Search begins for University Libraries dean

4 days ago · 2 min read

The search for the next dean of University Libraries is under way with a campus visit this week by Korn Ferry, a leading national executive search firm that will assist the 12-member search advisory committee, chaired by Mark Button, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

University Libraries is a national leader in creativity and knowledge development. It creates and promotes resources and tools for transformative teaching, learning and research, and it develops spaces and technology that inspire lifelong learning. The dean of Libraries will continue the transformation of the Libraries’ physical and virtual spaces, lead major content initiatives, and position the Libraries’ faculty and staff at the center of teaching and research for Nebraska.

The dean is the chief administrative and academic officer of University Libraries and responsible for leading the Libraries’ current and future efforts to cultivate scholars, students and members of the public who are astute, critical users and creators of information in all its forms. The dean of Libraries collaborates with faculty, students, staff and external constituents on campus and in the state of Nebraska, across the nation, and around the world.

Search committee members include: Button; Toni Anaya, professor and associate director, Information Services and Learning Spaces, Libraries; Josh Caster, archives manager, Archives and Special Collections, Libraries; Erica DeFrain, associate professor, Teaching Partnerships, Libraries; Emily Glenn, associate professor and interim dean, Libraries, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Erin Haacker, assistant professor, earth and atmospheric sciences; Andy Jewell, professor and chair, digital strategies and co-director, Center for Digital Research in the Humanities and interim chair, Archives and Special Collections, Libraries; Wendy Katz, professor, art, art history and design; Rich Leiter, professor, College of Law; Brent Morgan, facilities coordinator, Libraries; Jen Nelson, assistant vice chancellor, Office of Research and Economic Development and research associate professor, psychology; and Francisco Munoz-Arriola, associate professor, School of Natural Resources (diversity ambassador).

More information will be available at go.unl.edu/librarydean in the coming weeks. In the meantime, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit nominations directly to Button at [email protected]. Nominations should include the nominee's name, institutional affiliation and contact information.