Getting to Know TAMIU’s New Dean of the Sue & Radcliffe Killam Library
This Fall at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) some new leadership faces will also meet new and returning undergraduate and graduate students and faculty.
TAMIU has named three new deans, including the first-ever Dean of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, Dr. Colleen Harris.
TAMIU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Claudia San Miguel said the addition of a Dean for the Killam Library is consistent with the University’s growth and strategic planning.
“TAMIU is growing dynamically and so must the range of expertise, resources, and service we provide for our students, faculty, University community, and Laredo community. The addition of a Dean-level position for our Killam Library is consistent with that growth and strategic planning focused on the continued elevation of research, study, and teaching here. We’re delighted to have Dr. Harris join us and know that the full spectrum of her expertise and experience will be a catalyst to positive change at the Killam Library,” Dr. San Miguel explained
Dr. Harris has lived in multiple states, but said in her brief time here Laredo is taking the prize as “home.”
“I grew up in Brentwood, New York, on Long Island. I’ve also lived in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Southern California. Kentucky probably came closest to being called home because I was there for so many years, but Laredo is well on its way to taking the ‘home’ prize with its friendly people, beautiful scenery, and amazing food!" Harris offered.
At last count, Dr. Harris holds eight degrees and said that for her the pursuit of multiple degrees is rooted in joy and practicality.
“Some people are good at sports or gardening; learning new things brings me joy. I fell in love with college as an undergraduate, and I enjoy learning in a structured way--with a syllabus, with fellow students learning in community, and with the prize of a diploma at the end. Some I’ve done purely for pleasure...my MFA in poetry and the PhD in Mythological Studies... and some I’ve done because they were practical and helped me improve my work: the MLS, MPA, and EdD,” Harris observed.
Similarly, she says the choice of carving out a career in libraries satisfies a childhood fascination.
“Libraries were a calm haven for me as a child. Working in libraries as an adult is my thank-you to the universe, and I hope my work in some small way contributes to students’ success as they pursue their dreams. The moment that affirms my choice of a career in libraries happens every year: Commencement. The first time I saw a student I had helped a few times at the research desk cross that stage, I knew I was in the right place,” she explained.
Harris said she’s excited about the Fall semester start at TAMIU and the changes ahead.
“I think we’re most excited about getting folks back on campus for Fall semester after doing a lot of work this summer in preparation for folks’ return! With the Academic Center for Excellence and mentors now on the first floor of the Library, we’re excited to move our research help desk to the second floor so it can be more helpful to students working on their assignments, and shifting our children’s book collection to a spot slightly better suited for folks to sit down with their little ones as they choose books. For myself, I am most excited about starting my first semester here at TAMIU, getting our library vacancies fully staffed so we can expand how we support our faculty and students, and meeting as many people as I can,” she said.
Harris said she wants to work to engage the Killam Library in the life of the University community and Laredo. After all, she says libraries should be fun.
“A Library can and should be fun—some information is useful for your microeconomics course, but sometimes you just need a moment of community or a chance to read for pure enjoyment. Killam Library’s Marketing & Outreach team is working on a plan to increase these kinds of activities, so stay tuned for some workshops, some social events like Silent Book Club...and we’ll be displaying some more ‘fun’ reading options for when TAMIU folks are weary of their textbooks. In addition, if you find a cozy spot for a film screening for your TAMIU group, club, or team, we have lots of fantastic titles we could use to help you in your events! There are lots of ways to engage with us, let us know what you’re up to and what you want to accomplish, and we can let you know what Killam Library has available,” she said.
In closing, Dr. Harris said the Killam Library has long distinguished itself in learning and research, and she also plans to expand on that.
“I think Killam Library is distinguished today by its employees who are completely dedicated to the students, faculty, and staff of this campus—the employees are a huge reason why I was excited to accept his position. For tomorrow, I think the Library will further distinguish itself not just as learning and research support, but as a true partner taking a leadership role in shaping how research happens on campus at all levels. Stay tuned!” she concluded.
To learn more about the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/library, email researchhelp@tamiu.edu, call 956.3216.2112, or connect on social channels X/Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
Find out more about Dr. Colleen Harris including her hobbies, research, and the transformation libraries are anticipating by visiting an expanded interview here.
