Steward of knowledge

Dawn Behrend takes helm as dean of the libraries

On a typical day, the halls of Carl A. Rudisill Library are silent. However, with the announcement of Dawn Behrend’s, MLS, MBA, M.A., new position as dean of the libraries, those halls are roaring with excitement and eager anticipation.

“As someone with a lifelong passion for libraries, I am honored to serve as the dean of the libraries at Lenoir-Rhyne University,” shared Behrend. “I am eager to work with the library team and campus stakeholders to ensure that the LR libraries continue to be welcoming, inclusive spaces that support the success of students and engage community members with programming, access to quality information resources, and collaborative learning spaces.”

Behrend joined the Rudisill Library as an adjunct research and instruction librarian in 2017 and became a full-time member of the faculty in 2018 with her appointment as outreach and instruction librarian. During her time at LR, she has fulfilled a wide range of roles with the library including library liaison to several academic programs, providing library instruction, collection development, and library programming and outreach.

At LR, Behrend has been a member of the Health & Wellness Advisory Committee, Board of Trustees Committee on Honors and Awards, and Assessment Committee. At the state level, she serves as the president of the North Carolina Library Association, while also serving in numerous volunteer and elected roles nationally with the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), including College Library Section chair, Education and Sehavioral sciences Section member-at-large, and Chapters Council chair.  

With a passion for writing, she has been a regular contributor of database reviews for the peer-reviewed publication, The Charleston Advisor, and has written several internet reviews for Association of College & Research Libraries News. Behrend also possess an interest in providing information about mental health, neurodiversity, and self-care to library professionals from all library types, namely autism spectrum disorder, striving to provide inclusive access to library resources and services for this population. 

Looking toward the future, Behrend is eager to be active within the changing LR libraries landscape as she works towards creating the best possible experience for those who visit.

“In the coming years, I am excited to be part of the libraries’ next phases of transformation and growth to provide an outstanding experience to all who visit.”