Dean of Libraries Departs UTA for North Dakota

For over 10 years, Rebecca Bichel has helped guide UTA Libraries' direction as dean of libraries, transforming it from just a repository of knowledge to a place that fosters creativity through maker spaces and unique programming. 

Leaving in April, Rebecca will become the University of North Dakota's dean of libraries and information resources. She was appointed to the position after a nationwide search in January.  

Rebecca stated that she is proud of the hard work done by staff and student employees to make the library a second home to patrons. This work can be seen through the programs offered and the available resources people can access. 

"I look around the libraries' spaces; I look at its programming; I look at how the students use the spaces and so many other things. I see that we, the collective team at UTA Libraries, have done so much," Rebecca said. "We have so much of a positive impact. I am just extraordinarily proud of that and to see the outcomes of that." 

Rebecca stated that the decision to change her career path did not come easily, but she felt it was the right time to do so. While Rebecca is excited about the new opportunities, she will miss the team here at the library. However, she feels the library's future is in good hands. 

"I think that the current state is wonderful. I have all of the confidence in the world in Peter (Zhang) as interim dean, the directors, the department heads and the entire team," Rebecca said. "The university is so fortunate to have this incredible set of full-time staff and student employees who are so dedicated. They are just going to continue to do great work." 

Rebecca wants the incoming dean to know that they have a great team waiting for their arrival. 

"Expect to be amazed by what your colleagues are doing here because you are going to be," she said. "Expect to be challenged by the extent of the ambition for what we are trying to accomplish and lean into that because that is who the organization is." 

Rebecca stated that UTA Libraries wants to do extraordinary things for the community that it serves. Someone who embraces that will love this organization, fit right in and thrive. 

While Rebecca leaves UTA for the next chapter of her life, she feels honored to have been able to lead a great organization. 

"I have been honored to be a part of this community and have many wonderful memories of colleagues, programs, conversations and interactions. I take all of those forward with me," she said. "I have nothing but the most positive wishes for the libraries and the university."