The Department of Information Science is pleased to announce that 13 IS alumni were admitted to the Texas Library Association TALL Texans Class of 2017. This represents a little over half the class for 2017. These individuals are among the 24 librarians selected from a pool of dynamic Texas library leaders. The TALL (Texas Accelerated Library Leaders) Texans Leadership Development Institute provides advanced leadership and management education in service to Texas libraries and communities. The Institute provides a high-quality, 4-day, intense learning experience where participants study areas such as leadership, interpersonal skills, strategic planning, risk-taking, conflict negotiation, teambuilding, coaching, ethics, advocacy, personal career planning, and more.

Nationally-known leadership experts Maureen Sullivan and Jack Siggins will lead the Institute. The class will also be supported by six mentors and leaders in the Texas library community, including 2014 grad, Theodore Roosevelt, Deputy Director of Administration at the Houston Public Library. 

Congratulations to the following alumni who have been selected for the class of 2017:

Yolanda Botello, Youth Services, Mansfield Public Library (2012)

Jacob Galindo, Library Instruction, University of Texas El Paso (2011)

Chad Hetterley, Technical Services, Desoto Public Library (2010)

Claire Hogg, Central High School, San Angelo ISD (2009)

Jennifer Jimenez, Reference, Del Mar College, Corpus Christi (2008)

Linda Kay, Ridgeview Middle School, Round Rock ISD (2004)

Laura Magana, Richland High School, Birdville ISD, North Richland Hills (2011)

Elizabeth Ponder, Instruction & Information Services, East Texas Baptist University, Marshall (2010)

Sara Pope, Children's Services, Houston Public Library (2010)

Alexia Riggs, Dean of Libraries, Howard Payne University, Brownwood (2009)

Mellissa Sanchez, Highlands Elementary School, Fort Bend ISD, Sugar Land (2011)

Joanna Stone, Parr Library, Plano Public Libraries (2007)

Theresa Tongio Holden, Director, Palestine Public Library (2006)