Dear Colleagues:
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Marla E. Peppers as the interim dean of the University Library effective October 1, 2024. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Dr. Peppers has served as the Associate Dean/Associate University Librarian at the University Library of Cal State LA since 2008 and served as Interim University Librarian from 2014 to 2015.
With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Peppers has held academic library roles at Cal State LA, Occidental College, Pasadena City College (PCC), Western State University College of Law, and UCLA. She began her career in libraries as an undergraduate student employee and advanced to positions such as library staff, librarian, and department head. Dr. Peppers has overseen and directed technical services, operations and user experience/access services, facilities planning, management and administration, and engagement and research services. She is experienced in initiatives to increase diversity in the library profession and is dedicated to developing user-centered services and technologies in collaboration with librarians and library staff.
Dr. Peppers earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Cal State LA and her Master of Library and Information Science from San José State University. She also holds a Master of Arts in History from California State University Fullerton and a Bachelor of Arts in History from UCLA. Dr. Peppers is actively involved with the American Library Association and has held various positions within it. Additionally, she serves on the PCC Library Certificate Programs Advisory Board. Dr. Peppers is an alumna of the 2008 EDUCAUSE Frye Leadership Institute and the 2022 UCLA Senior Library Fellows Program. She also completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
In her role as Interim Dean, Dr. Peppers will manage the University Library's operations, ensuring it maintains excellent resources and services for our campus community. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Marla Peppers as she guides the University Library through this transitional phase.
A national search for a permanent University Library Dean will begin this semester.
Sincerely,
S. Terri Gomez, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs