5/12/26

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – Tebo Library is pleased to share that Victoria Hober is the recipient of the 2026 Lynn Haggard Undergraduate Library Research Award (LHULRA) and $1,000 cash prize. This annual award is given in honor of Lynn Haggard, a retired librarian who served at FHSU for 18 years. Applicants must demonstrate sophisticated information literacy skills and excellence in undergraduate research that incorporates the use of Tebo Library resources.

Hober is a Senior from WaKeeney, Kan., majoring in Psychology at FHSU. Her application showcased research for an assignment in Dr. Stephanie Weigel’s PSY 688 Neuropsychology course, titled: “An Analysis of Childhood Trauma and the Effects on Brain Development.”

Weigel noted in the application materials that “Victoria did an outstanding job researching, thinking critically, evaluating evidence, and applying the information to draw conclusions. In addition, her excellent writing skills communicated her findings to maximize the impact of the paper.”

LHULRA committee chair and Online Learning Librarian, Heather VanDyne, led the group in reviewing 11 applications, ultimately selecting Hober as a standout. She said this year’s applicants submitted “quality applications from across multiple departments and colleges.” And mentioned that, “It is always a privilege to be able to see the amazing things FHSU students are doing in their classes.”

Hober believes that she gained and honed research skills during her project, stating that, “In utilizing Tebo Library’s resources, databases, and support staff, I developed more effective research strategies, evaluated scholarly research articles, and refined the overall research process. This experience not only improved the quality of my research paper but deepened my understanding on conducting academic research within the field of psychology.”

She also credited MaryAlice Wade, Teaching, Research, and Assessment Librarian and Library Liaison for the Psychology Department, with answering questions, offering one-on-one guidance, and pushing her to delve into resources to ensure the quality of the source material.

Tebo Library was excited to host this year’s LHULRA reception in the newly renovated building, utilizing the W.R. & Yvonne Robbins Forum as a fitting backdrop to celebrate Hober’s accomplishments with campus and community members.

Hober’s work is available on the FHSU Scholars Repository:  https://scholars.fhsu.edu/lhulra_2026/1/

To find out more about the LHULRA application process, visit:  https://fhsuguides.fhsu.edu/lhulra