The University of Tennessee will host fall commencement ceremonies on Friday, December 16. UT Libraries takes the opportunity to recognize our staff and student assistants who are graduating and to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments.

UT Libraries Staff:

William (Will) Judd: Judd is graduating with a Master of Science in Information Sciences. He serves as an evening Public Services supervisor in Hodges Library. He began his career as a graduate student library assistant in June 2021 and split his time between Public Services and the Resource Sharing division of Acquisitions and Continuing Resources. He was hired into a full-time position in Public Services in August 2022.

UT Libraries Student Assistants:

Rachel Clarke: Clarke is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a concentration in bioscience. She was an undergraduate student library assistant for the George F. DeVine Music Library for three years. “We are excited for Rachel to go on and do great things, but we will miss her in the Music Library brightening up everyone’s day,” a supervisor said. “She worked with us through 2020 and proved to be a tremendous asset, taking on more hours when we had a hiring freeze and staffing shortage.”

Bo Daugherty: Daugherty is graduating with an interdisciplinary program degree with a concentration in linguistics. He was a student library assistant in the Studio at Hodges Library, a media production and design lab for students and staff. He plans to earn a master’s degree in linguistics and eventually study modern mythologies.

Daiben Driver: Driver is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with a biomolecular concentration, and a minor in American Sign Language. Since 2019, she was a student library assistant in the Studio at Hodges Library. Upon graduation, Driver will be working at Denso as a supplier quality engineer.

Nelia Koontz: Koontz is graduating with a Master of Science in Information Sciences. She was a graduate research assistant in Assessment Programs and Collection Strategy at Hodges Library. She also spent two semesters conducting research with Black in Appalachia, a community archive based in her hometown of Whitesburg, Tennessee. In January 2023, she will begin a new position as assistant librarian in Collections Management at the University of Wyoming. She hopes to continue supporting community-based, grassroots archival work.

Annie Liu: Liu is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Geography. She was a student library assistant in the Resource Sharing division of Acquisitions and Continuing Resources in Hodges Library. There, she processed and packaged books for shipping. “I have loved my time at the library and I wish I didn’t have to leave so soon,” she said. “I enjoyed getting to know the people I work with, and the work itself is very fun and satisfying.”