contributor

• Vanessa Reyes   Program/Department Service
  Role: Outreach Chair, and Archives & Cultural Heritage Informatics Concentration Lead
  Event: 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of the Society of North Carolina Archivists (SNCA) and the South Carolina Archival Association (SCAA)
  Dates: May 28-29, 2026
  Location: J. Murrey Atkins Library, UNC Charlotte
  Conference Theme: Many Voices, Stronger Archives: Advocacy through Community
  Description of Activity
  As Outreach Chair for the MLS Program, I tabled at the SNCA annual conference to promote the Archives and Cultural Heritage Informatics concentration. I represented East Carolina University at the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of SNCA and SCAA. I tabled for the full duration of the twoday conference, serving as the primary representative for ECU's archives curriculum. Our program was the only archives program present from the entire state of North Carolina, providing a unique opportunity to highlight ECU's leadership in archival education.
  Throughout the event, I engaged with practicing archivists, special collections librarians, cultural heritage professionals, and students from across both states. Conversations centered on curriculum strengths, professional competencies, and opportunities for graduate study in archives and cultural heritage informatics. I also provided guidance to prospective students and practitioners seeking to expand their credentials or transition into archivals.
  Impact and Outcomes
  
  Significantly increased statewide visibility for ECU's Archives & Cultural Heritage Informatics concentration.
  Strengthened professional relationships with archivists and cultural heritage practitioners across NC and SC.
  Identified prospective students and professional partners interested in future collaboration or enrollment.
  Demonstrated ECU's commitment to communitycentered archival practice in alignment with the conference theme.
  Reinforced ECU's presence at a major regional archival gathering where no other NC archives program was represented.
  
  Relevance to Program and College Goals
  This outreach activity directly supports program recruitment, professional engagement, and community partnership goals. Participation at SNCA/SCAA advances ECU's visibility within the archival profession and aligns with COE's mission to foster leadership, advocacy, and communitydriven educational practice.   2025 - 2027