Dean Hendrix, formerly associate university librarian for research, education and outreach for the University at Buffalo Libraries, has been named dean of the UTSA Libraries. He assumes his new position on May 1, 2016.
“Dean has an impressive vision for UTSA Libraries, as well as the energy and experience to build upon the Libraries’ considerable accomplishments of the past few years and continue moving us toward the next level,” said John H. Frederick, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “He already has a strong sense of our university culture, and I believe he will be a dynamic leader on campus and terrific ambassador for UTSA in the community.”
At the University at Buffalo, Hendrix oversaw all reference and education services in six library locations. Over the course of his 12-year career at UB, he led various areas including communications, assessment and library systems.
Identified as one of the top 20 librarian contributors to library and information science literature worldwide, Hendrix’s research focuses on bibliometrics, research impact, data management, strategic planning, social networks, and e-textbooks. His work in librarianship earned him the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Librarianship in 2012.
“I’m looking forward to continuing the important work of building a library system worthy of a Tier One university,” said Hendrix. “I am particularly excited to work with my new colleagues to align the Libraries closely with UTSA’s research enterprise and find new ways to support faculty workflows, in addition to continuing the terrific student engagement efforts.”
Hendrix earned his master’s in library and information science from the University of Texas at Austin. He also earned his bachelor’s degree from UT Austin in the Plan II Honors Program, where he concentrated in Mexican-American studies and molecular biology.
Hendrix’s appointment follows a national search led by Dan Gelo, dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. Former dean Krisellen Maloney left UTSA in July 2015 to become vice president for information services and university librarian at Rutgers University. Mary Dixson served as interim dean, and will return to her role as assistant dean of faculty services.
“Dean Maloney and Interim Dean Dixson did an incredible job putting a foundation in place,” said Hendrix. “I have been so impressed by the innovation and hard work that went into the John Peace Library renovations, launching the Faculty Center, and the many other initiatives that have made the UTSA Libraries a national model. Now it’s time to build on that foundation.”
Hendrix, a San Antonio native, is delighted to be coming back to his hometown. In his new role, he aims to connect with the local community to emphasize UTSA’s role as a steward of South Texas history.
“San Antonio has grown so much since I left as a teenager,” he says. “It’s a future-oriented city that’s poised for great things. The UTSA Libraries can play an integral role in documenting that growth and the diverse histories of our region through our special collections.”
With four locations across three campuses, the UTSA Libraries are fueling the university’s ascent to Tier One status by providing students and faculty with seamless, comprehensive access to information and learning resources, as well as innovative spaces for active learning and interdisciplinary scholarship. The UTSA Libraries Special Collections brings national recognition to the university for distinctive research materials, with signature collections including the African-American and LGBTQ communities in San Antonio, the history of women and gender in Texas, Mexican-American activism and advertising, the Tex-Mex food industry, and urban planning. Notably, UTSA Libraries last year was selected to house the papers of the Southwest Voter Registration Project, the William C. Velásquez Institute and its founder, voting rights activist William C. Velásquez.