New dean of University Libraries brings leadership experience to CMU
Jeff Luzius spent 17 years as a librarian in higher education, and he is bringing that experience to Central Michigan University.
Luzius began his role as dean of University Libraries at CMU on March 1. He takes over the full-time position from Tom Moore, who retired in June after serving 28 years in the position.
The new dean comes to CMU after most recently serving as the library director at the Fairchild Research Information Center at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.
Luzius will be formally welcomed at the “Meet the new CMU Libraries Dean” event at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 21 in the Park Library Baber Room. The event will let students, faculty and the community greet Luzius in a reception format.
Those interested in attending should RSVP by April 14 to Kristi Wood at 989-774-3500 or Kristi.Wood@cmich.edu.
Luzius was also an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama and has served in a variety of library positions at Gadsden State Community College, Auburn University and Troy University.
Central Michigan Life spoke with Luzius to reflect on his career thus far and discuss his future goals as the leader of University Libraries.
How do you like CMU so far?
It’s great. I’ve met a lot of friendly people, everyone seems to have the students’ best interest in mind, that’s something that really attracted me to the position, to the university. The library has a lot of great things going on, a lot of programs, a lot of initiatives. Everyone has just been real friendly, the students to the faculty, to the administrators. I’ve been to a handful of meetings and met some of the other deans and administrators. So far so good.
What is your past experience before coming to CMU?
I was a library director for 11 years at two different positions. I’ve been a librarian for 17 years, all in the state of Alabama. So I grew up in Michigan, over in Battle Creek, but then I spent a little time in the military, then went to college in the south.
I finally made it back to my home state. But I was a library director at a community college in Alabama and then later at a military university, which was Air Force. Then I also worked at Auburn University, where I got a lot of my library experience.
What are you goals for CMU?
I see my role as the dean, sort of doing some long-range planning, assessments and evaluations. Are we doing everything we should be doing? Are the students happy with the services? The building? Are the faculty happy?
The bottom line is, we are here for the students. That’s why the university exists. We want to make sure all students are getting the resources and services we have. I also think an important part of my job is being an advocate for the library.
Are there any changes you want to make? Anything you would want to improve?
Definitely promote the library to people on campus and in the community. I’m still sort of in that evaluation mode, so I don’t want to come in and tell people they’re doing this wrong or do more of this. I am still learning, coming from the outside. But anything we can do to promote the library, to better service students.
