5/30/02

AU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION HONORS SYLACAUGA LIBRARIAN

AUBURN -- The Auburn University College of Education has named Sylacauga librarian Shirley Spears its alumnus of the year for 2002.

Spears, who holds three degrees from AU's College of Education, is director of the B.B. Comer Memorial Library and Public Information Center in the East Alabama city. She was honored at the college's 21st annual awards and recognition program.

The Sylacauga librarian was nominated for the award by Judith Lechner of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology. Lechner cited Spears for career leadership in efforts to improve and expand library services and education in her city and statewide.

Spears was librarian at Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City for 12 years and has been director of the Sylacauga library since 1983.

B.B. Comer Library was one of only four libraries honored nationally for exceptional programs in 2000 by the Institute for Museum and Library Services in Washington, D.C., and Spears was recognized in 2001 with the Eminent Librarian Award of the Alabama Library Association.

Spears graduated from Auburn in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in education. She returned to earn a master's degree in educational media in 1974 and a doctor of education degree in social science education in 1982.

# # #

may02: AU-edalum

CONTACT: Education Dean Frances Kochan, 334/844-4446.