Executive Searches

About the Opportunity

The Dean of University Libraries serves as the chief academic and administrative officer for the George A. Smathers Libraries and reports directly to the Provost. The Dean will lead the university’s library system in advancing research, teaching, and learning while ensuring the highest level of service to faculty, students, and the broader academic community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing a strategic vision for the future of UF’s libraries to anticipate and meet the changing needs of our faculty, students, staff, and greater community.
• Managing a $47 million budget and staff of over 250 library professionals, faculty, and support personnel.
• Expanding digital and print collections to support interdisciplinary research and scholarship.
• Strengthening partnerships with campus stakeholders and external organizations to enhance UF’s research enterprise.
• Advocating for library resources and services at the UF and state level and serving as a national and international leader and champion of academic libraries and their constituents.
• Leading fundraising efforts, securing grants, and cultivating donor relationships to enhance library programs and initiatives.
• Dedication to fostering practices that advance the University Libraries Mission.

The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking leader with a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of academic libraries.

About the University of Florida

UF, the state’s flagship institution, is a top-ranked public research university located in Gainesville. With 16 colleges, a major academic health center, and championship-winning athletics, UF is a leader in education, research, and innovation. Its 2,000-acre campus integrates historic charm with state-of-the-art facilities and preserved natural spaces, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Ranked 7th among U.S. public universities in the 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, UF continues to drive advancements across multiple fields.

With over 62,000 students, 32,000 employees, and a $10 billion annual budget, UF is among the largest and most well-funded universities in the nation. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), UF boasts 6,600+ faculty, including National Academy members and award-winning scholars. In 2025, UF research expenditure surpassed $1.3 billion, demonstrating a strong commitment to discovery and technological advancement. The university leads in artificial intelligence education, incorporating AI into 230+ courses taught by 350 faculty, supported by HiPerGator, the most powerful university-owned supercomputer in the U.S.

UF’s strength lies in its comprehensive academic offerings, robust state support, and forward-thinking vision. With continuous growth and transformation, UF is dedicated to its mission “to be a premier university that the state, nation, and world look to for leadership.” For more information, visit www.ufl.edu.

About the George A. Smathers Libraries

The George A. Smathers Libraries system is a leading academic resource, serving as members of prominent library organizations such as Association of Research Libraries (ARL), Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), Center for Research Libraries (CRL), and Coalition for Networked Information (CNI). Within Florida, they are part of Council of State University Libraries (CSUL) and Members Council on Library Services (MCLS), representing all 40 public state universities and colleges. The library system includes seven campus libraries and multiple off-campus facilities, making it the largest academic information resource in Florida. These libraries, including the Architecture and Fine Arts Library, Education Library, Health Science Center Libraries, Library West, Marston Science Library, and Smathers Library, report to the Dean of University Libraries, while the Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center is overseen by the Dean of the Levin College of Law. The system is supported by a staff of over 70 tenured and tenure-track faculty, more than 180 professional and technical staff, and approximately 150 student employees. For more information, visit UF Libraries.

To learn more about this opportunity visit: Careers at UF – Dean, University Libraries

Advisory Committee Chair:

• Glenn Good, Dean and Professor, College of Education

Other members include:

• Aaron Hoover, Chief of Staff, Office of the Provost
• Patrick Reakes, Interim Dean for Smathers Libraries
• Valrie Minson, Associate Dean
• Elizabeth (Libby) Evans, Director, Administrative Services
• Donovan Welch, Chair, Library Leadership Board
• Jason von Meding, Professor & Director, Shimberg Center for Housing Studies and and Chair, Faculty Senate Infrastructure Council

Advisory Committee Meeting:

• Monday, August 31, 2026
• 1:00 p.m.
• Zoom
• For additional information contact stg@hr.ufl.edu

About the Opportunity

The Dean reports directly to the Provost and serves as a member of the University’s senior administrative team providing strategic, operational, and intellectual leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

• Fundraising and alumni engagement to assure continued financial strength and stability of the institution, and the school’s connection to the profession
• Representing UF Law within the University community and to external constituencies, including alumni, bench, bar, and state government
• Managing operations, staff, budgeting, planning, and law school resources
• Promoting and fostering continued excellence in research, teaching, service, and intellectual engagement of a committed faculty and student body
• Overseeing faculty hiring, promotion, tenure, and professional development
• Assessing new or entrepreneurial or interdisciplinary initiatives in the changing landscape of legal education, the legal profession, and UF Law’s impact on education and training in the legal profession and broader economy
• The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking leader with a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of legal education.

About the Levin College of Law

The University of Florida Levin College of Law is a nationally recognized leader in legal education, scholarship, and public service. As part of the University of Florida, ranked #5 among public universities by Forbes’ 2026 Best Public Universities rankings, UF Law offers the resources, interdisciplinary collaboration, and momentum of a premier public research institution. The college provides an environment where faculty and staff can advance their careers, contribute to innovative scholarship and education, and make a lasting impact on the legal profession and society.

The search committee is chaired by Rahul Patel, Vice Chair for the University of Florida Board of Trustees and Levin College of Law alumnus.

Other members include:

Patricia Barksdale, Magistrate Judge, United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and Levin College of Law alumna

Gary Lawson, Levin, Mabie & Levin Professor of Law, Levin College of Law

Lyrissa Lidsky, Raymond & Miriam Ehrlich Eminent Scholar Chair in U.S. Constitutional Law, Levin College of Law

Chad Tindol, Senior Vice President for Administration, University of Florida

The search committee will be supported by the University of Florida’s Executive Search Consulting Partners, led by Melissa Curry, Vice President for Human Resources.

Advisory Committee Meeting:

• Friday, September 4, 2026
• 4:00 p.m.
• Zoom
• For additional information contact stg@hr.ufl.edu