USU Libraries Employee Receives Conference of Intermountain Archivists Mentor Award

LOGAN — Dan Davis, photograph curator and instruction coordinator for Special Collections & Archives at Utah State University Libraries, has received the Conference of Intermountain Archivists Mentor Award, an honor recognizing dedication to mentoring students and emerging professionals in the archival field.

The CIMA Mentor Award celebrates members who actively cultivate career development within the archival community by advocating for students and new professionals, providing sustained guidance in professional growth and self-assessment, fostering collaborative networks and creating productive, supportive work environments in the archival profession. Davis exemplifies these values through decades of committed service, teaching and mentorship.Since joining Utah State University Libraries in 2000, Davis has served as a central figure in archival instruction and outreach. As a longtime instructor for the archives management course, he has guided USU undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in history, museum studies and archives, while also coordinating experiential learning opportunities such as hands-on internships and practicum placements. His work provides essential professional training opportunities, particularly in a region without an in-state MLIS program.

Beyond the classroom, Davis mentors students, staff and faculty through individualized guidance, including supporting thesis work, advising on career pathways, facilitating conference participation and championing colleagues through promotion and tenure processes. His advocacy has had lasting impact, with many of his mentees going on to successful careers in archives, libraries and related fields.

Colleagues consistently note Davis’s thoughtful, generous approach to mentorship and his unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative and intellectually supportive environment. Through decades of service, he has helped open doors, build professional confidence and strengthen connections across the archival community.

The CIMA Mentor Award was formally presented on May 15 during the 2026 Conference of Intermountain Archivists Annual Conference.

Dan Davis’s selection for the CIMA Mentor Award reflects his profound influence on the next generation of archivists and his enduring contributions to the profession through teaching, mentorship and leadership.