Message about Gary Marchionini, dean of School of Information and Library Science
Gary Marchionini, dean and Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor at the School of Information and Library Science, will return to the faculty at the end of the calendar year.
Dear Carolina Community,
We are writing to share that Gary Marchionini, dean and Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor at the School of Information and Library Science, will return to the faculty at the end of the calendar year. Gary recently let us know that he was ready to get back to his love of writing and teaching, and we are grateful for all he has accomplished during his deanship.
During the past 13 years, Marchionini helped build SILS into the thriving school it is today. Recognized as one of the top information and library science programs in the world, SILS has experienced record enrollments under Gary’s leadership. Specifically, he helped grow the Bachelor of Science in information science degree program from a handful of students to more than 250 majors and minors and has developed new degree programs with hybrid and remote components.
SILS has also expanded its faculty in both numbers and areas of expertise, as Gary has welcomed 16 new tenure-track and teaching assistant professors over the years, plus six new faculty this fall. In addition, SILS has negotiated joint faculty appointments with the School of Medicine, Health Sciences Library, Hussman School of Journalism and Media and Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
Under Marchionini’s leadership, the school has received several substantial grants to support campus collaboration and open new doors for research. SILS has created significant new programs such as the Carolina Health Informatics Program and the Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life. The school has seen record growth in grants submitted and received, with faculty winning significant research support from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, The Knight Foundation and Institute of Museum of Library Services, among others. Additionally, Gary led the school’s fundraising efforts for the Campaign for Carolina, finishing well beyond its goal at $29 million.
Today, SILS stands on solid financial footing and is a key collaborator with numerous educational and research partnerships across campus. Thanks to Marchionini’s exceptional work and care, the school is in a great place to welcome a new leader who can lead SILS into an exciting new era.
We will conduct a national search for a new dean and work closely with Gary to execute a smooth transition of leadership. We appreciate Fouad Abd-El-Khalick, dean and Distinguished Alumni Professor at the School of Education, who has agreed to chair the search committee.
Please join us in thanking Gary for his dedicated service as dean and wishing him the best in his return to the faculty following the fall semester.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Guskiewicz
Chancellor
J. Christopher Clemens
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
