Boyd selected as new dean of Library Services

Kim Boyd, dean of Library Services
Kim Boyd is Brenau University's new dean of Library Services.

Kim Boyd, an associate professor, is Brenau University’s new dean of Library Services, effective July 1.

“Kim has served as a faculty member at Brenau for more than a decade, and she played an essential role in the university’s recent and highly successful decennial review by our accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges,” Jim Eck, provost and vice president of academic affairs, said. “Kim will add value to Brenau’s administrative team within academic affairs, and she is a leader who creates positive momentum for her colleagues, always extending goodwill.”

As dean, Boyd will lead Brenau’s Trustee Library, which includes classrooms and specially designed spaces in addition to extensive holdings of books, art, media, and many rare and historic materials. The library is home to the Language Bistro, the John and Mary Poitevent Redwine Technology Center, the Fashion and Costume Design Lab, and the Writing Center.

Brenau’s Rare Books & Special Collections contains unique resources comprising the Bentley Rare Book Gallery, The Thomas Watson Collection, Special Collections and the Graham W. Arader Natural History Research Room. The Archives maintains interesting elements from Brenau’s history ranging from scrapbooks and presidential memos to furniture and clothing.

In addition to leading the library, Boyd will collaborate with the director of assessment and the Office of Academic Affairs to coordinate Brenau’s general education curriculum. This includes shepherding the modification process currently underway and also ensuring the success of ongoing implementation and assessment tasks required for regular review and improvement.

“I’m honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead a team of exceptionally innovative and dedicated faculty and staff in the library,” Boyd said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues across the university to serve our students by fostering an environment of continuous learning, critical thinking and exploration.”

As the head of research and instruction, Boyd previously oversaw the library’s information literacy program and managed the instructional librarians, interlibrary loan department, the access services department, and the library’s marketing and outreach program.

Boyd earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in psychology and women’s studies from Georgia State University and a Master of Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University.

Boyd was appointed to the position after a national search. She replaces Linda Kern, who retired June 30 and was awarded the rank of faculty emerita.