W. Mark Colvson
W. Mark Colvson, associate director of the James A. Cannavino Library at Marist College, has been named as the new dean of New Paltz’s Sojourner Truth Library. His appointment will be effective July 9.
“I am humbled to have been given the opportunity to join and serve this vibrant community,” said Colson, commenting on his appointment. He added, “ I look forward with great optimism to addressing the challenges facing Sojourner Truth Library and all academic libraries in the 21st century: the rapidly evolving ecosystem of academic publishing and research and the resulting demands to rethink traditional library space. The library has the strong foundation – excellent collections, visionary senior leadership, the obvious respect and support of students and faculty, and a strong and talented staff – upon which we will continue to build a truly exceptional center for collaborative learning and rigorous scholarship.”
As dean, Colvson will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for the library. He will work with faculty, staff and students to build connections college-wide, integrating library resources and services with academic departments and support services; support students and faculty in personal and collaborative research and scholarship; work closely with staff to improve library services including the continued integration and use of information technology; and will support and initiate regional partnerships. In addition, Colvson will maintain library services during the ongoing $14.3 million library renovation scheduled for completion in winter 2013.
President Christian said Colvson has the knowledge and experience to successfully transition the library through the major renovation and into the future. “Mark brings a wealth of leadership and supervisory experience in academic libraries at three leading liberal arts institutions,” said Christian. “He is well regarded by colleagues as a thoughtful, collaborative leader, and his experience and perspective on the use of information technology in academic libraries will be a real asset as we move into the future.”
Prior to his position at Marist College, Colvson was the associate director for library systems at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point. He spent 12 years at Bryn Mawr College in various library positions including the coordinator for curriculum and research support. Colvson was a senior assistant librarian at Binghamton University and a librarian at the University of Pennsylvania.
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