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Tennessee Tech names Kelly McCallister dean of the Volpe Library
Kelly McCallister, incoming dean of the Volpe Library at Tennessee Tech University
Tennessee Tech University has named Kelly McCallister dean of the Angelo & Jennette
Volpe Library, according to an announcement from Tech Provost Lori Mann Bruce.
A seasoned higher education administrator, McCallister comes to Tech by way of Appalachian
State University in Boone, N.C., where she served as associate dean and associate
professor of university libraries. She also previously served as director of library
services for Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla., and as a librarian for Bethel
University in McKenzie, Tenn.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Kelly McCallister as the new dean of the
Volpe Library,” said Provost Bruce in a message to Tech faculty and staff. “We are
excited about the vision and leadership she will bring to our university’s library.”
McCallister called Tech “a great fit” and said she was immediately drawn to the campus
for its deep sense of community and commitment to student success. Coming from a family
of engineers, she also appreciated the university’s STEM-infused approach to learning.
“When I interviewed here, I felt so welcomed. Everyone seemed so genuine and happy.
You could tell they really had a love for students,” said McCallister. “My husband,
Daniel, and I felt this would be a great place to come and work and raise our daughters.”
McCallister recalled being particularly struck by a conversation with Jennifer Shank,
dean of the College of Fine Arts, that underscored Tech’s personal approach to student
engagement.
“I learned that, during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when commencement ceremonies
were initially postponed, she went to graduating fine arts students’ homes and led
an impromptu graduation,” McCallister explained. “I said, ‘I want to work with these
people who don’t just say they’re here for students – they actually do it.’ There’s
a lot of action and intentionality there and I found that so impressive.”
Tech also supports library faculty in ways that are unique among other institutions,
McCallister explained, including providing faculty status to university librarians.
“There is great respect for the library at Tech and I’m honored to work with the caliber
of librarians that Tech has,” she added.
The Volpe Library on Tennessee Tech's campus
Once in her new role, McCallister hopes to work with University Advancement and other
partners to spur financial support for the library, too. “The idea of being able to
form relationships with potential library donors is something I’m excited about,”
said McCallister.
McCallister holds a bachelor’s and master’s in anthropology from Mississippi State
University and the University of Southern Mississippi, respectively. She went on to
earn a master’s in library and information science from the University of Southern
Mississippi and is slated to complete a doctoral degree in educational leadership
from Appalachian State University later this year.
Her appointment follows the retirement of Doug Bates as dean of the Volpe Library
in late 2022. Sharon Holderman, professor and public services coordinator at Tech,
served as interim dean of the library and will remain a member of its leadership staff.
“Interim Dean Holderman has been a steadfast and dedicated leader. We are immensely
grateful for her hard work and commitment,” said Provost Bruce.
Outside of the library, McCallister is a proud wife and mother of two daughters, including
a 19-year-old computer science student and an 11-year-old who aspires to “save the
penguins and become a pop star,” McCallister said with a laugh.
A longtime animal rescue volunteer, McCallister has three cats and three dogs, including
a Bassett hound named Elvis. Her service at Tech begins July 1.
First opened in 1989, the Volpe Library has more than 600,000 books and access to
nearly 90,000 journals through more than 100 databases to fuel academic research.
Learn more at www.tntech.edu/library/.
