LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ -- Dr. Elizabeth S. Smith (left) of Plano, TX, has been appointed to the post of Dean of University Libraries at Rider University.

Before assuming her new position as administrator of both the Moore Library on the Lawrenceville campus and the Talbott Library at the Princeton campus, Dr. Smith was the Dean of Learning Resources at the Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) in Plano, Texas. During her tenure at CCCCD, Dr. Smith supervised the operations of libraries on three campuses since 1994, developed new programs designed to put the libraries on the Internet and World Wide Web, and oversaw a move into a third facility which included a library, media center, and learning center.

Prior to that, Dr. Smith spent three years as Director of Library at Penn State University-Erie, where she upgraded the facilities to include new CD-ROM and on-line systems. Overall, she has been involved as an administrator or librarian for several academic, business, and medical institutions since 1976.

"Dr. Smith has strong communication skills, which is something we wanted," said Dr. Phyllis M. Frakt, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. "She's also very strong in staff development and support."

Dr. Smith holds a Ph.D. from the University of South Florida in curriculum and instruction with emphasis on interdisciplinary education, as well as an M.S.L.S. from Case Western Reserve University. She also holds an M.S. in zoology from Ohio State University and a B.A. in English from Muskingum College.

Chairing the search committee was Mary D. Pinney, Associate Dean of Continuing Studies.