A former UW archivist named Sara David has received the Mark A. Green Emerging Leader Award from the Society of American Archivists (SAA).
Davis worked for the UW American Heritage Center (AHC) from 2018-2021 before moving to work as the Wyoming State Archivist.
The SAA is North America’s largest national professional association for archival professionals.
It is an annual award given to early-career archivists who have demonstrated leadership through local, regional or national contributions to the professions.
“This award is particularly meaningful, as it is named in honor of Mark Greene, longtime director of the center from 2003 to 2015,” Paul Flesher, the current AHC director, said.
It is gratifying to see one of the AHC’s own receive this significant award. Sara is certainly deserving.”
The AHC is UW’s vault full of manuscript collections, rare books, and the university’s archives.
Citizens and scholars can engage with sources in all formats to support the creation of historical narratives, interrogate the past, build community, and answer questions about human experiences.
The AHC holds collections of distinction, serving citizens and scholars in Wyoming and worldwide.
As an archivist, Davis says she strives to increase access to information; make people aware of what an archive is and how it affects their lives, and collaborate with communities to ensure a inclusive record of the past.
Davis led the combined effect to document Wyoming’s reactions and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. She reached out to donors and created a website providing materials access.
Her campus communication outreach led to the transfer of records of the UW faculty members and departments that otherwise may not have been preserved.
She also taught UW students about the archival profession and how they work to maintain pieces of history, hold people and businesses accountable, improve technological access and connect researchers with necessary documents.
“I always am looking for ways to keep up to date with best practices in the archival profession; learn new and emerging technologies; communicate clearly with all partners, and remain open to ideas,” Davis said.
“I am extremely grateful to receive this award and humbled to find myself in the company of past recipients.”
