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LaShonda Campbell, the collection development librarian for the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has been named to the 2025 class of Emerging Leaders (EL) by the American Library Association (ALA). She is one of only 46 librarians nationwide and one of only two librarians from Arkansas. This six-month program is designed for new library staff and information workers to engage with experts and peers across the country, working on collaborative projects and professional committees in the field of librarianship.

Campbell, who spent 28 years as a judicial law clerk for a circuit judge in Mississippi’s Fourth Circuit Court District, is now in her first year working in the library at UAM. This opportunity to participate in a prestigious leadership program aligns with her goals of combining her legal research experience with her passion for librarianship. The EL program will provide Campbell with opportunities to contribute to national projects, collaborate with library leaders and attend national conferences hosted by the ALA. As part of the program, she will work on a project that she will present during the ALA 2025 Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in June 2025. 

Campbell shared her excitement, stating, “This opportunity is not just about being a librarian. It’s about leadership in the field. It’s a huge honor to be selected for this program. Being chosen as one of the 46 participants from across the country is both humbling and motivating. This opportunity will allow me to expand my knowledge, grow in my role as a librarian and serve our UAM community even better. I want to be able to help our students and faculty with whatever they need, whether it’s research support, writing assistance or simply recommending a good book.”

“LaShonda’s energy and insights have benefited UAM students and improved the library’s services,” Dan Boice, director of Library at UAM, said. “It is really gratifying for us to see her fierce determination to excel being recognized at this level.”

Campbell also expressed gratitude to Boice and Annette Vincent, library supervisor at UAM, for their support, stating, “I must give credit to Annette and Dan, who encouraged me to apply and provided invaluable guidance throughout the process. Their support was instrumental in my selection.”