University Libraries

Waltz named University Libraries associate dean for Learning and Engagement

Rebecca Miller Waltz has been named associate dean for Learning and Engagement at Penn State University Libraries, effective Dec. 1. Credit: Megan Brenneman. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Rebecca Miller Waltz has been named associate dean for Learning and Engagement with responsibility for a newly aligned portfolio focused on the Libraries’ role in providing a transformative learning experience for Penn State students. Her appointment begins on Dec. 1. Waltz has been serving as the interim associate dean for Learning and Undergraduate Services since August 2021.

“Rebecca Waltz understands and values the instructional and outreach roles that the University Libraries plays for all Penn State students. Her expertise and experience in the fields of both library science and education are an ideal combination for leadership of the Libraries’ teaching, learning and student engagement responsibilities,” said Faye A. Chadwell, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications. “Rebecca has done an outstanding job as head of Library Learning Services and as interim associate dean. I look forward to working with her to implement the Libraries’ vision for implementing and enhancing student-centered academic library services, spaces and events in support of students’ success and sense of belonging across Penn State’s libraries.”

As an associate dean, Waltz will formally join the University Libraries administrative leadership team and will directly oversee the departments of Access Services, Global Engagement Initiatives, Library Learning Services and Media and Technology Support Services. The position will lead the assessment of evolving user needs and collaborative development of plans to enhance, adapt and/or expand the impact of the Libraries’ curriculum and pedagogy, and also will aim to provide a transformative learning experience for Penn State undergraduates; to collaborate across the Libraries to develop and implement a shared vision of student-focused services, instruction and engagement; and to advance the development of the Libraries’ global engagement initiatives.

Waltz came to Penn State in October 2015 with tenure as associate librarian and head of the University Libraries’ Library Learning Services unit. This department prioritizes foundational-level information literacy instruction, programming for outreach and student engagement, open and affordable educational resources, and teaching and learning expertise and learning spaces. Waltz earned an academic promotion to full librarian in 2020 and was named interim associate dean in August 2021.

Prior to arriving at Penn State, Waltz served as associate director of Library Learning Services at Virginia Tech, where she also served as college librarian for science, life sciences and engineering. Waltz received a presidential citation from the Virginia Library Association in 2012. From 2008 to 2010, she served as digital technologies and information literacy librarian at Louisiana State University.

In July, Waltz joined the Association of College and Research Libraries Board of Directors, elected as a director-at-large for a four-year term. Waltz served the American Library Association Council as an elected councilor-at-large from 2016-19. She has served as an ACRL Information Literacy Immersion Program instructor since 2017. Since 2018, Waltz has served as a part-time instructor with Syracuse University’s School of Information Sciences, an institution that grants degrees supporting the field of librarianship.

Waltz received a master’s degree in education focusing on instructional design and technology from Virginia Tech, a master’s degree in library sciences from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an undergraduate degrees in English and religion from the College of William and Mary. Currently, she is updating her 2016 book co-authored with Candice Benjes-Small, “The New Instruction Librarian: A Workbook for Trainers and Learners,” with the second edition expected to be published in 2023 by ALA Editions.

“I joined Penn State University Libraries in 2015 because of the Libraries’ strong reputation for student-centered services and transformative approaches to teaching and learning. During my time at Penn State, I have been amazed by the incredible potential to impact communities within and beyond the commonwealth and to advance affordability and accessibility of higher education through strategic and collaborative efforts,” Waltz said. “I am thrilled to be stepping into the associate dean for Learning and Engagement role and I look forward to working with colleagues to support equitable student success through new and existing partnerships, innovative services and spaces, and a commitment to wellness and inclusion.”

Last Updated November 14, 2022