Janet Jackson, an undergraduate student who will receive a minor in information systems from UNC’s School of Information and Library Science, received the 2003 McNally Award for Excellence in Geography. Jackson is majoring in geography and will graduate from the University this May.

Chancellor James Moeser presented the award to Jackson in a special awards ceremony and reception at George Watts Hill Alumni Center on April 22. Additionally, 60 other student awards for excellence in academic work or student activities and leadership were presented.

The award, a monetary prize and international atlas, is given annually to a graduating senior who is selected by the geography faculty based on superior academic performance. The McNally Award for Excellence in Geography was established by Andrew McNally IV, class of 1963.

Jackson, who is the Geographic Information Systems coordinator at Orange Water and Sewer Authority, also served as an undergraduate representative on the SILS advisory board.

“Janet is working at the interface of geography and information science in one of the most exciting new interdisciplinary fields,” said SILS Dean Joanne Gard Marshall. “We are delighted to see Janet honored by the geography department and look forward to future interdisciplinary collaborations.”

The School of Information and Library Science is home to approximately 247 master's degree students, six certificate of advanced study students, 44 doctoral students, 17 undergraduate majors, 67 minors and 20 full-time faculty members. The school offers master's degrees in information science and library science, a certificate of advanced study, a doctor of philosophy in information and library science and an undergraduate minor in information systems. A new major in information science was introduced last fall.