Dean Murray-Rust to Step Down in Summer 2020

Catherine Murray-Rust, dean of Libraries, has announced her desire to focus on the completion of the Library Next project before stepping down as dean in the summer of 2020.
Catherine Murray-Rust

Catherine Murray-Rust

Catherine Murray-Rust, dean of Libraries, has announced her desire to focus on the completion of the Library Next project before stepping down as dean in the summer of 2020.

Murray-Rust has served as the dean of Libraries since 2008. During her tenure as dean, Georgia Tech has taken bold, transformative steps to innovate the library services model to one that is actively engaged with faculty and students in research and learning by providing inspirational physical and digital environments, information expertise, curated scholarly content, and excellent services. Murray-Rust has guided the creation of the shared collection and Library Service Center with Emory University, the recently completed renovations of Crosland Tower, and the ongoing renovations of Price Gilbert.  

“From day one, Dean Murray-Rust has championed a new role for the research university library,” said Rafael L. Bras, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs and K. Harrison Brown Family Chair. “We are so grateful for her forward-thinking leadership. It has allowed Georgia Tech to create the library of the future — a space that shifts the focus away from a collection of books to one that centers on the people being served.”

Until the summer of 2020, Murray-Rust will focus on the successful completion of the Library Next project and library resource development and fundraising. She will also continue to represent Georgia Tech’s thought leadership in the area of library innovation. To facilitate this effort, Dr. Leslie Sharp will assume the role of interim CEO of the Library on March 1. As interim CEO, Sharp will report to Provost Bras, manage day-to-day library operations, and prepare for the leadership of the next dean. She will retain her title of associate vice provost for Graduate Education and Faculty Development (VPGEFD) and continue her leadership presence in the VPGEFD office.

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