National Women's History Month: Gretchen Trkay

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries is celebrating National Women's History Month by highlighting some of the inspiring women who make this organization a model 21st century urban academic library.

Today's interviewee is Gretchen Trkay, Department Head of Experiential Learning & Undergraduate Success. Trkay has worked for UTA for fifteen years and has sixteen-and-a-half years of experience working in libraries. 

Alexandra Pirkle (AP): What was your first library-related job? How did you come to that job?

Gretchen Trkay (GT): My first job in a library was as a GRA at Texas Woman’s University Historical Children’s Books Collection. When I first started my MLS program, I thought that I wanted to work in archives (I was wrong). The position I had as a GRA, along with my coursework and practicum, helped me recognize that my true passion in libraries was as an instructor.

AP: What role have women played in your career and life?

GT: I have been incredibly lucky to report to two extraordinary female leaders during my library career.

The first eight years I worked in at UTA Libraries, I reported to Mary Jo Lyons. Mary Jo was egoless and demonstrated to me what a true commitment to the profession, UTA, and our students looks like. She also allowed me, from a very early stage in my career, to practice and grow my leadership abilities.

The last seven years, with a couple of blips in time, I have reported to the Dean of UTA Libraries, Rebecca Bichel. By nature, Becca is fairly similar to me. She is an innovator, is full of ideas, and is always excited to share a thought or opinion. For much of my life, these same characteristics in me had been characterized as “bossy.” Becca has shown me that these strengths are representative of a leader and has helped me to balance them with creating opportunities for my staff to demonstrate the same.

AP: What is one of your favorite things about working at UTA Libraries?

GT: I love that UTA Libraries is fiercely committed to student success and is willing to experiment to strive for continuous improvement in this regard, even though this means that we sometimes fail.

AP: Who is your favorite woman historical figure? Why?

GT: I have wracked my brain to try to come up with a favorite historical figure. I can’t. As a whole, I appreciate most those, female or male, who do not come from a place of privilege, are often marginalized, and yet succeed in making a positive difference in others’ lives without much financial reward (educators, community organizers, social workers, nurses, researcher, etc.).

AP: What is something about you that others would be surprised to know?

GT: I’m a pretty open book, so I doubt that there is much about me that would surprise people who know me.

Maybe this? After I finished my bachelor’s degree, I didn’t pursue a PhD in archaeology because I was convinced that I would hate teaching, only to realize about six years later that I would focus a majority of my career on teaching and learning.

Thank you, Gretchen, for all of your hard work and dedication to student success!