Michigan State University Provost Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., is recommending Terri Miller, associate dean for teaching, learning and research engagement in MSU Libraries, for the position of interim dean of MSU Libraries. Pending approval by the MSU Board of Trustees, her appointment will be effective July 1.
Miller will replace Joseph Salem Jr., current dean of MSU Libraries and interim associate provost for teaching, learning and innovation. Salem has accepted a position at Duke University as the Rita DiGiallonardo Holloway University Librarian and vice provost for library affairs, a post he will begin on Aug. 15.
“During Dr. Salem’s tenure as the inaugural dean of libraries, he led strategic planning efforts for the MSU Libraries and guided a subsequent reorganization emphasizing diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as faculty and student engagement. He also co-chaired the university’s Strategic Planning Steering Committee,” said Woodruff. “He has advanced the capacity and caliber of MSU Libraries in forward-thinking and transformative ways, creating a momentum that will continue long after his departure.”
Miller has worked in MSU Libraries since 1999, with her initial role as the libraries’ bibliographer for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. She has progressed through numerous leadership roles in the libraries, starting with coordinator for area studies collections, followed by head of reference services and assistant director for public services, to her current role as the associate dean for teaching, learning, and research engagement.
She has been deeply engaged in a number of libraries initiatives over the years and most notably led the libraries in partnership with the College of Arts and Letters to develop and build the Digital Scholarship Lab, which opened in 2018. She has also led the libraries’ recent efforts to revitalize spaces throughout the Main Library and the Gast Business Library and has engaged students and faculty to create spaces that are welcoming, accessible and functional for innovative teaching, learning and engagement. She is also leading the libraries’ work in the coming year on comprehensive space planning, as well as the design and remodeling of the Stephen O. Murray and Keelung Hong Special Collections Library.
“Ms. Miller’s longstanding engagement within, and knowledge of, MSU Libraries will provide continuity during this time of transition,” said Woodruff. “I am grateful for her willingness to step into this interim role and for the diverse range of skills she brings to the task.”
Miller earned a master of library science degree from Kent State University and a masters in Russian history from The Ohio State University. She has published and presented widely in a number of areas related to research libraries’ engagement with faculty and students.
A national search for the next dean of libraries will commence in the fall, with the engagement of shared governance, as guided by MSU bylaws. An internal search for an associate provost for teaching and learning innovation will begin immediately.