The University of Kansas recently announced the 2024 Student Employee of the Year, honoring Daphne Tibbetts at a ceremony held on April 10. Tibbetts, a double major in East Asian languages & cultures and linguistics from Auburn, was recognized for her outstanding work at the University of Kansas Department of English in the History of Black Writing (HBW) research center.
Starting her role as an archive collection co-coordinator in the summer of 2022, Tibbetts has been instrumental in managing archival materials and the archive cataloging process. Her duties also include overseeing the archive master list, supervising the print book library in the HBW office, organizing tasks for student staff, and fulfilling grant requirements.
The Student Employee of the Year award celebrates students who demonstrate service excellence, dedication, and exceptional academic achievements. Tibbetts was presented with an engraved plaque and a $500 award in recognition of her contributions.
Sarah Lendt, research project manager and Tibbetts’ supervisor, commended her professionalism and commitment, highlighting her diligence and integrity in maintaining HBW’s archive collection. Lendt expressed gratitude for Tibbetts’ valuable contributions to the center.
Out of 63 nominees for the award, Tibbetts emerged as the winner following a rigorous selection process. Other finalists included Elaine Bunten from the School of Engineering, Mady Mikko from the University Academic Support Centers, Alden Pennington from the School of Education & Human Sciences, and Erin Roulston from the University Academic Support Centers.
The nominees were recognized at the ceremony on April 10, where Kim Warren, vice provost for undergraduate education, praised student employees for their positive impact on the university’s work environment. Warren emphasized the valuable role student workers play in enhancing the overall university experience.
