Professor and Associate Dean of the School of Library and Information Science Laura Saunders has been selected the 2024 Winner of the Award for Professional Contribution to Library and Information Science Education granted annually by the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE). This award recognizes a member of ALISE whose service “promotes and strengthens” library and information science education.
Nominated by School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) Dean Sanda Erdelez, Saunders was praised for her support of fellow educators within Simmons and beyond. Saunders maintains LIS Pedagogy Chat, a “community of practice for faculty and practitioners who teach in library and information science.” During the pandemic, Saunders offered timely advice to professors moving their courses online. Her more recent research in crisis management and handling misinformation within the LIS profession further supports educators and students.