Kit Messick selected for the 2026 Archives Leadership Institute at the University of Virginia
News
Kit Messick, Head of Technical Services, Smith College Special Collections
Published April 2, 2026
Following a competitive application process, Kit Messick, Head of Technical Services for Smith College Special Collections, has been selected as a participant in the 2026 Archives Leadership Institute (ALI) at the University of Virginia. Kit is a key member of the team responsible for the long-term stewardship of the Sophia Smith Collection, the Mortimer Rare Book Collection, and the College Archives.
The Archives Leadership Institute is a grant-funded program supported by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), part of the National Archives and Records Administration. Hosted by the University of Virginia Library from 2024 to 2026, ALI@Virginia provides advanced leadership development for a cohort of 25 archivists and memory workers.
Participants were selected based on demonstrated professional achievement, leadership potential, sustained commitment to the archival field, and the capacity to influence positive change across organizations and communities.
The weeklong institute offers an immersive, focused environment for leadership development through a combination of classroom and experiential learning. Participants engage with topics including individual and organizational leadership, responsible stewardship, and collaborative practice. Grounded in the historical and cultural context of the University of Virginia, the program invites participants to reflect on leadership within a complex and meaningful setting.
Contact
The University of Virginia Library was awarded $300,000 by NHPRC to support the 2024–2026 implementation of the Archives Leadership Institute. Visit Archives Leadership Institute@ Virginia to learn more about ALI@Virginia, or contact ali_staff@archivesleadershipinstitute.org.
To learn more about Smith College Special Collections, contact specialcollections@smith.edu.