UT Librarian Felicia Felder Hoehne was honored by Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale on July 25 at the rededication of Spring Place Park in East Knoxville. Hoehne was the lead Park Vols volunteer for the park, and Mayor Ragsdale presented her with a bench commemorating her contributions to the park’s redevelopment.

She is pictured left with Mayor Ragsdale and members of Caring Kids park volunteers.

In 1969, Hoehne was the first librarian of African descent hired by the University of Tennessee. As a reference librarian, Hoehne has assisted countless students and faculty in their research. She has also has pursued important research projects of her own, such as Tennessee Authors Past and Present and the George Washington Carver DVD project.

Hoehne has a distinguished record of community service and is a strong advocate of human rights and the rights of children. In 1997, she co-founded Linking Librarians with At-Risk Students (LARKS), a program designed to mentor inner-city male youth. She has also volunteered with the Kerbela Shrine Circus Fund Project, Habitat for Humanity, the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, the Center for Neighborhood Development and the Knoxville Opera Company, among many other organizations.

In 2003, Hoehne was recognized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission with the Harold B. Love Jr. Outstanding Community Involvement Award and UT’s Volunteer Spirit Award. In April 2006, she was presented with the University of Tennessee Hardy Liston Symbol of Hope Award for promoting cultural diversity and enhancing the university’s educational mission.