California State University, Chico: Dean Meriam Library

California State University, Chico (Chico State) is seeking an innovative and experienced leader to serve as its next Dean of the Meriam Library.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Dean of Meriam Library serves as the lead academic and administrative officer, providing leadership in advancing its mission, programs, and operations. The dean promotes academic excellence in teaching, research, and service, ensures responsible management of fiscal and human resources, and strengthens the library’s visibility and partnerships across the university and broader community.

The dean fosters a welcoming and equitable environment that values respect, collaboration, and opportunity for all members of the University and community. Through inclusive and transparent leadership, the dean supports the success of students, faculty, and staff while advancing the University’s commitment to excellence and community engagement. The dean is a member of the Provost’s Advisory Council (PAC) and reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Chico State is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation, that enrolls nearly 15,000 bachelor’s and master’s degree students. The University operates as part of the 22-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation.

Meriam Library is the main library for Chico State, serving 15,000 full-time students, more than 970 instructional faculty, and over 1,000 staff, as well as the communities of Chico and Northeastern California. Meriam Library was named in honor of Ted Meriam and the Meriam Family and is the largest library in California north of Sacramento.

This role requires a terminal degree in one’s discipline or equivalent experience, with a preference for a Master of Library Sciences (MLS/MILS) degree from an American Library Association accredited program and a record of achievement consistent with the rank of tenured full librarian or full professor. The ideal candidate will have a sustained record of contributions in higher education including a minimum of seven years professional experience in higher education including a record of progressively responsible leadership and supervisory experience.

The role requires experience with management, budget, and personnel administration as well as proven track record of successful fundraising initiatives, with a demonstrated ability to secure financial support from diverse sources.

The next dean will be a steadfast advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as an entrepreneurial, resourceful, and collaborative leader that embodies the highest levels of integrity and accountability. This person will present exemplary interpersonal skills as demonstrated by being self-motivated, proactive, empathetic, and service-oriented with a keen focus on the organization they serve.

Chico State is partnering with Veena Abraham, J.D. and Robert Luke at EQU Advisors on this search. For additional information on the roles and responsibilities for this position as well as to submit a nomination, expression of interest, and/or application, please visit:

As a first step, we recommend that candidates closely review this search profile to understand the role and the major priorities of the next dean.

To receive full consideration, candidates are to
1) complete the brief application form and
2) submit a cover letter outlining how their experience intersects with Chico State’s needs as well as a curriculum vitae, via the website linked above. These items should be received no later than Monday, March 16, 2026. Please note that Chico State is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

We are anticipating that the search committee will select semi-finalists in late March and interview those individuals in early April. Finalists will be invited to participate in campus visits in April. Once a candidate of choice has been identified, a start date will be negotiated with that person, with the goal of having a new dean start by…