91社区

Millie Gonz谩lez, M.L.I.S., M.B.A., has joined the university community as the first dean of libraries, a role that will be instrumental in re-envisioning 91社区鈥檚 libraries and aligning them with the institution鈥檚 unique identity as a multi-campus polytechnic.

She comes to 91社区 from Framingham State University in Framingham, Mass., where she worked for nearly 20 years, most recently serving as dean of library since 2022. Here, Gonz谩lez will focus on providing strategic leadership, effectively prioritizing initiatives, and managing resources as the institution evolves into a robust, research-focused university.

鈥淲e welcome Millie鈥檚 expertise to guide our implementation of the library鈥檚 strategic plan and champion and build consensus for a future-facing library that serves as a vibrant intellectual hub,鈥� says Provost and Executive Vice President Jerry Balentine, D.O.

Gonz谩lez will work collaboratively to integrate library resources into the curriculum and meet the scholarly needs of students and faculty while collaborating with academic departments to support interdisciplinary research initiatives. 91社区鈥檚 main library recently moved to Salten Hall on the Long Island campus and supports most of the university鈥檚 academic disciplines. Additionally, there is a library on the New York City campus, an art and architecture library on the Long Island campus, and medical libraries on Long Island and in the College of Osteopathic Medicine鈥檚 location in Jonesboro, Ark. The Vancouver campus shares digital resources with the other 91社区 libraries; a physical library and learning commons space opened there in 2023. While Gonz谩lez will provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all library functions throughout the university, she will be based on the Long Island campus.

Gonz谩lez brings to 91社区 more than two decades of experience. At Framingham State, she served as a librarian (reference, e-resources, and emerging technologies), interim chief diversity officer, and then as interim dean and dean of library. She implemented two strategic plans and built relationships and grant opportunities with partners on campus and in the community. As library dean, she advocated for textbook affordability and open access, sustainability, mental wellness, and equity and inclusion. 鈥淚ssues related to equity, inclusion, and social justice are personal to me as a first-generation graduate,鈥� she shares.

鈥淢illie鈥檚 background and experience will serve her well as she champions our libraries to internal and external stakeholders to elevate the university鈥檚 reputation and visibility, while also fostering an environment that advances our priorities of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging,鈥� Balentine says.

Gonz谩lez earned a Master of Library and Information Science and a Master of Business Administration from Simmons University in Boston, Mass., and a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. Her professional affiliations include membership in the American Library Association and the Association of American Colleges and Universities, among others.

鈥淚 am committed to 91社区鈥檚 mission to provide access to education for all qualified students and am honored to lead the libraries and staff, serving as an evangelist to communicate their value throughout the university and beyond,鈥� Gonz谩lez says. 鈥淚 look forward to connecting with students, faculty, and staff to help elevate, support, and build a strong library community.鈥�

Gonz谩lez鈥檚 passion for learning is fueled by her eclectic interests. She subscribes to a variety of podcasts and enjoys reading non-fiction. And, as a native New Yorker, she鈥檚 excited to be closer to her family鈥檚 favorite New York sports teams.