Kenneth Burhanna, Kent State University’s 2015-2016 Provost’s Fellow and assistant dean of engagement and outreach for University Libraries, is one of the 17 top managers of academic research libraries selected for UCLA’s 2016 Senior Fellows Program.
This year marks the 18th year the UCLA Senior Fellows Program has been held. The program is directed by Beverly P. Lynch, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Information Studies at UCLA. Lynch was a fellow in the first class in 1982. Since 1982, 250 academic library leaders have participated in the program.
Burhanna, who is originally from Geneva, Ohio, says he was nominated and then invited to apply for the fellowship program.
“The UCLA Senior Fellows Program is highly selective,” Burhanna said. “Applicants submit their CV (curriculum vitae), two references and a statement of purpose outlining their leadership goals and what they hope to accomplish in the program.”
Burhanna says being accepted into the program is a high honor in the academic library world.
“Many of the most respected leaders in the field are alumni of the program,” Burhanna said. “To me, the program presents another great opportunity to learn, make new connections and develop as a leader.”
Burhanna explained that he wanted to use this experience to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for academic libraries in the near future.
“This will prepare me to lead a large academic library like our Kent State University Libraries,” Burhanna said. “Also, the program will allow me to meet many leaders from a variety of libraries and universities. The sharing of knowledge and networking can only help further my career.”
Selected fellows will attend a three-week program conducted at UCLA from July 24 through Aug. 12 followed by an international competition.
Burhanna says during the three-week program, he is looking forward to studying library organizational change and change management.
“Technology is converging at a rapid pace, forcing libraries to constantly look for new ways to fulfill their missions,” he said. “I hope to learn new approaches to creating a change-ready library organization that can aspire to maximize their finite resources to the benefit of students, staff and faculty.”
For more information about Kent State University Libraries, visit www.library.kent.edu.
# # #
Photo Caption:
Kent State University’s Kenneth Burhanna is one of the 17 top managers of academic research libraries selected for UCLA’s 2016 Senior Fellows Program.
Media Contacts:
Kenneth Burhanna, kburhann@kent.edu, 330-672-1660
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595