahan (’20): From Library Supervisor to Astronomy Researcher

Cameron Kelahan, now a Ph.D. candidate in Astronomy at the University of Warwick in England after 2 years at NASA, credits his early professional development to his years at JMU Libraries—first as a student assistant, then as a staff member.

“Those roles taught me excellent customer service, the underlying approach to performing research, and how to be confident in my own decisions,” Cameron reflected. “The interpersonal and research skills I learned are ones I use every day as a researcher.”

He also remembers late-night shifts fondly: “Great conversations, funny moments, especially during exam week—it all made for lasting memories and friendships.”

Jenna Wine (’19): Inspiring the Next Generation of Library Lovers

As a school librarian at West Cary Middle School in Cary, North Carolina, Jenna Wine ensures her library is a diverse, welcoming, and technology-forward space for students and staff. Her passion for libraries took root long before she graduated from JMU.

“I knew I wanted to be a librarian since high school,” Jenna said. “I immediately applied when I saw job openings at JMU Libraries. My supervisors’ enthusiasm inspired me, and I take that same love for the job into my work today.”

Jenna now encourages her own students to volunteer in the library. “I feel like I’m prepping them to work in their own university libraries one day,” she added.

Among her favorite JMU memories: shelving books in the Carrier stacks while listening to Hamilton, and late-night shifts filled with laughter, caffeine, and endless playlists. “It was chaotic and wonderful,” she said. “Some of my best college memories happened in the library.”

Jenna Gilmore (’20): Teaching, Collaborating, and Creating Community

For Jenna Gilmore, teaching in the Chesterfield County Public Schools feels like a natural extension of her time at JMU Libraries. She designs lessons, manages classrooms, and collaborates with peers daily—skills she first built while helping students and coworkers at JMU Libraries.

“Working in the Libraries was one of the best parts of my college experience,” Jenna said. “It taught me how to communicate clearly, collaborate with people of different backgrounds, and teach others how to find and use resources.”

She remembers her time in Rose Library vividly—watching snow fall from the fourth floor, chatting with friends, and sharing snacks during finals week. “The energy was always so positive and warm,” she said. “It was such a special community.”

More Than a Job

For these Dukes, working at JMU Libraries wasn’t just a part-time job—it was a foundation for future success. Whether teaching, researching, or coordinating national programs, each alum carries forward the spirit of curiosity, service, and connection that defines the Libraries community.

From balancing coursework and work shifts to building lifelong friendships, their stories remind us that the lessons learned in the Libraries extend far beyond our buildings.

Interested in Becoming Part of the JMU Libraries Team?

Learn more about student employment opportunities and how you can grow your skills, meet amazing people, and make an impact on campus.