Deans and administrators from each college suggested one of their faculty members who deserves special “kudos” during Faculty Appreciation Week.
As the head of Research Services for the University Libraries, Jane Row loves the feeling she gets from interacting with the students.
“My favorite thing is the connection you make with the students,” said Row, who has been a part of the Hodges Library team for 23 years. “Just the excitement of seeing them discover new concepts is great. Even with the limited resources we think we have, we feel we are making huge strides with new technology.”
Row is a frequent guest lecturer for social sciences courses, both undergraduate and graduate. She is most proud of a Ready for the World grant she received a few years ago. The project highlighted civil rights and other issues of injustice in the South. The grant allowed the team to develop a timeline of events for the Highlander Research and Education Center. The exhibit is now traveling around the United States.
When Row isn’t assisting students and faculty with their research needs, she enjoys tennis, golf and the outdoors. But her heart lies with the library.
“I work with very interesting, smart and dedicated colleagues that want to help students have a successful outcome in their academics,” Row said. “I continue to be impressed with the dedication of the faculty in the library and the teaching faculty. It makes me proud to be part of the institution because they care about doing things right.”
Linda Phillips, professor and head of scholarly communication with University Libraries, said Row is incredibly well-informed about global current events and serves as a liaison between the library and campus groups.
University Libraries Associate Dean Rita Smith praises Row for her spunk and sense of humor while maintaining her work ethic.
“Jane and I have worked together for over 20 years, and I consider her a trusted friend and colleague,” Smith said. “So many times when I worried about decisions or direction, she has patiently listened and given me sound advice, often keeping me grounded. Jane exemplifies the best in academic librarianship through her collegiality, her dedication to excellence in service, her advocacy of civic engagement, and her sense of responsibility for leadership. She is generous with her time and is unfailingly there to give students that extra bit of research assistance, to consult with faculty in support of their research and teaching, and to advise a colleague.”
Row received her undergraduate degree and some did graduate work at University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received her master’s in library and information sciences from UT.
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In honor of Faculty Appreciation Week, Tennessee Today will feature stories and videos based on comments about great faculty members submitted by students, alumni and others.
You can send a shout out to your favorite faculty member or read what others have written.
Also this week, area merchants will offer a variety of discounts for UT faculty.