Current Belonging and Engagement Committee Members (2024-2025)

Thura Mack (Chair) – Assistant Dean and Coordinator of Community Learning and Engagement, Hodges Library

First gen graduate. Member of the Belonging and Engagement Committee since 2002. Fighting for diversity and inclusion in all realms of our lives creates more accepting and powerful spaces for everyone to thrive. Fun fact: I do yoga in the mornings before work! Macebearer 2021-2022.

Michelle Brannen – Assistant Professor and Media Literacy Librarian, Hodges Library

As Media Literacy Librarian, Michelle Brannen manages our media production lab (the Studio) and helps faculty integrate media into university coursework.

Kris Bronstad, Modern Political Archivist & Assistant Professor

Kris Bronstad is the Modern Political Archivist at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where, in addition to managing the collections of 20th century Tennessee politicians such as Howard Baker, Estes Kefauver and Bill Brock, she works with the library to find ways to best provide lasting access to digital material. Kris has a Masters in Information Science with a Specialization in Archives and Records Management from University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a BA and MFA from University of Texas, Austin.

*Ernest Brothers – Associate Dean, Graduate School

Ernest L. Brothers is a native of Greenville, MS. He has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry at Delta State University and a Master of Science in Natural Sciences from Delta State University. In addition to those degrees, Brothers has also earned a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from Mississippi State University and a PhD from Jackson State University in urban higher education.

Peter Fernandez – Head LRE Liaison Programs, Learning Research & Engagement, Hodges Library

As Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Librarian, Peter Fernandez provides instruction and research assistance to undergraduate and graduate students, and serves the research needs of faculty in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). He and other staff at the Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library are available to help at any step in the research process.

Kelly Gray – Originally from Louisville, TN, she attended Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2001 with a BA in Graphic Design. After a few years working as a graphic designer, she accepted a job with the University of Tennessee Press as a book designer, and fell in love with book design. A family move took her to the University of Illinois Press for 7 years, before “coming home” and back as the main book designer for UT Press in 2015. A member of various American Indian organizations in college, she is a staunch advocate for social justice and equality for all. She currently lives in Nashville with her husband, two sons, two pups, and a one-eyed cat.

Fun fact: she love to renovate old houses and once appeared on DIY to the Rescue for a house renovation in Holston Hills.

Elizabeth Greene – Manager, Administration Office and Human Resources

Elizabeth has been a member since 2016 and participated in the 10^th National Conference of African American Librarians with other committee members.  This took me out of my comfort zone in many areas including making a presentation in front of people I don’t know. Fun Fact: I’ve been to French Polynesia twice.

Nathalie Hristov, Associate Professor, Music Librarian for Tech Services

Nathalie Hristov works as the professional cataloger for music. She is responsible for overseeing all activities related to the cataloging and processing of music materials. She also provides collection development, reference, and bibliographic instructional services for the School of Music faculty and students. Nathalie also teaches the graduate course in Music Bibliography for the College of Music. Among her favorite activities are playing chamber music with friends, reading, swimming, and hiking.

Joseph McGuire, Public Services Library Supervisor

Joseph McGuire is the Public Services Library Supervisor for the George F. Devine Music Library. They have loved how much the job allows them to support the great students of the College of Music to grow as both students and artists. They are also interested in disability justice and hopes to pursue a PhD studying disability informatics eventually. In their free time, Joseph loves cooking and setting up virtual board game nights with their friends.

Angelica Rose A. Nepomuceno, Graduate Student Library Assistant, Community Learning & Engagement

At our library, I work in the Department of Community Learning & Engagement where much of my work consists of creating and facilitating instruction materials for K-12 populations. Additionally, I help to develop outreach collaborations and positive relationships with campus-wide and community partners. My background includes a Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences with a minor in Advertising and Public Relations. Presently, I am a graduate student majoring in Business Cybersecurity. Outside of my educational pursuits, I have strong interests in artificial intelligence (machine learning and computer vision), healthcare, international security, industrial design, concept art, and video game development.

Lee Ann Ratledge, Acquisitions & Continuing Resources

Tyler Schlandt, Libraries Facilities Project Manager

Favorite event: The International Festival and the Libraries’ BE display that he helped create with Judy Li showcasing the cookbook collection and recipes from around the world.

Will Thompson, Collection Logistics

Megan Venable – Manager, Community Learning Services and Diversity Programs

I’ve been part of this committee since joining the Libraries in 2012. My favorite activity was helping support a membership drive cookie bakeoff. I am a past president of the Knoxville Nativity Pageant and former volunteer at the Humane Society of Sarasota County, Fla. In my spare time, I enjoy writing the social columns for VIP Knoxville Magazine.

Samantha Ward, Director of Pendergrass Library

I joined the Belonging and Engagement Committee in 2023.  My passion in library work is helping all of our patrons thrive on campus and beyond.  I have a particular interest in issues related to student basic needs, as they are foundational to student success.  In my free time, I like to read, garden, and play with my dog.

*This individual serves as an ex-officio member.