Current Belonging and Engagement Committee Members (2022-2023)

Thura Mack (Chair) – Professor and Coordinator of Community Learning Services, Hodges Library

First gen graduate. Member of the Belonging and Engagement Committee since 2002. Fighting for diversity and inclusion in all realms of our lives creates more accepting and powerful spaces for everyone to thrive. Fun fact: I do yoga in the mornings before work! Macebearer 2021-2022.

Kim Blaylock – Sr. Library Associate III, Hodges Library

Originally from Bristol, VA/TN.  First Gen grad with a BSW (Social Work).  Eventually found my true calling as a Cataloger (in a small public library system for 17.5 years, before becoming a Vol).  Diversity Committee member since 2018.  I believe that all of our differences matter, and are indeed necessary for collective growth.

Alex Boris – I am a Commons Librarian which means I help students with research assistance, work at the public services desk, and create and plan a multitude of outreach events. Some of my favorite events to plan are interactive such as DeStress for Success, Volunteer Escape Room, and Short Story Contest for National Novel Writing Month. A fun fact about myself is I have a degree in Music Education and a minor in Theatre and have performed in many choral concerts and theatre and musical theatre productions.

Michelle Brannen – Assistant Professor and Media Literacy Librarian, Hodges Library

Kris Bronstad

*Ernest Brothers – Associate Dean, Graduate School

Lizzie Cope

Peter Fernandez – Head LRE Liaison Programs, Learning Research & Engagement, Hodges Library

Kelly Gray – Originally from Louisville, TN, she attended Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2001 with a BA in Graphic Design. After a few years working as a graphic designer, she accepted a job with the University of Tennessee Press as a book designer, and fell in love with book design. A family move took her to the University of Illinois Press for 7 years, before “coming home” and back as the main book designer for UT Press in 2015. A member of various American Indian organizations in college, she is a staunch advocate for social justice and equality for all. She currently lives in Nashville with her husband, two sons, two pups, and a one-eyed cat.

Fun fact: she love to renovate old houses and once appeared on DIY to the Rescue for a house renovation in Holston Hills.

Elizabeth Greene – Manager, Administration Office and Human Resources

Elizabeth has been a member since 2016 and participated in the 10^th National Conference of African American Librarians with other committee members.  This took me out of my comfort zone in many areas including making a presentation in front of people I don’t know. Fun Fact: I’ve been to French Polynesia twice.

Trey Hobson – Library Supervisor II, Hodges Library

Nathalie Hristov

Judy Li – Judy has been the Business Librarian at Hodges Library for a decade.  This is the second time for her to serve with the Library Diversity Committee.  She loves to travel to immerse herself in different cultures.  In fact, travel has taught her to appreciate the value of diversity and cultivate her ability to forge relationships in diverse societies.

Joseph McGuire

Lee Ann Ratledge

Tyler Schlandt

• Favorite event: The International Festival and the Libraries’ Diversity Committee display that she helped create with Judy Li showcasing the cookbook collection and recipes from around the world.

Will Thompson

Megan Venable – Manager, Community Learning Services and Diversity Programs

I’ve been part of the Diversity Committee since joining the Libraries in 2012. My favorite activity was helping support a membership drive cookie bakeoff.

Samantha Ward

*This individual serves as an ex-officio member.