Assistant Professor Kate Cummings Receives Certificate of Merit Award

The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) recently recognized The University of Scranton Assistant Professor Kate Cummings with a Certificate of Merit. 

Cummings, Research and Instruction Librarian for Business, was honored with the prestigious Certificate of Merit Award from the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) at the organization's Sept. 21 Awards Ceremony. Certificates of Merit are given to PaLA members who have made outstanding contributions to libraries and the Pennsylvania Library Association during the past five years.

Prof. Cummings joined the University’s faculty in 2022. She earned her MLIS from the University of South Carolina, her MBA from Wilkes University, and her BS in Business Administration from the University of Maine. 

"Kate Cummings has been an integral member of PaLA since the beginning of her journey in Pennsylvania libraries, jumping in wholeheartedly in pursing professional development opportunities like PaLA's Academy of Leadership Studies (PALS) and the American Library Association's Leadership Institute. She has been actively involved in various roles throughout PaLA through the College & Research Division, Northeast Chapter, and on committees including the Membership Committee, the 2023 Annual Conference committee as Conference Programming Chair, on the Board as Director at-Large, and currently as Secretary/Treasurer. Additionally, Kate has twice presented at the annual conference, written for the PaLA Bulletin, and generously volunteered at a variety of PaLA events over the years from conferences to member orientations. Her contributions in these many areas showcase Kate's commitment to offering her time and expertise to further PaLA initiatives as well as to support her colleagues across the state.

In her current position as Research & Instruction Librarian for Business at the University of Scranton's Weinberg Memorial Library, Kate's heart and true strength as an outstanding educator and mentor to students is evident in her deep commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive library environment through her unceasing work on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility and Affordable Learning committees.  
 
In recognition of Kate's dedication to the mission of PALA, and her willingness to go above and beyond in every role she takes on within the organization, the Pennsylvania Library Association is proud to honor her with the Certificate of Merit for 2023."