Librarian Award 2025

October 30, 2025

The university's faculty senate recognizes exceptional distinction reflected in active and innovative career achievements in library, archival, or curatorial services with the University Librarian Achievement Award. Lisa R. Carter, dean of libraries, presented the 2025 award to: 

Karen E. Downing
Education Librarian

It's impossible to summarize Karen’s career at the library, which spans four decades of exceptional leadership, deep service, and enduring impact. Whether leading library programs and initiatives, supporting grant applicants, partnering with researchers in the social sciences and education, or mentoring students and colleagues, she has served with excellence. Her work to advance understanding of multiracial identity has created resources, research opportunities, and venues to amplify the voices of this growing and complex populace.

Her national and international leadership, including at the American Library Association and the Freedom to Read Foundation, reflect her commitment to librarianship, and to intellectual freedom — one of its core values.

Read more about Downing's accomplishments in The University Record.