Vice Provost and University Librarian Alicia Salaz received the University of Oregon Senate’s prestigious Award for Shared Governance, Transparency, and Trust. This accolade, presented annually to leaders who exemplify these principles, recognizes Salaz's exceptional contributions to UO Libraries and beyond.

Betina Lynn, executive coordinator for the UO Senate, complimented Salaz's contributions, sharing that her “exemplary service to the university is a model for others to emulate. We are deeply appreciative of her dedication and leadership.”

Salaz’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and open environment within the UO Libraries is evident through her proactive engagement with key governance bodies such as the Library Faculty and Officers of Administration (LFOA), Library Faculty Personnel Committee (LFPC), and Classified Staff Advisory Committee (CSAC). With widespread input, she set up a new full-time position in UO Libraries dedicated to faculty affairs, employee development, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts.

“Her efforts in translating feedback into tangible actions signal to employees that their ideas and contributions matter, cultivating trust and fostering a sense of engagement,” said Evey Lennon, the associate vice provost in UO Libraries who nominated Salaz. Lennon added, “[Alicia’s communications] are thoughtful, authentic, and frank and help de-mystify the Libraries’ top leadership role and enable our whole community to see how their individual efforts and thoughtful input are contributing to strategic goals.”

In addition to enhancing governance structures, Salaz has championed professional development by allocating funds for training and establishing an Innovation Grant program. This unique grant program empowers all UO Libraries’ employees to pursue special projects, resulting in impactful initiatives that serve patrons. Some recent projects include the African Americans in Eugene/Springfield Oral History Project, the All Babies and Caregivers (ABC) Study Room, and Tiny Galleries curated by student artists.

“I want to express my deep gratitude for the trust and collaboration of our entire library community,” said Salaz. “This award is a testament to what we can achieve together when we prioritize open dialogue and mutual respect.”