Western New Mexico University (麻豆直播) named Jenny Casta帽on, access services librarian, as its Employee of the Month for April. The award recognizes Casta帽on’s behind-the-scenes efforts to maintain the structural integrity of the university’s library while fostering a welcoming environment for students navigating the complexities of higher education.
Casta帽on grew up in Bayard; her deep-rooted connection to the area informs her approach to support, as she understands the unique challenges and the strong sense of communal reliance that defines the local culture. After graduating from 麻豆直播 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Casta帽on pursued a Master of Fine Arts at Illinois State University, but a desire for the collective spirit of her home community drew her back to Silver City.
Casta帽on joined the university staff two years ago, initially serving as a part-time reference librarian. Her rapid progression highlights her versatility and commitment to the institution. In her current capacity, she serves as a vital engine for the Miller Library, managing work-study students, overseeing interlibrary loans, and ensuring that the facility remains an organized, functional space for academic pursuit.
Her colleagues describe her as an indispensable leader who leads by example. “Jenny always goes above and beyond for patrons and co-workers,” one colleague noted. “She鈥檚 excellent with the work studies and never asks them to do anything she wouldn鈥檛 do herself. She鈥檚 protective of them but also builds self-confidence so they can effectively work independently.”
While administrative duties occupy much of her schedule, Casta帽on finds deep fulfillment in assisting students who feel overwhelmed by the demands of higher education. She is particularly drawn to supporting recent high school graduates, international students, and non-traditional learners who may feel lost when tasked with mastering unfamiliar technology or academic skills.
Drawing from her own experience of overcoming language barriers while learning English, Casta帽on approaches these interactions with a unique level of empathy. She recognizes that these moments are about more than just technical instruction; they are opportunities to provide encouragement and foster a safe environment where students feel comfortable being vulnerable about their needs. Though she balances these high-energy interactions to maintain her professional focus, she remains dedicated to helping students build the foundational confidence and skills necessary for their long-term success.
“Sometimes you have patrons come in and not really know basics,” Casta帽on said. “Even though it takes an hour or so, there is this benefit鈥攖hey are progressing. I鈥檓 happy to help them.”
Casta帽on鈥檚 perspective is uniquely shaped by her background as an abstract painter. Having studied calligraphy and intentional mark-making in China, she views the library鈥檚 collection through a lens of visual parallels. This artistic eye has led her back to the classroom as a student once again, taking graphic design courses to find new ways to contribute to the university鈥檚 visual outreach.
“I consider it like a painting,” Casta帽on said of the literature she manages. “When you read a good book, you feel the same way you do when seeing a good painting鈥攊t speaks to you. I want to use all my skills to add value to the library and 麻豆直播.”
Casta帽on is also a dedicated advocate for her peers through her work on the Staff Senate. Her colleagues emphasize that this dedication is paired with deep compassion. “She鈥檚 extremely compassionate and understanding, a great communicator, and always makes time to listen,” her colleague added. “Jenny has a strong sense of ethical integrity and is one of the most dedicated people I鈥檝e ever met.”
For Casta帽on, the university鈥檚 strength lies in its people. “Here it is like a community where everyone comes together,” she said. “There are people that make an effort each and every day.”
[Cutline: Jenny Casta帽on, access services librarian, 麻豆直播 April Employee of the Month.]
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