Past Diversity Committee Members
2021-2022
Thura Mack (Chair) – Professor and Coordinator of Community Learning Services, Hodges Library
First gen graduate. Member of the Diversity 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
First Gen grad. Cataloger. Diversity Committee member since 2018 because I believe that all of our differences matter, and are indeed necessary for collective growth.
Michelle Brannen – Assistant Professor and Media Literacy Librarian, Hodges Library
*Ernest Brothers – Associate Dean, Graduate School
Shaina Destine – Humanities Librarian, Learning Research & Engagement, Hodges Library
Melanie Dixson
Peter Fernandez – Head LRE Liaison Programs, Learning Research & Engagement, Hodges Library
Sarah Funk – Front End Developer, Digital Initiatives, 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 10th 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.
Sara Green – Senior Library Associate II, Acquisitions and Continuing Resources, Hodges Library
I was born in SW Virginia and moved to Tennessee when I married my first husband who was from here. I have 2 adult children, 4 adult grandchildren and 5 preschool great grandchildren. I come from a diverse family where I have blood relatives who are part Apache, Vietnamese, Black and Hispanic as well as white, so have always felt the need to stand up for issues of fairness for all of them.
Trey Hobson – Library Supervisor II, Hodges Library
*Lorna Hollowell
Anne Hulse – Coordinator II, Programs Abroad Office, Center for International Education
Anne is Interim Director of the Programs Abroad Office in the Center for Global Engagement. Committed to fostering global awareness and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion across campus and in our communities, she has been a member of the committee since 2011. Anne holds a Master of Arts in International Service from Roehampton University in London, England.
Cathy Jenkins – Communication Coordinator II, Marketing & Communication, Hodges Library
Charissa Powell – Student Success Librarian, Hodges Library
Charissa Powell (she/her) is an Assistant Professor and Student Success Librarian at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she works with undergraduate students to support their acclimation and success in college. Some of her research interests include information privilege, perceptions of undergraduate students, and inclusive teaching practices. Charissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies and a Master of Library Science, both from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Ethan Graham Roeder – George F. DeVine Music Library Evening Supervisor
Ethan Graham works to bridge the gap between the arts and academia. He has performed across the country as an actor and is interested in how the library can function as a leader for diversity initiatives across departments. MSIS ’19.
Megan Venable – Manager of Events and Donor Stewardship Assistant, UT Libraries
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.
*This individual serves as an ex-officio member.
2020-2021
Thura Mack – (Chair) Professor and Coordinator of Community Learning Services, Hodges Library
Melanie Allen – Assistant Professor and Health Sciences Librarian, Hodges Library
Kim Blaylock – Sr. Library Associate III, Hodges Library
Michelle Brannen – Assistant Professor and Media Literacy Librarian, Hodges Library
*Ernest Brothers – Associate Dean, Graduate School
Shaina Destine – Humanities Librarian, Learning Research & Engagement, Hodges Library
Peter Fernandez – Head LRE Liaison Programs, Learning Research & Engagement, Hodges Library
Sarah Funk – Front End Developer, Digital Initiatives, Hodges Library
Sarah Gonzalez – Graduate Student, UT School of Information Sciences
Sara Green – Senior Library Associate II, Acquisitions and Continuing Resources, Hodges Library
Elizabeth Greene – Manager, Administration Office and Human Resources
Trey Hobson – Library Supervisor II, Hodges Library
Anne Hulse – Coordinator II, Programs Abroad Office, Center for International Education
Cathy Jenkins – Communication Coordinator II, Marketing & Communication, Hodges Library
Charissa Powell – Student Success Librarian, Hodges Library
Megan Venable – Manager of Events and Donor Stewardship Assistant, UT Libraries
Lizeth Zepeda– Diversity Resident Librarian, UT Libraries
*These individuals serve as ex-officio members.
2017-2018
Thura Mack – (Chair) Professor and Coordinator of Community Learning Services, Hodges Library
Melanie Allen – Assistant Professor and Health Sciences Librarian, Hodges Library
Michelle Brannen – Assistant Professor and Media Literacy Librarian, Hodges Library
*Ernest Brothers – Associate Dean, Graduate School
Peter Fernandez – Head LRE Liaison Programs, Learning Research & Engagement, Hodges Library
Sarah Gonzalez – Graduate Student, UT School of Information Sciences
Sara Green – Senior Library Associate II, Acquisitions and Continuing Resources, Hodges Library
Elizabeth Greene – Manager, Administration Office and Human Resources
Trey Hobson – Library Supervisor II, Hodges Library
Sarah Holt – Library Supervisor I, Hodges Library
*Annazette Houston – Director, Disability Services
Anne Hulse – Coordinator II, Programs Abroad Office, Center for International Education
Cathy Jenkins – Communication Coordinator II, Marketing & Communication, Hodges Library
Sarah Mallory – Daytime Supervisor, George F. DeVine Music Library
Megan Venable – Manager of Events and Donor Stewardship Assistant, UT Libraries
Lizeth Zepeda– Diversity Resident Librarian, UT Libraries
*These individuals serve as ex-officio members.
2016-2017
Thura Mack – (Chair) Professor and Coordinator of Community Learning Services, Hodges Library
Melanie Allen – Assistant Professor and Health Sciences Librarian, Hodges Library
Michelle Brannen – Assistant Professor and Media Literacy Librarian, Hodges Library
Ernest Brothers – Associate Dean, Graduate School
Kenya Flash – Research Assistant Professor and Diversity Resident Librarian, Hodges Library
Trey Hobson – IT Technologist III, Hodges Library
Sarah Holt – Library Supervisor I, Hodges Library
Annazette Houston – Director, Disability Services
Anne Hulse – Coordinator II, Programs Abroad Office, Center for International Education
Cathy Jenkins – Communication Coordinator II, Marketing & Communication, Hodges Library
Regina Mays – Assistant Professor and Assessment Librarian, Hodges Library
Megan Venable – Manager of Events and Donor Stewardship Assistant, UT Libraries
Keila Zayas-Ruiz – Research Assistant Professor and Diversity Resident Librarian, Hodges Library
2015-2016
Thura Mack – (Chair) Professor and Coordinator of Community Learning Services, Hodges Library
Jessica Abernathy – Assistant Director, First Year Programs
Melanie Allen – Assistant Professor and Health Sciences Librarian, Hodges Library
Michelle Brannen – Assistant Professor and Media Literacy Librarian, Hodges Library
Ernest Brothers – Associate Dean, Graduate School
Kenya Flash – Research Assistant Professor and Diversity Resident Librarian, Hodges Library
Trey Hobson – IT Technologist III, Hodges Library
Sarah Holt – Library Supervisor I, Hodges Library
Annazette Houston – Director, Disability Services
Anne Hulse – Coordinator II, Programs Abroad Office, Center for International Education
Cathy Jenkins – Communication Coordinator II, Marketing & Communication, Hodges Library
Seth Jordan – Manager, Digital Production, and Trace Repository Administrator, Hodges Library
Regina Mays – Assistant Professor and Assessment Librarian, Hodges Library
Lili’a Neville – Communications Director for the Office for Diversity and Inclusion
Megan Venable – Manager of Events and Donor Stewardship Assistant, UT Libraries
Elizabeth Campbell Young – Conservation Technician, Special Collections, Hodges Library
Keila Zayas-Ruiz – Research Assistant Professor and Diversity Resident Librarian, Hodges Library
2014-2015
Thura Mack – (Chair) Professor and Coordinator of Community Learning Services, Hodges Library
Jessica Abernathy – Assistant Director, First Year Programs
Michelle Brannen – Assistant Professor and Media Literacy Librarian, Hodges Library
Ernest Brothers – Associate Dean, Graduate School
Sarah Holt – Library Supervisor I, Hodges Library
Annazette Houston – Director, Disability Services
Anne Hulse – Coordinator II, Programs Abroad Office, Center for International Education
Cathy Jenkins – Communication Coordinator II, Marketing & Communication, Hodges Library
Seth Jordan – Manager, Digital Production and Publishing, and Trace Repository Administrator, Hodges Library
Regina Mays – Assistant Professor and Assessment Librarian, Hodges Library
Ingrid Ruffin – Assistant Professor and Student Success Librarian, Hodges Library
Megan Venable – Manager of Events and Donor Stewardship Assistant, UT Libraries
Steve Thomas – Associate Professor, Research Collections, Hodges Library
Elizabeth Campbell Young – Conservation Technician, Special Collections, Hodges Library
2013-2014
Thura Mack – (Chair) Professor and Coordinator of Community Learning Services, Community Learning Services & Diversity, Hodges Library
Michelle Brannen – Assistant Professor and Media Literacy Librarian, Learning, Research, & Engagement, Hodges Library
Ernest L. Brothers – Assistant Dean, Graduate School
Sojourna Cunningham – Research Assistant Professor and Diversity Resident, Hodges Library
Rabia Gibbs – Digital Services and Access Librarian, Special Collections, Hodges Library
Annazette Houston – Director, Disability Services
Anne Hulse – Coordinator II, Programs Abroad Office, Center for International Education
Cathy Jenkins – Communication Coordinator II, Marketing & Communication, Hodges Library
Seth Jordan – Manager, Digital Production and Publishing, and Trace Repository Administrator, Hodges Library
Judy Li – Assistant Professor/Business Reference Librarian, Learning, Research, & Engagement, Hodges Library
Regina Mays – Assistant Professor and Assessment Librarian, Hodges Library
Vicki Palmer – Acquisitions Assistant, Special Collections, Hodges Library
Ingrid Ruffin – Research Assistant Professor and Diversity Resident, Hodges Library
Allison Sharp – Instructional Services Librarian for User Education Technologies, Learning, Research, & Engagement, Hodges Library
Megan Venable – Manager of Events and Donor Stewardship Assistant, UT Libraries
Steve Thomas – Associate Professor, Research Collections, Hodges Library
Elizabeth Campbell Young – Conservation Technician, Special Collections, Hodges Library
2012-2013
Thura Mack (Chair) – Professor and Coordinator of Community Learning Services, Integrated User Services, Hodges Library
Michelle Brannen – Studio Manager, Integrated User Services, Hodges Library
Ernest L. Brothers – Assistant Dean, Graduate School
Sojourna Cunningham – Research Assistant Professor, Diversity Resident, Hodges Library
Rabia Gibbs – Digital Services and Access Librarian, Special Collections, Hodges Library
Annazette Houston – Director, Disability Services
Anne Hulse – Coordinator II, Programs Abroad Office, Center for International Education
Cathy Jenkins – IT Technologist III, Integrated User Services, Hodges Library
Judy Li – Assistant Professor/Business Reference Librarian, Research Services, Hodges Library
Vicki Palmer – Acquisitions Assistant, Special Collections, Hodges Library
Marva Rudolph – Director, Office of Equity and Diversity
Ingrid Ruffin – Research Assistant Professor, Diversity Resident, Hodges Library
Allison Sharp – Instructional Services Librarian for User Education Technologies, Integrated User Services, Hodges Library
Megan Venable-Smith – Manager, Administrative Office, Libraries
Elizabeth Young – Conservation Technician, Conservation, Hodges Library
2011-2012
Thura Mack – Diversity Co-chair and Coordinator, Community Learning Services
Marva Rudolph – Director, Office of Equity & Diversity
Anne Hulse – Coordinator, Center for International Education
Mat Jordan – Library Supervisor, Music Library
Elizabeth Campbell Young – Library Associate, Preservationist
Michelle Brannen – Manager, Studio Hodges Library
Allison Bolorizadeh – Assistant Professor in Integrated User Services
Annazette Houston – Diversity ex-officio, Director, UT Disability Services
Laurie Roberson –Diversity ex-officio, Director of Student Services in the school of architecture and design.
Jerry Roberson – Diversity ex-officio, Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and adviser to the Native American Student Organization.
2010-2011
Thura Mack – Diversity Co-chair and Coordinator, Community Learning Services
Allison Roberts– Diversity Co-chair and Library Supervisor at Pendergrass Library, Diversity Committee web mistress
Trisha Brady – Supervisor for Media Center/Studio, at Hodges
Annazette Houston – Director, UT Disability Services
Laurie Roberson – Director of Student Services in the school of architecture and design.
Jerry Roberson – Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and adviser to the Native American Student Organization.
Allison Bolorizadeh – Assistant Professor in Integrated User Services
Dan Greene – Senior IT Technologist in Library Technology Services
2009-2010
Thura Mack – Diversity Co-chair and Coordinator, Community Learning Services
Allison Roberts – Diversity Co-chair and Library Supervisor at Pendergrass Library, Diversity Committee web mistress
Trisha Brady – Supervisor for Media Center/Studio, at Hodges
Annazette McCane – Director, UT Disability Services
Laurie Roberson – Director of Student Services in the school of architecture and design.
Jerry Roberson – Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and adviser to the Native American Student Organization.
Allison Bolorizadeh – Assistant Professor in Integrated User Services
Erin Moore – Assistant Professor in Integrated User Services
Dan Greene – Senior IT Technologist in Library Technology Services
Jill Keally – Diversity ex-officio and Executive Associate Dean of UT Libraries
Donna Braquet – Diversity ex-officio and Librarian in Research Services & Collections
2008-2009
Thura Mack – Diversity Co-chair and Training Coordinator for UT Libraries
Jeanine Williamson – Diversity Co-chair and Engineering and Art & Architecture Librarian in Research Services & Collections, UT Hodges Library
Trisha Brady – Supervisor for Media Center/Studio, at Hodges
Shantrie Collins – Diversity Resident, UT Libraries
Damon Campbell – Diversity Resident, UT Libraries
Laurie Roberson – Director of Student Services in the school of architecture and design.
Jerry Roberson – Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and adviser to the Native American Student Organization.
Sandy Allen – Technical Services & Digital Access, at Hodges
Allison Roberts – Supervisor at Pendergrass Library, Diversity Committee web mistress
Marielle Veve – Cataloging & Metadata Librarian, UT Libraries
Jane Row – Head, Research Services at UT Libraries and Ready for the World library point person
Jill Keally – Diversity ex-officio and Executive Associate Dean of UT Libraries
Donna Braquet – Diversity ex-officio and Librarian in Research Services & Collections
Annazette McCane – Director, UT Disability Services
2007-2008
Sara Green – Co-chair
Thura Mack – Co-chair (Ex officio)
Sandra Allen
Tricia Brady
Donna Braquet – (Ex officio)
Jeff French
Jill Keally – (Ex officio)
Andy Madson
Hannah Powell
Laura Purcell
Allison Roberts
Jane Row
Marielle Veve
Jeanine Williamson
Damon Campbell
Shantrie Collins
2006-2007
Shantel Agnew – Diversity Librarian Resident/Ag Vet Med Library
Sandy Allen – Acquisitions
Donna Braquet – Reference & Instructional Services
Kawanna Bright – (Chair) Reference & Instructional Services
Cheryl Drain – Library Support Services
Jeff French – Library Support Services
LaVerne Gray – Diversity Librarian Resident/Reference & Instructional Services
Sara Green – Serials
Jill Keally – Library Personnel
Thura Mack – Training
Andy Madson – Access & Delivery Services
Mark Puente – Diversity Librarian Resident/Music Library
Laura Purcell – Library Outreach
Becky Roller – Access & Delivery Services
Jane Row – Reference & Instructional Services
Rita Smith – Reference & Instructional Services
Thomas Smith – Reference & Instructional Services
Gail Watson – Acquisitions
2005-2006
Shantel Agnew – Diversity Librarian Resident
*Pauline Bayne – Music Library & Media Center
**Teresa Berry – Reference & Instructional Services
Donna Braquet – Reference & Instructional Services
Kawanna Bright – (Chair) Reference & Instructional Services
Cheryl Drain – Library Support Services
Linda Flynn – Library Business Office
LaVerne Gray – Diversity Librarian Resident
Jill Keally – Library Personnel
Sandy Leach – Agriculture-Veterinary Medicine Library
Thura Mack – Training
Maribeth Manoff – Library Technology Services
Maud Mundava – Reference & Instructional Services
Christine Nassir – Access & Delivery Services
Mark Puente – Diversity Librarian Resident
Becky Roller – Access & Delivery Services
Molly Royse – Reference & Instructional Services
Rita Smith – Reference & Instructional Services
Thomas Smith – Reference & Instructional Services
Gail Watson – Acquisitions
Roger Weaver – Training
*Rotated on in November 2005 as new Disability Services Liaison
**Rotated off in November 2005
2004-2005
Abbas Arab – Access & Delivery Services
Teresa Berry – Reference & Instructional Services
LouAnn Blocker – Reference & Instructional Services
Donna Braquet – Reference & Instructional Services
Kawanna Bright – Diversity Resident Librarian
Jayati Chaudhuri – Diversity Resident Librarian
JoAnne Deeken – Technical Services & Digital Access
Travis Dolence – Map Library
Linda Flynn – Library Business Office
Nathalie Hristov – Technical Services & Digital Access
Arwen Hutt – Technical Services & Digital Access
Jill Keally – Library Personnel
Sandy Leach – Agriculture-Veterinary Medicine Library
Thura Mack – Reference & Instructional Services
Maribeth Manoff – Systems
Maud Mundava – Diversity Resident Librarian
Christine Nassir – Access & Delivery Services
Becky Roller – (Co-chair) Access & Delivery Services
Molly Royse – (Co-chair) Reference & Instructional Services
Thomas Smith – Reference & Instructional Services
2003-2004
Abbas Arab – Access & Delivery Services
*GiGi Bayne – Access & Delivery Services
Teresa Berry – Reference & Instructional Services
LouAnn Blocker – Reference & Instructional Services
Kawanna Bright – Diversity Resident Librarian
Jayati Chaudhuri – Diversity Resident Librarian
Tiffani Conner – Reference & Instructional Services
JoAnne Deeken – Technical Services & Digital Access
*Jeffrey Hines – Systems
Jill Keally – Library Personnel
Sandy Leach – Agriculture-Veterinary Medicine Library
Thura Mack – Reference & Instructional Services
Maud Mundava – Diversity Resident Librarian
Dianne Myers – Access & Delivery Services
Becky Roller – (Co-chair) Access & Delivery Services
Molly Royse – (Co-chair) Reference & Instructional Services
Renee Smith – Digital Media Service
Sheila Stephens – Media Center
2002-2003
LouAnn Blocker – Reference & Instructional Services
Tiffani Conner – Reference & Instructional Services
Troy Davis – Media Center
Virginia (GiGi) Horodysky – Access & Delivery Services
Jill Keally – Library Personnel
Thura Mack – (Chair) Reference & Instructional Services
Maribeth Manoff – Systems
Dave McClure – Library Support Services
Tamara Miller – Planning
Dianne Myers – Access & Delivery Services
Anne Pemberton – Reference & Instructional Services
Becky Roller – Access & Delivery Services
Molly Royse – Reference & Instructional Services
Anthony Smith – Systems
Renee Smith – Digital Media Service
Sheila Stephens – Media Center
2001-2002
David Atkins – Access & Delivery Services
Tiffani Conner – Access & Delivery Services
Jill Keally – Library Personnel
Sandy Leach – AgVetMed Library
Thura Mack – (Chair) Reference & Instructional Services
Maribeth Manoff – Systems
Dave McClure – Library Support Services
Tamara Miller – Planning
Joe Rader – Preservation
Becky Roller – Access & Delivery Services
Molly Royse – Reference & Instructional Services
Anthony Smith – Systems
Diversity Action Plan
Learn how the libraries are working to advance access, accountability, an inclusive campus climate, and equity.

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