Sarah Steele, who has served in numerous roles in her 13 years with the Norman A. Wiggins Memorial Library, has been named Dean of the Library.
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Mark Hammond also announced that Elizabeth Dobbins has been appointed head of research and instruction services and assistant dean of the library.
“Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and significant experience to the position of dean of the library,” Hammond said. “Additionally, she has a passion for Campbell and its mission, and for excellence in student learning. We are delighted that she has agreed to serve as the next dean of the library.”
Steele joined Campbell in 2008 as a curriculum materials/media librarian. In 2011, she became head of Research and Instructional Services, where she continued to serve as an instructional librarian and advocate for student success through library resources. In 2014, she was awarded the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and two years later, she was promoted to associate dean and head of research and instruction services.
She earned a Bachelor of Art from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Master of Library Science (School Library) from East Carolina University and Master of Library Science (Academic Library) at North Carolina Central University. She also earned a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from Campbell University in 2020.
Steele said she is thankful for the trust Campbell University’s administration has placed in her to serve as the library’s new dean.
“I will work to exhibit servant leadership by being user-centered, earning the trust of colleagues across the institution and practicing stewardship,” she said. “Thanks to the gift of a generous donor, we are currently working with vendors to renovate the library’s second-floor study area, and likewise, our virtual space — the library website — is currently being redesigned. These two short-term goals should lead to long-term productivity for our on- and off-campus library users.”
Dobbins, in her previous role as reference and online librarian, has been instrumental in the development of library services for Campbell Adult & Online Education, according to Hammond. She has also served as a library liaison for the School of Engineering and the Study Abroad program.
“Elizabeth will surely excel and continue to have a very positive impact on student achievement in even broader areas across the library and the University,” Hammond said.