Florida State University has selected Carrie Zebrowsky Cooper as its next dean of University Libraries. Cooper, who has served as dean of university libraries at William & Mary since 2011, will begin her new role at FSU in January.
An FSU alumna, Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Florida State, a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Doctor of Education in Educational Planning, Policy and Leadership from William & Mary. She has been a member of FSU’s University Libraries Advancement Board since 2014.
“Florida State is getting a remarkable leader in Carrie Cooper,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “Her career reflects a deep commitment to students, faculty and the community, and she brings the vision and experience to advance our Libraries as a center for learning, discovery and innovation. We’re especially proud to welcome an alumna back home to lead one of the university’s most important academic resources.”
Cooper has served as dean of university libraries at William & Mary since 2011. She oversaw strategic planning, fundraising and operations for the Earl Gregg Swem Library, led a staff of 70, and managed a $12 million annual budget. Under her leadership, the libraries raised more than $22 million in philanthropic support, expanded digital collections, launched an institutional repository and completed major renovations to learning and media spaces. She previously served as dean of libraries at Eastern Kentucky University, where she established the Studio for Academic Creativity, a national model for integrated academic support.
Since May, Katie McCormick has served as interim dean, following the retirement of Gale Etschmaier. McCormick has led Special Collections and Archives at FSU since 2011.
“I’m honored to welcome Carrie to FSU,” McCormick said. “She brings deep knowledge of libraries, a strong focus on student success and research excellence and a real love for this community. I’ll continue as interim dean until her arrival and work closely with her to ensure a smooth transition.”
Cooper said she is eager to return to her alma mater.
“Being near family and working at my undergraduate alma mater is a dream come true,” Cooper said. “I’m grateful for my years at William & Mary and excited to partner with FSU’s faculty, students and staff to advance learning, research and access to knowledge.”