Candidate Information and Open Forums
We are pleased to announce the final candidates for the Dean of Milner Library. Open forums for the candidates will be February 12, 13, 17 and 18 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
The campus community is invited to attend the forums. Candidate information will be released approximately 24 hours before the candidate visit.
Dr. Amy Petts
Open Forum: February 12 at 1:30 p.m., Circus Room
Dr. Amy L. Petts is an accomplished higher education leader with over a decade of experience in academic library management, institutional research, and faculty roles. She currently serves as the Interim Dean of Ball State University Libraries. With a strong commitment to advancing student success, Dr. Petts has led innovative initiatives to expand library outreach to students and faculty, fostering collaborative partnerships that enhance academic achievement and retention.
Her leadership in academic libraries is complemented by experience leading teams, promoting student engagement, analyzing data, and strategic planning. In addition, as a former Managing Editor of Sociology of Education, she brings valuable expertise in scholarly communication and academic publishing. Dr. Petts is also a published author in top peer-reviewed journals, focusing on higher education, diversity, and race.
Dr. Petts holds a doctorate in Sociology from Purdue University, a Master of Information and Library Science from Kent State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in German and Sociology from the University of Northern Iowa. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Library Association and the Academic Libraries of Indiana.
Dr. Amy Petts CV
Evaluation for Dr. Amy Petts
Evaluation form will close at 11:59 p.m. on February 14.
Dr. William H. Walters
Open Forum: February 13 at 1:30 p.m., Prairie Room
William H. Walters, a native of Buffalo, New York, is executive director of the library at Manhattan University. He has served as professor, dean, librarian, data manager, research consultant, accreditation liaison officer, and interim director of information technology at Cornell University, St. Lawrence University, Menlo College, the City University of New York, and the Providence VA Medical Center. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology (demography) from Brown University and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
His recent research focuses on scholarly communication, bibliometrics, academic librarianship, AI in higher education, nonprofit management, and educational assessment.
Evaluation for Dr. William H. Walters
Evaluation form will close at 11:59 p.m. on February 15.
Dr. Rick Fought
Open Forum: February 17 at 1:30 p.m., Circus Room
Rick L. Fought, EdD, MLIS, AHIP, is an accomplished academic librarian with a robust background in leadership, strategic planning, and library services that support education and research. Currently serving as Assistant Vice Chancellor at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Library in Memphis, TN, Dr. Fought oversees library services that enhance student learning, faculty scholarship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With expertise in faculty engagement, information literacy, and emerging trends in library services,
Dr. Fought is dedicated to fostering innovative, user-centered library initiatives. Holding a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration with a focus on leadership in academic libraries, Dr. Fought brings a passion for supporting student success and advancing the role of libraries in higher education.
Evaluation will close at 11:59 p.m. on February 19.
Dr. Carrie Forbes
Open Forum: February 18 at 1:30 p.m., Old Main
Dr. Carrie Forbes is currently the Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies and the University Library at Southern Oregon University. Previously, she worked at the University of Denver Libraries where she was the Associate Dean for Student and Scholar Services and a Professor of Library Science. She has a Master of Library Science, a Master of Arts in Higher Education, and a Ph.D. in Education (Curriculum and Instruction). She has worked as an academic librarian for 25 years and has published several articles and edited volumes on the changing nature of public services in libraries.
She is a member of several national committees for the Association of College and Research Libraries and also serves on the Board for the Friends of the Ashland Public Library. She is co-editor of the journal, Collaborative Librarianship, an open access, peer-reviewed publication focusing on the scholarship of collaboration and the sharing of resources and expertise within library and information science and related fields.
Evaluation for Dr. Carrie Forbes
Evaluation will close at 11:59 p.m. on February 20.