The University System of Georgia’s libraries and the Georgia Public Library Service established the Penson Scholarship to support students pursuing a master of library and information science degree. 

April 17, 2023

CONTACT: Deborah Hakes, Georgia Public Library Service, dhakes@georgialibraries.org

The University System of Georgia Foundation has awarded the 2023 Merryll Penson Scholarship to Valdosta State University (VSU) student Allison Shroy. Funds from the scholarship support students pursuing a master of library and information science at VSU, Georgia’s only ALA-accredited library sciences program.

Allison Shroy was admitted to the VSU MLIS program in Spring 2022 and has developed a deep interest in adult reference and readers advisory services while taking courses. She actively sought out real-life experiences to strengthen her coursework knowledge by volunteering weekly shifts with Answerland, a virtual chat reference service that provides after-hours assistance to patrons across the country, and by contributing to the Book Concierge program in her library. Allison is a student member of ALA and the Virginia Library Association.

About the Merryll Penson Scholarship: Merryll Penson, who served as GALILEO executive director from 2000-2016, led efforts to create GALILEO while library director at Columbus State University. Penson was integral in not only establishing GALILEO, but also the GALILEO Interconnected Libraries and the New Georgia Encyclopedia. Additionally, she strengthened and expanded the Digital Library of Georgia, the Civil Rights Digital Library, and the Georgia Knowledge Repository.  The University System of Georgia’s libraries and the Georgia Public Library Service established the Penson Scholarship in recognition of her leadership and substantial contributions to libraries across the state.

Upon Penson’s retirement, the scholarship fund was created in her name to support the professional growth of librarians and library staff in Georgia.  “This is obviously very thrilling and exciting to know that people feel the importance of helping students learn and wanting to have librarians in place,” Penson said.

The scholarship has been permanently endowed through the University System of Georgia Foundation. Donate to the Merryll Penson Scholarship Fund. 

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The University System of Georgia Foundation is a cooperative partner to the University System of Georgia, to provide scholarship, capital, and advancement resources to all 26 public higher education institutions in the state. For more information about the USG Foundation, please visit our website at www.usgfoundation.org.

Georgia Public Library Service empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. Georgia Public Library Service is a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. www.georgialibraries.org