Meet the interim dean of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Jennifer Murray, interim dean of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library, discovered her love for libraries as a student at the University of Buffalo. She is passionate about librarianship and is dedicated to helping UNF students and faculty reach their goals. Prior to her current appointment, Murray served as director of library systems and associate dean of the University's library.How long have you worked at UNF?
5 1/2 years
Do you have a favorite spot on campus? If so, what makes that place special to you?
The Bamboo Garden. It is a beautiful and peaceful place that centers me the moment I walk into it.
What does your job as interim dean of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library involve doing?
Whether you are a dean, interim or otherwise, in a library or an academic unit, the job is similar in that we all provide leadership to advance the University and academic success. In my role as interim dean, the job is different every day but is always spent with student and faculty success in mind. One day I work with library faculty and staff to evaluate and enhance library services; the next is budget management for library resources; the next is space management for new study space; the next is working on fundraising initiatives; the next is working and collaborating with senior leadership to ensure the library is meeting the needs of the University community.
What do you enjoy the most about working in your field and what led you to choose this career path?
What I enjoy most about librarianship is that it’s a vocation, helping students and faculty achieve their needs and goals. A librarian is the link in our society between the past and the future and passing knowledge to the next generations. In addition, I enjoy being surrounded by dedicated faculty and staff that share my passion and commitment to student and faculty success. My experience working as a graduate assistant at the University at Buffalo Libraries led me to pursue a career in libraries which continues to be rewarding.
What were your career aspirations growing up?
Growing up my parents and stepmom all worked in higher education. My mom worked in the President’s Office at Duke University, my dad was the two-time national champion basketball coach at Brock University in Ontario, Canada, and my stepmom was a physical education professor at Brock. Even though they worked in different places and in different fields, they all had one thing in common. They were passionate about their career choices and had a deep connection to their universities. I admired them all and it felt natural to follow their path.
What other jobs have you held prior to your employment at UNF?
Prior to UNF, I spent most of my professional working career at the University at Buffalo Libraries. After working as a graduate assistant in the Libraries, I was hired as a library programmer/analyst and worked my way up to head of Discovery Services (a.k.a. library search engine). Most of my time at the University at Buffalo was on the technology side of libraries. UNF gave me the opportunity to grow into other areas of my profession.
How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with my partner, Joe, and my family. I also enjoy going out to eat, shopping and watching sports — college basketball (Go Ospreys!) and NFL football (Go Bills!) are my favorite.
Where did you grow up?
Upstate New York — Buffalo and Plattsburgh. I consider Buffalo my home. Go Bills!
Where did you go to school?
I attended the University at Buffalo. I received my bachelor’s degree in business administration and my master’s degree in library science. I worked as a student assistant in the School of Management throughout my undergraduate years and then worked as a graduate assistant in the libraries where I discovered my love for libraries.
What’s the greatest bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
Persistence is omnipotent.
Who inspires you and why?
My mom. She has a high emotional intelligence I try to emulate. She also instilled in me a strong work ethic and to always be on time. I still talk to her almost every day on my ride home from work.
What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I’ve watched every episode of Survivor — over 650 episodes and counting! I love the social dynamics, strategic gameplay and creativity of the challenges and the show overall.