Appointment of University Library Dean

Dear Campus Community,

I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tracy Elliott as dean of SJSU’s University Library, effective June 13. She will succeed Dean Ruth Kifer who will retire at the end of the spring semester.

Dr. Elliott comes to us from the State College of Florida (SCF) where she has served as the director of libraries since 2009. In her role at SCF, she gained unique experience in managing joint-use libraries that included partnerships between college campuses, dual enrollment high schools, a 6-12th grade collegiate school and an eCampus. She produced the first multi-year strategic plan; created an institutional repository; and served as the project director on a $2.5 million U.S. Department of Education grant to improve access to data and student success analytics, among other accomplishments.

She holds a PhD in leadership and education from Barry University, in Florida; a master’s in library and information studies, and a bachelor’s in communication from Florida State University.

Dr. Elliott has more than 20 years of experience working in higher education library services. Prior to her work at SCF, she served as the head librarian at St. Petersburg College. In her capacity, she managed a partnership between the college library, the City of Seminole and the city of St. Petersburg to provide public library services. She served as dean of learning resources at Rappahannock Community College, in Virginia; as a patent librarian at the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office, in Virginia; and as an information services librarian at Columbus State University, in Georgia.

During the search process, Dr. Elliott demonstrated a deep understanding of joint-use libraries that will benefit her in leading our partnership with the City of San Jose. In addition, she expressed a commitment to student success through providing engaged learning opportunities outside the classroom and to collaborating as a partner in support of research, scholarship and creative activities.

I am certain the campus community and supporters of our University Library will find Dr. Elliott to be an energetic and experienced leader. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Elliott to San Jose State.

Sincerely,

Andy Feinstein
Provost