Wheeler leaving to be the new law library director at University of San Francisco
ATLANTA—Georgia State University College of Law Library Associate Director Ron Wheeler has been named director of the University of San Francisco School of Law’s Dorraine Zief Law Library.
Wheeler, who will also be an associate professor of law at USF, has been an integral part of Georgia State’s Law Library since August 2006, supervising the reference desk, faculty services and circulation services, and assisting Associate Dean for Library and Information Services Nancy P. Johnson with planning goals, objectives and policies for the Public Services Department. Affectionately known by many students as "Library Ron," Wheeler also teaches Legal Bibliography and Sexual Identity and the Law.
Having aspired to be a law library director, Wheeler is very excited about his new position, but he is also sad to be leaving Atlanta and Georgia State.
"I’ve had so much fun at this job," he said. "Part of it is due to Nancy Johnson; she really is an icon of the profession and one of the reasons I came to work here. She’s just continued to help me grow and stretch me and really has taught me a lot about strength and courage, in addition to law librarianship."
Wheeler will call on his leadership skills on a daily basis as the director of the Dorraine Zief Law Library. He will be responsible for all library operations, overseeing six librarians and six other staff, as well as all library-related teaching and curriculum activities. Wheeler will also continue teaching and writing about library management and law librarianship.
Wheeler will be missed by the Georgia State College of Law community. Cindi Yarbrough, a second-year law student, is "sad to see him leave because of the enthusiasm and passion he brings to his work. He brings a unique perspective into the classroom and always is willing to assist in any way he can. His presence is encouraging because he always has a smile on his face."
Further singing Wheeler’s praises and lamenting his departure, Dean Johnson wished him well in his new endeavor.
"Were really going to miss Ron a great deal," Johnson said. "We love his energy, his sense of humor, his dedication. He’s been here for almost four years, and in that time he’s really focused on improving services to the students and the faculty. We hope to carry on the work he started. I wish him all the best in his new position at the University of San Francisco. We won’t be able to replace him easily."
While Wheeler’s last day at the law school will be June 11, 2010, he was quick to point out that he is only a phone call or email away.
By Abby Ferrell, Georgia State Law student