SLIS student association earns national recognition

Sept. 23, 2025 — DENTON — The Texas Woman’s University student chapter of the American Library Association (ALA) was named runner-up for the 2025 Student Chapter of the Year Award by the New Members Round Table of ALA.

The Graduate Library and Information Studies Association (GLISA) at TWU finished second for the Student Chapter of the Year Award which the committee chooses based on how a chapter exemplifies ALA’s values of excellence, service and compliance while performing at a consistently high level, making a difference in the lives of their students.

“GLISA is a very active and engaged association. They go above and beyond for SLIS students,” said SLIS Director Gretchen Hoffman, PhD. “GLISA members more than deserve this recognition.”

GLISA’s goals are to promote social, cultural, intellectual, and professional growth for students in the School of Library and Information Studies at TWU. The association hosted virtual game and craft nights along with a book club. Currently, GLISA connects students with each other and gives scholarships to attend ALA events throughout the year. The organization also provides a newsletter, webinars, and helpful library school tips for members.

Former GLISA president Kara Belt said that hard work from the chapter’s officers led to the honor this year. 

“It was an honor to be recognized,” Belt said. “I think it was our focus on creating a fun and welcoming space to students in a fully online program that helped. We really emphasized being a resource for students who might need to find community or had basic questions about TWU.”

Belt credits one officer in particular for the leg work to put GLISA on the path to national recognition.

“This wouldn’t have happened without our incredible [former] secretary Susan Minchew,” Belt said. “She found out about applying for it and did the heavy lifting. It was a really in-depth and thorough process.”

With Belt having since graduated, she has been replaced by new GLISA president Kylie Blas. Other officers include: Anamely Salgado, vice president; Gicel Martinez, treasurer; and Erika Vasquez, secretary.

“It was 100% a team effort. I am just glad I was able to be a part of it,” Belt said. “I am excited to see where the next group of officers takes GLISA.”