Speaker Biography
Kathleen L. Schmand is a library leader with more than 30 years of experience in academic libraries and has been engaged in library fundraising since 2006. She has served as Dean of the James E. Walker Library at Middle Tennessee State University since 2021 and is also a professor. In her role, she provides strategic direction, advances organizational excellence, and collaborates across the university to support institutional priorities. She also serves as a strong advocate for the library at the local, regional, and national levels.
She is actively involved in the Academic Library Advancement and Development Network (ALADN), contributing to its community of practice and professional development efforts. Committed to a culture of respect, transparency, collaboration, and innovation, she champions experiential learning and works to ensure users have the access and expertise needed to navigate today’s complex information landscape.