AUSTIN, Texas—Fred M. Heath, dean of libraries at Texas AandM University at College Station since 1993, has been named the new vice provost and director of general libraries at The University of Texas at Austin.
Heath’s appointment followed a nationwide search to fill a vacancy created by the decision of Director Harold Billings to retire this summer, said Dr. Sheldon Ekland-Olson, executive vice president and provost at The University of Texas at Austin.
“We are delighted that Fred will be joining us,” Ekland-Olson said. “He brings a wealth of experience and commands deep respect from his colleagues on this campus and across the country.”
“Having completed two cycles as dean of libraries at Texas AandM University, I am excited about the opportunity to lead the general libraries at The University of Texas at Austin,” Heath said. “I look forward to being able to build upon existing collaborative efforts among the research libraries of Texas and nationally.”
Heath, who also was appointed professor in the School of Information at The University of Texas at Austin, holds the Sterling C. Evans Endowed Chair at Texas AandM. He was director of libraries at Texas Christian University from 1987 to 1993 and from 1980-87 was dean of library services at the University of North Alabama.
Heath is president of the Association of Research Libraries and is convener of the Texas AandM University Council of Deans. He was president of the Big 12 Plus Library Consortium in 1998-99 and president of the Texas Council of State University Librarians in 1998-2000.
Heath received his doctor’s degree in education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, his master’s degree in library science from Florida State University, his master of arts degree with emphasis in Russian history from University of Virginia and his bachelor of arts degree from Tulane University.
For more information contact: Robert D. Meckel, Office of Public Affairs, 512-475-7847.
