My name is Tammy Gruer. I am the LIS Department Associate Chair and School Library Program Coordinator. I am excited to work with you as you begin this journey to your MLIS or licensure. 

I have over 30 years of experience in education and school libraries and have been working with this amazing UNCG LIS team since 2018. If you are interested in (076) School Library Licensure, (076/077) Dual Licensure or (078) School Library Supervisor Licensure please contact me with your questions. I am also excited to work with Nicole Shanley with those of you interested in the (077) Instructional Technology Licensure. Please feel free to reach out with your questions anytime. gruert@uncg.edu 

My name is Heather Moorefield Lang and I am an associate professor. I joined the faculty in 2018. Excited to have you all with us.

I started out as a middle school theater teacher and librarian. Then moved in academic libraries and then schools of library science teaching courses like introduction to technology, school library management, storytelling, and more. Excited to work with you. Have a great first semester.

I am Dr. Kayli Reyna. I just join UNCG as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Information, Library, and Research Sciences and I am excited to be a part of your journey! I worked in public libraries in New Jersey and North Carolina in every position imaginable. If you have any questions regarding public libraries or are interested in working in public libraries please reach out to me at ksreyna@uncg.edu.

I look forward to meeting you all!

I have 23+ years of experience in education, 17 of which are in school libraries. I am UNCG alumnus. I am super excited to be here working with future librarians!

I have chosen this pathway, because I have a passion for creating inclusive and affirming spaces for under-resourced communities to access literacy, learning, and connections. As a child, the public library once provided me with refuge, relationships, and access to stories and resources that I lacked at home and in school. My goal is that all people can experience the same sense of belonging and opportunity within the library that I did! I'm very excited to begin this journey and to have the chance to build relationships with and learn from faculty and likeminded peers!

I decided to join the MLIS program because I have always had a passion for reading and helping others learn and grow. I have tutored Japanese and Chinese children for many years and love to see what all the new resources at our disposal can do for people. I am hoping to work in a school library, particularly a school with Asian language or exchange programs. I look forward to meeting all of you and embarking on this new journey!

I joined the MSITD program to build on my professional and academic experience in education, design, and connecting with other humans. I'm looking forward to learning with/from the faculty and my fellow classmates!

Focus: Archives

Joining the MLIS program for me is a career pivot away from corporate America to prepare for a meaningful career that I have wanted for a long time.

My name is Taishika Knight. You can call me Tai (Tie). I am an Instructional Technology and Design major. I am about to begin my journey. I am a UNC-G undergraduate alumna and graduated in 2009. I am currently a 4th grade teacher and have been teaching for 16 years. I am wanting to make a career change which is why I am going back to school. I am a mother of 2 kiddos and 3 cats. I am looking forward to beginning this program!

I've choose to join the MLIS program to further my career and purse my interest in preservation. I'm excited for whats to come and learning from faculty and fellow classmates!

I chose this career path because I love helping people. Helping people find access to the information they need, building communities, and creating a space for digital literacy access to all is something I've become increasingly passionate about.

I can't wait to get started!

I don't have a fancy background of any sort and currently work in retail. I joined the MLIS program as a career pivot and to focus on working in a place that aligns with my values and works within the community. I have always enjoyed reading and sharing what I learn with others. I have not decided if I want to go the public library route or more so Archivist route quite yet.

If i am not busy at work or with school I am out and about with my partner and our dogs.

I'm married to my high school sweetheart and we have two kids. Books are very important in our household, but we are also gamers. In my free time, if I'm not gaming or reading, I'm either writing or playing in my bullet journal.

My name is Shemar Rice. I am a graduate student in the Library & Information Science program with a focus in Instructional Design. My academic interest lies in how learning environments shape attention, understanding, and learner confidence for those who feel underserved by traditional instructional models. I am interested in research-informed design practices that reduce cognitive overload, clarify complex information, and support meaningful engagement with knowledge.

Professionally, I aim to utilize my work as an learning designer in its theory and practices in application to the publishing world.

I look forward to contributing thoughtfully to this learning community and learning alongside you all.