NewsAugust 02, 2024

Ruud to Lead Boreham Library

Written By: Rachel Rodemann Putman

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith announced the hiring of Jordan Ruud as the new director of library services at Boreham Library. Ruud will officially assume his new role on August 1.

Ruud has served the university since 2012, beginning as a public services librarian and moving through the ranks to serve as collection development librarian in August 2022 and interim director in January 2024. His extensive experience at UAFS has equipped him with a deep understanding of the university community, its resources, and its needs.

“I'm amazed every day at the things the staff and faculty of Boreham Library make happen, and it's an honor to be selected for this position. At UAFS, we're doing incredible work for our students and our community, and for over a decade, I've seen what a crucial role the library has to play.”

As the new director, Ruud will oversee all library operations, manage staff, and ensure that the Boreham Library continues supporting the academic and research needs of UAFS students and faculty. His appointment comes as the university seeks to enhance its library services and resources.

“To me it's all about human connection. We have materials and we have space, but so many of the real miracles of higher education happen when people talk to one another and share ideas and talents. I hope to grow our connections on campus and in the community and see what new things we can make happen as we do so.”

“This search yielded a number of well-qualified candidates from across the U.S. and even internationally,” said Dr. Dean Cantù, dean of the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, who chaired the search. “I am extremely pleased that Jordan Ruud has accepted the offer to serve as the Director of Library Services. To be certain, his leadership approach, passion, and vision are exactly what is needed to lead the talented Boreham Library team forward on the impressive trajectory they have already established at UAFS.”

Ruud earned his M.L.S. in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2012. In 2021, he earned a UX Certification from the Nielsen Norman Group, furthering his understanding of user experience as it relates to library services. Additionally, he holds an M.A. in English, emphasizing American and English modernism, and a B.A. in English, with a certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Tulsa.

Beyond his role, Ruud has been involved in a number of service organizations, including past service as the chair-elect of the UAFS Faculty Senate, vice president of the American Association of University Professors, and president of the River Valley Equality Center.