Dean of Library Services

Dean of Library Services - 002804

Western Carolina University

Office of the Dean – Hunter Library

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.

Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.

Leave earning employees (staff and 12‑month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is on‑site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being a Senior Academic Administrative Officer (SAAO).

The Dean of Library Services serves as the chief administrative and academic officer of Hunter Library, part of the Division of Academic Affairs, reporting directly to the Provost. This position provides strategic leadership, overseeing the library’s functions and aligning its goals with university priorities. Key responsibilities include developing strategies that support curriculum, research, and student learning in collaboration with faculty and academic leaders.

The Dean of Library Services is also responsible for financial management, including budget planning and compliance with university policies. Supervising library staff, managing performance evaluations, and fostering professional development are essential aspects of the role. The Dean will lead on tenure and promotion matters and the integration of library services into academic programs.

Representing Hunter Library in meetings with the Provost, senior leadership, and external stakeholders is vital, along with supporting fundraising efforts. Finally, the Dean ensures efficient daily operations, focusing on service delivery and policy compliance across library units. The Office of the Dean includes an Associate Dean, a Business Officer, an Executive Assistant, an Administrative Support Associate, and a Special Initiatives Librarian.

Hunter Library is a member of the University Library Advisory Council (ULAC) for the University of North Carolina. The library shares an integrated library system and lending services with participating institutions across the UNC system.

Hunter Library maintains a robust collection of physical and electronic resources that serves the curricular and research needs of the…