will celebrate the life of one of its very special faculty members, Richard Harrison, later this month with a service in the John C. Hitt Library.
Harrison served as one of ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½’s research engagement librarians and was a remarkable source of knowledge, insight and generosity. His dedication to the universityβs mission and his unwavering support for colleagues made him a cornerstone of our ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ community.
Since joining ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ Libraries in April 2001 as an associate university librarian in the research and information services department, Richard has made a lasting impact on the university. During the 2003β04 academic year, he served as a senior faculty fellow in the Provostβs Office, collaborating with Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of Undergraduate Studies John βRickβ Schell. In that role, he helped spearhead several undergraduate research initiatives, including planning and coordinating ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½βs inaugural Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence. As a charter member of the ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ Undergraduate Research Council, he helped shape the research landscape for both students and faculty.
Harrisonβs influence extended further through his contributions to the NSSE Academic Rigor Working Group and the Faculty Senateβs ad hoc committee, which was responsible for developing ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½βs current Student Perception of Instruction form. Across all these efforts, he demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence and student success.
He earned a bachelorβs degree in English from The College of Wooster and a masterβs degree in library science from Vanderbilt University. His academic foundation was matched by a generosity of spirit, reflected in his thoughtful practice of donating books to honor others.
Harrisonβs contributions, both personal and professional, leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
The Celebration of Life service will be held Sept. 17, at 4 p.m. in room 402 of the John C. Hitt Library. All are welcome to attend.
