Who is Jade Snelling from Jeopardy? Archivist’s Age, Job, Family & More
Jade Snelling is a dedicated and accomplished archivist whose work has significantly contributed to the preservation and accessibility of historical materials. Since August 2020, she has been serving as the Collections Archivist for the International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA) at Virginia Tech. In this important role, Jade is responsible for managing and organizing IAWA’s vast collection of materials, liaising with donors to acquire new collections, offering reference services, and maintaining research guides to support educational outreach. Her commitment to preserving the voices and stories of women in architecture highlights her passion for amplifying underrepresented narratives within the field.
Her experience goes far beyond her current role. Before joining the IAWA, Jade worked at Virginia Tech as a Digitization and Special Projects Archivist, contributing to projects aimed at preserving significant architectural materials, particularly those associated with renowned architect Beverly Willis. Her work in digitization has ensured that critical architectural documents are not only preserved but also made accessible for future generations to study and learn from.
Jade Snelling’s Professional Journey: From Texas to Virginia
Jade’s career has taken her across a variety of esteemed institutions, where her skills have been honed and refined. She began her archival career at the Alexander Architectural Archives at the University of Texas at Austin. Here, Jade improved technical services, processed collections, and created finding aids that made it easier for researchers to navigate the archives. Her work provided critical access to a wealth of historical materials, particularly those related to architecture and design.
At the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas, Jade took on the task of accessioning and describing digital content, including CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. This role gave her hands-on experience with metadata creation and digital workflows, solidifying her expertise in archival description and preservation. Her ability to work with various digital media formats allowed her to approach archival tasks from both a technical and historical perspective, which has become one of her key strengths in the field.
In addition to these prominent roles, Jade also worked as a receptionist at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Information, where she gained administrative experience and contributed to the smooth operation of the department. These early experiences provided her with a well-rounded skill set that would serve her throughout her career.
Educational Foundation: A Strong Academic Background and Global Experience
Jade’s academic journey has been integral to her success as an archivist. She holds a Master of Science degree in Information Science from the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated in December 2016. This advanced degree provided her with the technical knowledge and research skills necessary to succeed in the field of archival work. Prior to this, Jade completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Literature at the University of Oregon, where she also minored in German.
Her academic pursuits were further enriched by her time abroad as a Fulbright Scholar in Recklinghausen, Germany, where she worked as an English Teaching Assistant. This experience allowed her to immerse herself in a different cultural and educational context, broadening her perspective on historical research and preservation practices.
Certifications and Technical Skills: A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
In addition to her formal education, Jade has pursued several certifications that have further bolstered her credentials. She is a certified archivist through the Academy of Certified Archivists and holds a Digital Archives Specialist certification from the Society of American Archivists. These certifications demonstrate her deep commitment to maintaining high professional standards in archival work.
Jade is also passionate about expanding her knowledge and skills in interdisciplinary fields, which is evident in her participation in the LEADING data science fellowship. This fellowship, which focuses on data science, is a testament to Jade’s dedication to blending technical expertise with archival practice. Her technical skills include proficiency in XML, MySQL, archival processing, and description. She also has experience with oral history and intellectual property, further enhancing her comprehensive approach to archival work.
Community Engagement: Promoting Women’s History and Archival Education
Outside of her professional roles, Jade is deeply engaged with the archival community. She regularly contributes to departmental blogs and participates in events such as Wikipedia edit-a-thons, where she promotes women’s history and amplifies the voices of underrepresented groups in archival spaces. Her efforts to enhance the visibility of women in architecture reflect her broader commitment to making history accessible and inclusive.
Jade’s work is not limited to archival collections alone—she is also passionate about fostering a community of learners and preserving diverse perspectives. Her engagement with both the archival community and the public shows her dedication to advancing the field while ensuring that future generations have access to the resources they need to learn and grow.
Conclusion: Jade Snelling’s Lasting Impact in Archival Preservation
Jade Snelling’s career as an archivist has been defined by her commitment to preservation, education, and community engagement. Through her roles at Virginia Tech, the University of Texas, and other institutions, she has not only helped preserve important architectural materials but has also contributed to the broader mission of amplifying underrepresented voices in history. Her academic achievements, technical skills, and community involvement continue to make her a respected figure in the archival world, and her future in the field remains bright.
