Graduate student receives inaugural scholarship

Oct. 11, 2024 — DENTON — Lina Burklin, a Master of Library Science student, received the inaugural 2025 Martha Wong Scholarship from the Texas Library and Archives Foundation (TxLAF), a foundation supporting the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC).

Burklin currently works as a cataloguer at the Judy B. McDonald Public Library in Nacogdoches while she pursues the public librarianship track in TWU’s MLS program.

“I was so surprised when I got the call letting me know I had won the scholarship,” Burklin said. “I knew there were lots of other wonderful library professionals who must have applied, and I was so honored that my application was selected.”

For Burklin, the $2,000 scholarship will cover her textbook expenses for the spring 2025 semester and help her pay student loans faster. 

“Knowing that this coming semester is covered also makes it likely that I’ll be able to take a summer course next year,” Burklin said. 

She taught middle school for 14 years — nine overseas and four in a classical Christian school — so libraries represent a career shift for Burklin.

“It is indeed a career shift for me, but one I’ve been thinking about for several years,” Burklin said. “While there are many things I love about teaching, it was becoming clear that it was time for me to do something new and find another way to serve the community around me.”

Her grandmother, who was a teacher and librarian, served as inspiration for Burklin who adds that she also comes from a family of readers.

Adding to the significance of this scholarship, it is the first year it has been offered. It is funded by Dr. Martha Wong, TSLAC Chair and member of the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, housed on TWU’s campus. 

Wong has served on TSLAC since 2015 and was appointed chair by Governor Greg Abbott in January 2020. A longtime educational leader in Texas and the greater Houston area, Wong is a former educator and administrator as well as a former state representative and Houston city council member.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer Ms. Burklin the inaugural Martha Wong Scholarship award,” said TxLAF President Andrea Lapsley. “Supporting the development of professional librarians throughout the state is a key priority for the Foundation, and we are so looking forward to seeing Lina’s career unfold.”

Burklin is too.

“So much of our modern lives are fairly dehumanizing,” Burklin said. “I love being part of a profession centered on truly seeing and listening to the people who come through our doors.”

Page last updated 2:13 PM, October 11, 2024