ECU MLS Program

We are honored to launch our MLS Program Alumni Spotlight Series by celebrating several remarkable milestones for our class of 2011 alumnus, Mr. Kevin Vickers.
• Mr. Vickers is celebrating his upcoming retirement after 37 years of dedicated service to North Carolina.
• His recent induction into The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the state’s highest civilian honors.
Kevin, a graduate of ECU’s School Librarianship program and the School Library Media Coordinator at Shiloh Valley Elementary, has built a career defined by service, collaboration, and a deep commitment to preserving community history.
Most recently, Kevin has taken on a significant preservation project sparked by the Union County Library. Working alongside Gypsy Culp Houston, Genealogy & Local History Librarian, and Yaviri Escalera, Communications Coordinator for Union County Public Schools, Kevin is digitizing nearly two decades of Inside News (1994–2012), the district’s internal newsletter. This collection documents the professional milestones and contributions of educators, administrators, and staff across Union County and will become part of the library’s Genealogy and Local History digital archives.
Reflecting on the project, Kevin shared:
“This project is a perfect example of what can happen when dedicated partners connect. I’m thrilled that the initiative of the Union County Library and the support of UCPS Communications have created this opportunity. It allows me, as an alumnus and volunteer, to ensure the historical legacy of our educators is preserved in the library’s digital home.”
During his time at ECU as an MLS student, Kevin served as the ALA Student Chapter President, remembering the “positivity and synergy from faculty, staff, and students.” He continues to encourage students to get involved through the ALA Student Chapter and the NCAE Student Services Division.
Please join us in celebrating Kevin’s extraordinary career, his service to North Carolina, and his ongoing commitment to preserving the stories that shape our communities. Congratulations, Kevin!

Congratulations to our wonderful ECU MLS Class of 2026! We celebrated their commencement together on Friday, May 8, 2026, alongside our dedicated faculty and proud graduates.

We close our graduate spotlight series with Alex Herzing, graduating in the School Library Concentration.

Alex will continue serving as the Media Specialist at East Millbrook Middle School in Raleigh, North Carolina. Through the ECU MLS program, Alex learned that being a school librarian means recognizing the capacity in every learner and working to grow it in meaningful, varied ways. Alex looks forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead and plans to use the many tools gained through the program to serve the school community with intention and excellence.

We are proud to end our series by celebrating Alex’s dedication to student growth and to the transformative work of school librarianship.

We continue our graduate spotlight series with Nikki Onufer, graduating in the School Library Concentration.

Nikki is continuing her journey as a Middle School Library Media Coordinator, bringing the advanced leadership and instructional strategies she developed in the MLS program back to the community she has served for the past three years. She is stepping into the role of an instructional leader with a vision for a library where literature, AI, and inclusive design help every student thrive. A space that supports teachers as partners and becomes the heartbeat of the school.

We are proud to celebrate Nikki’s commitment to building a future‑focused, student‑centered library program.

We continue our grad spotlight series with Kristen Nawn, who is graduating with a Master of Library Science, with a concentration in Public Librarianship.

After graduation, Kristen plans to continue her work in teen services, supporting youth in New Hanover County through innovative programming and by creating safe, welcoming spaces for exploration and growth. Her commitment to fostering curiosity and connection reflects the heart of public librarianship and the values she strengthened throughout the MLS program.

Kristen shared that she intends to use what she has learned to deepen her understanding of her community and to build positive relationships that support lifelong learning and a love of reading. Her dedication to youth engagement and community-centered service will continue to shape meaningful experiences for the teens she serves.

We are proud to celebrate Kristen’s passion for public librarianship and her ongoing commitment to empowering young readers and learners.

We continue our grad spotlight series with Casey Armstrong Council, who is graduating with a Master of Library Science, with a concentration in School Librarianship.

After graduation, Casey plans to continue serving as the media coordinator in the Tyrrell County School District. She looks forward to implementing the wealth of knowledge gained through the MLS program to inspire the youth in her community and to nurture a love of reading among her students. Casey remains committed to reminding every learner that “Readers are leaders!”

We are proud to celebrate Casey’s dedication to school librarianship and her ongoing commitment to empowering young readers.

We continue our grad spotlight series with Shannon M. Holcomb, who is graduating with a Master of Library Science, with a concentration in School Librarianship.

This summer, Shannon will attend ISTELive 26 in Orlando, Florida, to continue her professional growth and bring back innovative instructional technology strategies. She has found her home in the media center at Northwoods Elementary Magnet School of Technology and Innovation in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where she serves as the School Library Media Coordinator. In this role, she is honored to support the school’s transition toward becoming a North Carolina STEM School of Distinction, which would make Northwoods the first elementary school in Onslow County to earn this designation.

Reflecting on her journey, Shannon shared that the MLS program affirmed her belief that the library should be the heart of its school a place where every child can see themselves represented and explore worlds beyond their own, inspired by the work of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop. She plans to continue building a media center grounded in equity, inclusion, and collaboration, supporting every student, family, and staff member who walks through its doors.

Shannon extends special gratitude to MLS Faculty member, Dr. Kawanna Bright for her guidance and encouragement throughout the program.

We kick-off our grad spotlight series with Sidney Phibbons who is graduating with a Master of Library Science, with a concentration in Public Librarianship. After graduation, she plans to continue serving as the Branch Manager at the Pamlico County Public Library. In this role, she will utilize the professional standards, knowledge, and best practices learned through the MLS program at ECU. These competencies have prepared her to provide exceptional and inclusive library services to her community. Sidney looks forward to advancing this work in her new library facility, where she will further support and engage with the Pamlico County community.

Celebrating the Master of Library Science Class of 2026. All week long, we will be highlighting our graduates with profiles that showcase their dedication, achievements, and vision for the field. We look forward to honoring their work.

The ECU MLS Program proudly commemorates continued ALA Accreditation Status in the presence of Department Chair Dr. Crowe, MLS Program Director Dr. Irvin, and Dean Green of the College of Education. The program was celebrated by colleagues from across departments, making the event especially meaningful.