MEET REBEKAH
A New Chapter
I'm Rebekah Cummings, your candidate for Lieutenant Governor. Growing up amidst diverse and politically divided surroundings, I learned early the importance of bridging divides. In my blue-collar, conservative upbringing in a liberal city, I found solace in books and libraries. Now, as a mom of three, I’m the Director of Digital Matters at the University of Utah, Chair of the Utah State Library Board, and founding member of the Let Utah Read Coalition. Balancing family, education, work, and service, I've championed intellectual freedom and community engagement. With a vision for pragmatic governance and a dedication to empowering families, I'm ready to lead Utah toward a future where every voice is heard and every individual thrives – for the better.
From Cover to Cover
Discovering Strength in Adversity
Raised amidst the vibrant and diverse landscape of Venice, CA, Rebekah navigated the complexities of her blue-collar, conservative upbringing in a liberal city. Despite being the youngest of four children in a home where academic pursuits took a backseat, Rebekah found solace and motivation within the pages of books and the sanctuary of libraries. "Libraries have always been my happy place," she fondly recalls, underscoring the profound impact of literature on her formative years.
Balancing Motherhood and Education
In the face of unexpected motherhood early in life, Rebekah exhibited unwavering resolve as she balanced work and her parental duties with the pursuit of higher education. Overcoming challenges with tenacity, she graduated at the top of her class, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in academics and advocacy.
Professional Road and Leadership
From humble beginnings shelving books at her local public library to her current role as Director of Digital Matters at the University of Utah, Rebekah's career trajectory exemplifies dedication and passion for libraries. A staunch defender of intellectual freedom, she has opposed book bans and championed the rights of all Utahns. Her leadership extends beyond the confines of academia, as evidenced by her role as Chair of the Utah State Library Board, where she continues to shape policy and foster community engagement.
Empowering Families and Shaping the Future
Partnered with a vision for pragmatic governance, Rebekah is committed to protecting and restoring the rights of all Utahns. With Brian, she will advocate for the empowerment of families and the creation of a Utah where every voice is heard and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Rebekah lives blocks away from the University of Utah Marriott Library where she works. She lives with her husband, Robert, her three children – Aidan, Harper, and Ashton – and their rescue dog, Stan.
Resume, Accomplishments, Service
Education
Selected Community Service
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Girl Scout Troop Founder and Leader. Troop 1680. July 2023 – present
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Utah History Day, Salt Lake City and State Finals, Judge
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Clover Elementary. Volunteer Reader
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Books Beyond Bars, Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall, Volunteer
Selected Professional Service
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Utah State Library Board, Chair: July 2022 – June 2024
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Utah Library Association, Advocacy Committee, Co-Chair: May 2020 – present
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Utah State Library, Board Member: July 2021 – June 2025
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Utah Library Association, Past-President: May 2019 – May 2020
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Library Day on the Hill, Co-Chair: June 2019 – June 2023
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Utah Library Association, President: May 2018 – May 2019
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Utah Library Association, President-Elect: May 2017 – May 2018
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National Science Foundation, Grant Reviewer: September 2016 – October 2016
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Utah Digital Humanities Symposium, Co-Chair: March 2016 – March 2017
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ILEAD (Innovative Librarians Explore, Apply and Discover) USA Mentor, Open Educational Resources Group: February 2015 – October 2015
Selected Awards
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2024 Utah Library Association President’s Award
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2023 ACLU Utah Torch of Freedom Award
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2023 University of Utah Taft Nicholson Environmental Humanities Summer Fellowship
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2021 Utah Library Association Legislative Award
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2020 University of Utah Top Researcher for Celebrate U
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2019 American Library Association Gerald Hodges Intellectual Freedom Chapter Relations Award