UTA Libraries Staff Spotlight: Jennifer Lane

 The sense of camaraderie within the team at UTA Libraries attracted Jennifer Lane to take the next step in her career. Jennifer has joined the library system as the new Director of Grants and Assessment. 

During the interview process, Jennifer connected to the people and the culture at UTA Libraries through their conversations. This positive experience left a strong impression on her with a feeling that UTA would be a good place to call home. 

"I was really drawn in by the team. When I spoke to the search committee, I enjoyed our conversations together," Jennifer said. "I was enthused about getting to know each of them and continuing the conversation. So, I felt UTA would be a great fit for me." 

In her role with UTA Libraries, Jennifer assesses data to get a good picture of the Libraries' journey over the past year. The data collected in this assessment tells her what resources and items patrons use most. This data is then shared with potential donors to persuade them to invest in the Libraries' future. 

Outside of work, music is a big part of her life where Jennifer plays as a professional musician and teaches her children to play. Jennifer's curiosity in music came from her family, who helped develop her musical abilities. 

"My entire family were musicians. They were in the opera, the ballet, the theater and the symphony," she said. "My father was a high school band director. My grandmother was a classical concert pianist who worked with Van Cliburn. My great-grandfather was the principal violinist in the Fort Worth Symphony. So, it was a unique upbringing in that crowd of people." 

While Jennifer can play several instruments, the one that she plays the most is the flute. Jennifer plays with the Dallas Winds each year as part of their Fourth of July concert. 

"The Dallas Winds are a professional ensemble in Dallas. They play at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Every year on the Fourth of July, they have a patriotic concert, and they invite the whole flute community to make up what they call the piccolo army," she said. "So, we play 'The Stars and Stripes Forever’ in that portion of the concert. There are indoor fireworks and explosions. It is like a rock show and it is really fun." 

Since coming to UTA Libraries, Jennifer stated that her reception has been very welcoming. 

"The team has been everything that I thought it was when I came and met everyone during the interview process," Jennifer said. "I feel very valued and appreciated." 

Jennifer stated she looks forward to contributing to students' success on their higher education journey through her role as Director of Grants and Assessment at UTA Libraries.