Advisory Board

The purpose of the Valdosta State University MLIS Program Advisory Board is to contribute to the continuous improvement of the degree program by providing guidance and expertise drawn from the members’ professional experiences across the discipline of Library and Information Studies.  Areas of special focus include:

  • Serving as the Program’s eyes in the field to capture and communicate issues and trends relevant to the education of the program’s students.
  • Enhancing alumni engagement and relationships with the program and the university.
  • Facilitating relevant field experiences for current students.
  • Encouraging and developing sources of program-level scholarship funding.

The Advisory Board is not regarded as a substitute for any administrative body at Valdosta State University.  It is intended to supplement and support the MLIS degree program curriculum and resources. Members come from the leadership and professional staff of libraries and related institutions who employ the program’s graduates, program alumni, and unaffiliated professionals with knowledge of the discipline.

Advisory Board Members (2024-2025)
  • Gordon Baker, Dean of Library Emeritus, Clayton State University
  • Valerie Bell, Director, Athens Regional Library System
  • Joy Bolt, Dean of Libraries, University of North Georgia
  • Kimberly Boyd, Dean of Library Services, Brenau University Trustee Library
  • Linda Golian-Lui, Dean of University Libraries, Florida Atlantic University
  • Stephen Houser, Director, West Georgia Regional Library
  • Aisha Johnson, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Outreach, Georgia Tech Libraries
  • Jennifer Lautzenheiser, Director, Middle Georgia Regional Library System
  • Tamara Livingston, Executive Director and Archivist: Museums, Archives, Rare Books, Kennesaw State University
  • Chris Matz, Dean of Library Services, Georgia Gwinnett College
  • LaVerne McLaughlin, Director of University Libraries and Archives, Albany State University
  • Julie Walker, Vice Chancellor for Libraries & Archives and State Librarian, Georgia Public Library Service
  • Alison Weissinger, Director, Dekalb County Public Library
  • Wendy Wilmoth, Director of Learning Resources, Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Faculty Liaison

  • Linda R. Most, Ph.D. Associate Professor

 Student Representative

T.B. D.