On Friday, December 12, Dean of WVU Libraries, Karen Diaz, came to WVU Potomac State College to present a 2025 WVU Impact Award to Nicholas Gardner, Mary F. Shipper Library Director.
Karen Diaz, who also nominated Nicholas for this award, stated that Nicholas exemplifies the spirit of WVU’s values through leadership, collaboration, and a deep commitment to student success. As Library Director, he has fostered a workplace culture characterized by open communication and exceptional teamwork. Under his leadership, the library staff consistently demonstrates mutual respect, strong rapport, and a shared sense of purpose—qualities that extend to their interactions with students, faculty, and campus visitors alike.
What truly distinguishes Nick is his forward-thinking approach to organizational improvement and student success. Recognizing inefficiencies within the current structure of Academic Affairs support units (Library, Tutoring, Writing Center, and Career Services), he has been instrumental in launching a pilot initiative designed to streamline operations, clarify reporting structures, and improve student experience. This pilot, developed in collaboration with campus leadership, seeks to reduce redundancies, enhance coordination among student support areas, and better align complementary functions under unified leadership. Nicholas has demonstrated a keen ability to identify systemic barriers and translate insight into action.
Having advanced from staff member to faculty librarian to Library Director, Nick brings deep institutional knowledge and a steady commitment to continuous improvement at Potomac State College. He shares this commitment as a member of the University Libraries faculty and his strong connection with the Morgantown system.
His work embodies WVU’s mission of fostering collaboration, efficiency, and a shared commitment to student achievement.