BOONE, N.C.—Dr. Dane Ward has been named dean of libraries at Appalachian State University effective Aug.1. Ward comes from Illinois State University, Normal, where he has served as dean of the Milner Library since 2014.
“Dane brings a strong background in community-building and campus collaboration as a means to assist academic libraries in meeting the changing information needs of their institutions,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Darrell Kruger.
“Professionally, he has been active as a speaker and author in the areas of library innovation, information literacy and the curricular integration of libraries. I look forward to working with him as he serves the entire campus community through the significant work of the University Library.”
In his current leadership role at Illinois State University, Normal, Ward has worked to re-conceptualize, redesign and renovate its Milner Library with repairs, improved technology, collaborative workspace and a media production center. He also has developed partnerships with other units on campus to create one-stop learning assistance and support for students, including help with writing, stress management and career preparation. He revived a library fundraising effort, worked to enhance receptiveness to diversity, and developed a committee for textbook affordability in conjunction with the school’s student government association.
His 15-year career at Milner Library also included service as interim director from 2012-14, senior associate dean for information assets from 2011-12, and associate dean for public services from 2002-11. In 2009, Ward received a Special Presidential Recognition Award for Information Literary Innovation from the Association of College and Research Libraries. He also has held librarian positions at Central Michigan University and Wayne State University.
Ward earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Illinois State University, Normal, a Master of Library and Information Science from Indiana University, Bloomington, a Master of Science in secondary social studies education from Florida State University, Tallahassee, and a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from Indiana University, Bloomington.
A former Peace Corps teacher trainer/educational consultant in Senegal, Ward also has taught high school social studies and college-level English and social science.
The search committee was co-chaired by Ericka Patillo from University Libraries and Max Poole, dean of the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies. Members of the search committee and their respective departments were Carl Eby, English; Margaret Gregor, University Libraries; Gina Harwood, University Advancement; Melissa Gutschall, Beaver College of Health Sciences; Roy Hayjit, Economics; Ken Johnson, University Libraries; Trevor McKenzie, University Libraries; Pam Mitchem, University Libraries; Lynn Patterson, University Libraries; Lisa Runner, Hayes School of Music; Peg Werts, Reich College of Education; Daniel Walsh, College of Fine and Applied Arts; Allan Scherlen, University Libraries; and Jason White, History.
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About University Libraries
University Libraries at Appalachian State University serves the students, faculty and staff of App State’s Boone and Hickory campuses, contributing to the university’s mission of learning, teaching, advancing knowledge, engagement and effectiveness. Belk Library and Information Commons, the Erneston Music Library and the Hickory Library and Information Commons provide academic resources for all App State students and faculty. Within Belk Library, students and faculty find group and quiet study spaces, digital devices to check out, the Digital Media Studio, the Makerspace, the Virtual Realty Studio, the Special Collections Research Center and more. Learn more at https://library.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
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