July 11, 2022 (Chattanooga, TN) --- Susan Jennings, Dean of Library Services at Chattanooga State Community College, was recently named the 2022 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award by the School of Information Sciences (SIS), University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

The award recipient is chosen by a selection committee assembled by the SIS director that honors an alumnus or alumna who graduated at least ten years previously, and who demonstrates a meritorious career in Library Science based on service, teaching, and/or scholarship.

Ms. Jennings is a recognized leader in the local, state, and national library associations, particularly for her leadership roles in the Tennessee Library Association and the American Library Association. Despite her administrative role, Ms. Jennings continues to teach course integrated library instruction classes at Chattanooga State teaching critical thinking and information literacy skills to students. Teaching continues to be her passion. She has also had a career full of professional presentations and scholarship. 

“Dean Jennings is so deserving of this award not only for her long service and leadership roles in the Tennessee Library Association and  the American Library Association, but for the outstanding service she provides on a daily basis to the students, faculty and staff at Chattanooga State Community College,” stated Dr. Beth Norton, vice president for Academic Affairs.

As a 2007 graduate of UTK, Ms. Jennings began her library career at Appalachian State University before coming to Chattanooga State in 2012 as Dean of Library Services.