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Dear Colleagues,
I send this message to inform our campus community that Paul Sharpe, Dean of University Libraries, has informed me of his intention to step down from his position effective January 3, 2025. He will be leaving UTRGV to accept a position with Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), returning to his roots in Missouri and moving closer to his family. I have a great deal of admiration for Paul and respect the decision that brought about his departure. As you know, Dean Sharpe joined UTRGV in November of 2015 as the Dean of University Libraries, soon after the institution formally came to fruition.
Dean Sharpe has left an indelible mark upon our institution's libraries and on the countless student and faculty users. Under his careful oversight, UTRGV staff undertook the formidable task of combining the physical resources of two legacy libraries, expanded access for faculty and staff to digital resources, and created an expansive institutional repository.
Dean Sharpe was also instrumental in the creation and formulation of additional staff positions within the University Library to better align with advancing research methodologies and the innovative mission and vision of UTRGV.
I wish Dean Sharpe continued success in his transition to Southeast Missouri State and congratulate the Redhawks on their selection of such an innovative library administrator.
As Dean Sharpe completes his time at UTRV, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Cortez, currently the Associate Dean of Libraries for Resource Management, as the interim dean effective January 4, 2025. Mr. Cortez has 30 years’ experience in public and academic libraries, and has overseen departments in public, technical and administrative units. He has presented on serving the information needs of unique communities including distance learners and first-generation students. Mr. Cortez's experience and passion for positive library user experiences, while exploring innovative resources that support student, faculty and research needs, makes him an ideal candidate to take on this interim role.
We will soon begin a search to identify the next dean, and we will seek assistance from many of you during this process.
Again, my thanks to Dean Sharpe for his leadership as Dean of University Libraries and a special thanks to each of you for all you do in support of UTRGV.
Luis H. Zayas, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
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