Florida State University (FSU) School of Information (iSchool) alumna Sila Lott, Director of Library Services at Tallahassee State College (TSC), has been named a 2026 recipient of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to higher education and student success. 

Since 1991, the NISOD Excellence Awards have recognized outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact at community and technical colleges. 

One initiative Lott is especially proud of is the creation of TSC Library’s Family Study Room, an inclusive space designed for student-parents balancing coursework and childcare. Since opening in 2022, the room has supported dozens of families by providing technology, child-friendly furnishings, and educational resources, helping remove barriers to academic success. 

“I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Lott. “As someone who spends much of her time working behind the scenes, it’s meaningful to know that those efforts are making an impact. More importantly, this award reflects the incredible work being done at TSC Libraries every day. I am proud of my library staff and librarians, whose dedication, innovation, and commitment to student success continue to transform the library into a dynamic 21st-century learning environment. This recognition belongs to them as much as it does to me. I could not do this work without them.” 

Lott said the foundation for her work began during her time as a student at the FSU iSchool, where classroom learning and hands-on experiences prepared her for a career in academic librarianship. Through the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program, now called the Master of Science in Information Studies program, Lott developed skills in helping library users find information, providing research assistance, and applying practical approaches to library services. 

“While pursuing my MLIS through FSU’s iSchool, I gained a strong grounding in library and information science, particularly through the Reference Services Certificate program. Learning the reference interview, working with ipl2 virtual reference services, and studying practical library applications helped shape the skills I would later apply at both FSU Libraries and TSC Libraries,” said Lott. 

As a leader in academic librarianship, Lott exemplifies CCI and the School of Information’s mission of preparing information professionals who serve their communities through innovation, leadership, and service. 

For current FSU students hoping to make a difference in their fields, Lott encourages them to pursue their goals with confidence and perseverance. 

“Dream and dream big,” said Sila Lott. “Don’t allow setbacks, criticism, or fear to keep you from pursuing your goals. Follow work that brings you purpose and fulfillment, and success will follow. Build relationships, be kind,and invest in your network. No one succeeds alone, and you never know who may become an important mentor, colleague, or collaborator in the future. Most importantly, stay persistent. Every ‘no’ brings you closer to a ‘yes.’”