Milner Library Dean Dane Ward has been named the dean of libraries and the Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor for Library and Information Studies at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Ward will begin his position at Appalachian State on August 1.

The announcement of an interim dean for Milner Library will be made later this semester.

“Dean Ward has made many contributions to campus and Milner over the past 15 years,” said Jan Murphy, interim vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. “He has worked diligently to establish strong channels of communication with campus partners to collaboratively reshape the library as a “one stop learning” facility.  He has initiated a number of projects that will create a 21st century library that will positively impact our campus.”

Ward has served as dean of Milner Library since 2014. Prior to that, he served as Milner’s associate dean for public services. Ward earned his Ph.D. in higher education administration from Illinois State, and master’s degrees in library and information science from Indiana University, and social studies education from Florida State University.