Search committee appointed for next vice provost, director of libraries

2:17 p.m., Sept. 24, 2015--A search committee has been appointed to find the next University of Delaware vice provost and director of libraries. George Watson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will chair the committee, composed of faculty and staff with broad academic and administrative expertise. 

The University has retained the services of top-tier firm Witt Kieffer to cultivate an excellent and diverse pool of candidates for consideration. The search committee will then work to identify the best individual to lead the libraries, enhance their resources, and take on the newly added responsibility of supervising University Museums, its director and staff.

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The committee will begin its work on Sept. 25. 

“We will engage the diverse insights, experiences and perspectives of our committee members,” Watson said. “Our team is committed to identifying ideal candidates for this important leadership role that will help shape UD as a pre-eminent, learner-centered, research university, as outlined in the strategic plan.” 

Added Watson, “Collectively, there is a deep understanding of the far-reaching impact of this leader’s role on the University’s research, its national and global reputation, as well as the academic and cultural experiences of students, faculty, and our campus community.”

Sandra Millard, formerly associate University librarian for services, outreach and assessment at the University of Delaware, has been serving as interim vice provost and director of libraries since Sept. 1. Millard took over following Susan Brynteson’s decision to step down from leading the University of Delaware Library after more than 35 years. 

In addition to Watson, members of the committee are Antony Beris, Arthur B Metzner Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Peggy Bottorff, associate provost and chief of staff; Alan Brangman, vice president for facilities, real estate and auxiliary services; Erin Daix, electronic resources librarian; Steve Eidelman, H. Rodney Sharp Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, and chair of the Faculty Senate library committee; Tiffany Gill, associate professor of Black American studies and history; Carl Jacobson, vice president for information technologies and chief information officer; Julie McGee, curator of African American art for University Museums and associate professor of Black American studies; Deb Morley, library head of reference and instructional services; Tim Murray, head of Special Collections Department; Greg Oler, vice president for finance and deputy treasurer; Molly Olney-Zide, senior assistant librarian; and Robin Schulze, interim associate dean for humanities and professor of English. 

The vice provost and director of libraries is responsible for ensuring that library programs and resources enhance research, education and outreach in accordance with the University’s strategic goals. The vice provost is expected to further the library’s evolution as a research and learning commons, serve as the library’s advocate on campus and in professional and public communities, and strengthen collaborations throughout these environments. A new responsibility to the role is oversight for University Museums, effective Oct. 1.

The committee expects to bring finalists to campus this winter. 

Article by Jawanza Ali Keita