Dean, Libraries

Lenoir-Rhyne University invites applications for an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Dean of the University Libraries. The Dean will provide strategic leadership and direction, ensuring that the Libraries advance the University’s mission and play a central role in teaching, learning, research, and student success.

This leader will champion innovation in library services—ranging from digital scholarship and data management to AI literacy and emerging technologies—while fostering strong partnerships with faculty, students, and staff.

The successful candidate will bring demonstrated expertise in academic library administration, collaborative and inclusive leadership, and an innovative approach to the rapidly evolving information landscape. By aligning library initiatives with national best practices and evidence-based strategies, the Dean will enhance student learning, support faculty research, and promote student retention and timely degree completion.

As the Libraries’ chief advocate, the Dean will build and sustain external partnerships, obtain grants, and lead effective fundraising efforts to secure resources, while representing the University Libraries at the regional, national, and international levels.

Lenoir-Rhyne University promotes a welcoming campus environment that is integral to the university's commitment to excellence in engagement and education. We seek candidates who have demonstrated success in fostering a welcoming community, working with faculty, staff, and students from all walks of life in addition to incorporating varied perspectives and traditions in their current or previous positions. This commitment is rooted in our Lutheran tradition of fostering wisdom, nurturing vocation, and preparing students for lives of purpose while serving the common good.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop, implement, and assess a forward-thinking vision for the Libraries that aligns with the University’s mission and strategic plan, demonstrating impact through ongoing evaluation of programs and services.
• Academic and Research Support: Strengthen teaching, learning, and research through initiatives in digital scholarship, information literacy, open access, and research data management, while partnering with faculty to embed library expertise in curricula and student research experiences.
• Innovation in Services: Lead efforts in digital platforms, archives, special collections, accessibility, and emerging technologies such as data services and AI literacy, positioning the Libraries as the hub of academic and cultural life.
• Administration and Operations: Oversee budgeting, staffing, facilities, and resource management while fostering professional growth, diversity, and retention of library personnel.
• External Engagement & Fundraising: Build partnerships with donors, alumni, granting agencies, and external organizations to secure resources and advance the Libraries’ mission.
• Student Success and Retention: Build and align library programs and services with national best practices and evidence-based approaches to enhance student learning, address achievement gaps, and promote timely progression to degree completion.
• Representation and Professional Engagement: Serve as the University’s library ambassador in regional and national contexts, and contribute to the profession through scholarship, service, and leadership in library consortia.

• Educational Background: ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library/Information Science or equivalent professional degree required; doctoral credentials preferred.
• Administrative
  
  Experience:
  
  Progressive leadership in academic libraries with demonstrated success managing complex organizations and leading organizational change.
• Research and Technology Expertise: Knowledge of digital scholarship, emerging technologies, scholarly communication, library infrastructure, and research data management.
• Collaborative Leadership: Proven ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and administrators to build cross-campus collaborations supporting student and faculty success, fostering an environment of welcoming and belonging.
• Innovat…