May 23, 2008

News: Herndon, Shipley To Lead Library, International Study

Herndon Named Director of Libraries

Kimmetha (Kim) Herndon has been named director of Harwell Goodwin Davis Library and Frank W. and Clara Clements Hudnall Library (University Library) and librarian at Samford University effective July 1.  The announcement was made June 4 by Samford Provost J. Bradley Creed following a year-long national search.

Herndon comes from Shorter College, Rome, Ga., where she has been on the staff of Livingston Library since 1989.  Most recently, she had been dean of libraries since 2001.  At Samford, Herndon will oversee a collection that now exceeds 1 million volumes.

"Samford is fortunate to have found someone who brings outstanding administrative and academic credentials to our ever-expanding library system," Creed said.  "With our increased emphasis on undergraduate research and expanding academic programs, Kim Herndon is the ideal person to help lead our libraries."

Herndon received a bachelor of science in agricultural economics from the University of Georgia and a master of library science degree from the University of Alabama.  She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Library Association and the Southeastern Library Association.

Herndon replaces Jean Thomason, who retired in June 2007 after 11 years as Samford's library director.  Suzanne Peterson has served as interim director and will return to her full-time role as associate librarian and collection management coordinator.

"Samford's library staff, under the very capable leadership of Sue Peterson, has ensured that we have continued to progress," Creed added.  "The university is very grateful for their dedicated service at all times, but especially during this year of transition."

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University Library

Shipley Named Director of International Program

Veteran Samford University faculty member David S. Shipley has been named director of international programs for the 2008-09 academic year.  The appointment is effective July 1.

As director, he will oversee a broad-based, year-round international study program.  Samford maintains a center in London, England, and has ongoing study abroad opportunities in Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece and Costa Rica, in addition to opportunities available through partnership organizations and universities.  He also will work with students from abroad who come to study on Samford's Birmingham campus.

Shipley replaces Marigene Chamberlain, program director since 2005, who is moving to the full-time teaching faculty in the department of world languages and cultures.

"Dr. Shipley is an ideal person to lead Samford's burgeoning international studies program as we expand our global education emphasis," said Associate Provost J. Mark Bateman.  "He brings the right combination of academic awareness and practical experience to this critical part of Samford's mission."

Shipley is associate professor of journalism and will continue to teach at least one course in the journalism and mass communication department.  During the spring 2007 semester, Shipley was faculty-in-residence for Samford's London Studies Program and has been actively involved in other international study opportunities.

"In a time of fear and apprehension, the best course of study for world citizenship is exposure, education, and mutual understanding in the global village," Shipley said.  "For our students and for students who come from overseas to study at Samford, a study-abroad experience is the ultimate transforming educational experience."

Shipley joined the Samford faculty in 1993.  He has bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Georgia and the doctor of philosophy degree from Louisiana State University.

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International Study at Samford