Alumna Creates the “Karen Stultz Whetzel Stacks & Scholars” Scholarship for Libraries Student Employees

Posted March 4, 2026 in Carrier Renovation News, Giving to JMU Libraries News, JMU Libraries News

Former JMU Libraries student employee and proud “Double Duke” Karen Stultz Whetzel (’71, ’74M) has given back to the community that helped shape her journey by establishing a meaningful scholarship for JMU Libraries student employees.

This heartfelt gift will support a full-time student who embodies a love of learning, a passion for libraries, a strong work ethic, and a clear vision for their future.

“I was inspired to create the scholarship because I worked in Carrier Library as an undergrad student. Without the work study program and scholarships, I would not have been able to get my degree from then Madison College in 1971,” recalls Karen.

Karen’s connection to Carrier Library runs deep.

“I used Carrier Library extensively when I was working on my undergrad and graduate degrees in Elementary Education and Library Science. I remember spending most of my spring break from my job as an elementary school librarian doing research on papers for my classes. As a school librarian for over 25 years, I saw the impact that I could have on students to whom I was reading books, teaching library skills, and instilling a love of books and lifelong learning in them.”

Her dedication to education didn’t stop there. After a distinguished career as a school librarian, Karen continued to serve her community as an assistant principal at Strasburg High School and principal at Stonewall Jackson High School, both in Shenandoah County, Virginia. Her leadership in education, peer coaching, and educational media has been widely recognized across Virginia.

The Stacks and Scholars scholarship is a beautiful reflection of Karen’s lifelong commitment to learning and service. Through her generous act, she continues to uplift future generations, just as she was once uplifted herself.

Want to help support student employees?

JMU Giving Day supports our student employees, many of whom receive scholarships as they learn new skills and how to balance hands-on work in the library with their academic and social lives.

Giving Day gifts to the Libraries General Fund will help fund scholarship for current JMU students. Thank you!