UT Libraries Welcomes Two New Associate Deans
The University of Tennessee Libraries has added two new associate deans to its senior leadership team.
On October 1, Jen Bartlett will join UT Libraries as Associate Dean for Engagement, Learning, and Public Services, and Jennie Mezick will become Associate Dean for Research, Collections, and Assessment.
Both associate deans will provide strategic and innovative direction, represent and advocate for the Libraries across campus, advance the careers and skills of the staff and faculty in their areas of responsibility, and collaborate on library-wide planning, budgeting, operations, communications, and policymaking.
“I am thrilled to welcome these two exceptional faculty members to the Libraries’ leadership team,” said Steve Smith, dean of UT Libraries. “Jen Bartlett brings a wealth of experience from a variety of leadership and frontline roles. Over the course of her career, she has helped lead change as libraries have evolved to meet the changing needs of students and researchers. Jennie Mezick has been a leader and collaborator on statewide projects that have raised our library’s stature and advanced our land-grant mission. Her experience in collections, technical services, and in leadership roles makes her the perfect fit for this new position.”
As Associate Dean for Engagement, Learning, and Public Services, Bartlett will oversee the Libraries’ departments of Arts and Humanities; Data and Digital Scholarship; Health, Wellness, and Professional Programs; Immersive Spaces and Technologies; Teaching and Learning Programs; and Public Services at the John C. Hodges Library, the George F. DeVine Music Library, and the Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library.
She holds a Master of Library Science from Indiana University and possesses extensive experience in library leadership and administration. Most recently, she served at the University of Kentucky Libraries. Her expertise includes strategic planning, cultivating partnerships, and leadership at an R-1 land-grant university.
“It's incredibly exciting to join the University of Tennessee Libraries at such an energizing moment for the university,” Barlett said. “I look forward to working with the Libraries' amazing staff to expand the Libraries' innovative teaching and learning support, foster new campus partnerships, and ensure that public services remain responsive, inclusive, and student-centered. I’m inspired by UT Libraries’ commitment to community, collaboration, and sustainability, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside such a talented team. The staff I’ve met so far clearly bring energy, expertise, and creativity to their work and I already feel a sense of belonging.”
As Associate Dean for Research, Collections, and Assessment, Mezick will oversee Acquisitions and Continuing Resources; Assessment Programs and Collection Strategy; Collection Management and Sharing; Cataloging; Special Collections; and Research Impact and Open Access; as well as operations within the Library Storage Annex.
She has a Master of Science in Information Sciences from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Most recently, she served as Head of Assessment Programs and Collections Strategy as well as Interim Assistant Dean at UT Libraries. She comes to her new position with experience in collection management, navigating wide-ranging stakeholder relationships, and putting strategic planning into action.
“I’m honored to step into this role and to help shape the Libraries’ contributions to the university’s mission,” Mezick said. “What I love most about working here is the strong sense of collaboration and shared purpose. Everyone is dedicated to the success of our students, faculty, and staff, and to the residents of Tennessee through our land-grant mission. I look forward to building on that foundation by promoting a transparent and innovative environment, strengthening partnerships across campus, and representing the Libraries in ways that advance both the Libraries and the university.”
UT Libraries engaged the recruiting firm Jack Farrell & Associates to conduct a nationwide search for candidates to fill the associate dean positions. The search committee for both positions included staff and faculty members from across UT Libraries and the UT campus.