The University Libraries are proud to announce the continued appointment of Professor Gretchen Rae Beach as Assistant Dean of Libraries/Head of Digital and Technical Services, and to welcome Professor Eryn Roles to her new role as Associate Dean/Head of Public Services.
Beach received her B.S. and M.S.L.S. from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and brings over 14 years of dedicated service to Marshall, with a strong background in cataloging and digital services. Her leadership in statewide library initiatives, including her tenure as President of the West Virginia Library Association, reflects her commitment to advancing library excellence. She has served on numerous university committees and is especially passionate about preserving and cataloging unique materials in special collections.
Roles, an alumna of Concord University, Marshall University, and the University of Kentucky where she received her M.S.L.S., has been a driving force in research support and instructional innovation for nearly 15 years. Her extensive involvement in faculty governance, digital humanities, and curriculum development— including her work on the new Library Science program— demonstrates her deep investment in student success and the future of librarianship. She is also a dedicated mentor and educator, actively supporting both students and early-career librarians through her work with ACRL and WVROCKS.
“We are so fortunate to have such talented and committed leaders in both Gretchen Beach and Eryn Roles, said Monica Garcia Brooks, dean of Marshall Libraries. “Their vision, experience, and collaborative spirit will be instrumental in helping our libraries grow and evolve to meet the needs of our campus and community.”