Reilly Appointed Associate Dean for Libraries

University Relations

Michele Reilly

After a first career in bookkeeping and office management, Washington native Michele Reilly decided to pursue a second career in librarianship. Reilly was appointed librarian, professor and associate dean for University Libraries on July 24.

When her two sons were nearly raised, Reilly enrolled in the Master of Library Science program at Indiana University, receiving her degree in 2005 with a focus on library management and rare books. Her first position as a librarian was at the state library in Phoenix, Arizona, where she collected and managed state publications.

Since her time in Phoenix, Reilly has worked as the head of digital services for the University of Houston, where she started their first digital lab and one of the only library internship programs that can be completed online, and associate dean for Central Washington University.

Prior to accepting the position with University Libraries, Reilly and her husband had visited Fayetteville once, in the early 1990s.

"We stayed in town for a couple of days and said, 'You know, if there was ever a way to come down and live here, this is where we want to be,'" Reilly said.

Reilly also said she is excited for the opportunity to work with a larger student population and "round out [her] career holistically." As associate dean of Libraries, her focus will be on investing in student success, facilitating student retention and degree completion. Her biggest goal is to get to know everyone and learn how to best advocate on their behalf.

"I want to be the best advocate I can for the libraries, for my staff, faculty, and the students," said Reilly.

Reilly is currently enrolled in a Library Science doctoral program with Humboldt University of Berlin in Germany. In her spare time, Reilly enjoys painting, playing ukulele, taking road trips with her husband, and spending time with their golden doodle, Nessa.

"Michele is already off to an impressive start at the Libraries, and we look forward to seeing what she will accomplish as associate dean," said Carolyn Henderson Allen, dean of Libraries.