Dear UH Community,

Today, I offer the news that UH Libraries Dean Athena Jackson is departing the University of Houston. Dean Jackson is returning to the University of California, Los Angeles to serve as Norman and Armena Powell University Librarian. Her final day at UH will be Feb. 29.

All of us wish her well in her new role and are grateful for her contributions to our libraries and the University.

Dean Jackson, who also holds UH’s Elizabeth D. Rockwell Chair, has demonstrated a sincere passion for UH and its students. A former Cougar herself, she returned to her alma mater in 2021 as dean for UH Libraries.

As dean, she oversaw the restructuring of the University’s Libraries and established a strategic plan to guide their growth through 2027. Dean Jackson also revamped the Libraries' budget to bolster their collections, enhance collaborative research projects with faculty, and provide equitable support for their various departments. She also has been on the frontlines of fundraising and has elevated the visibility of our Libraries.

On campus, she’s collaborated extensively with her fellow deans and with the Division of Research. Her work with the latter resulted in the development of the Digital Humanities Core.

Dean Jackson also has shared her expertise with a number of organizations and groups, including the Houston Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Digital Library (which she chaired) and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics.

In her absence, Christina H. Gola, associate dean for organizational development, learning, and talent, will serve as interim dean.

Please join me in wishing Dean Jackson all the best in her new endeavor and extending gratitude for her service to the University.
 

Respectfully,
 

Diane Z. Chase
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost