Over the summer we learned that Michelle Wheeler, our beloved Head Academic Librarian, was beginning a professional transition away from MSP. Michelle is such an essential part of every aspect of MSP academic life – from syllabi, to book orders, to testing kits, teaching essential research skills – that we wanted to take a moment to celebrate her contributions to MSP.
Michelle Wheeler, MA (’09), MSI came to MSP in 2007 to fill a post as Head Academic Librarian in the Moustakas Johnson Library. She was so intrigued by our 11-month MA that she took a leave of absence the following year so she could complete the program. Of her experience in the program Michelle said, “I walked away from the MA experience better able to honor the experience of another, a true gift that has enhanced every aspect of my life.”
During her tenure, Michelle has taken on many roles, including teaching the writing workshop for incoming students and more recently co-teaching an Academic Writing Class in the doctoral program. Under Michelle’s leadership the library migrated to a new library system, added many new databases that are now foundational to the library’s electronic resource collection, and digitized MSP’s extensive theses and dissertation collection.
As a librarian, Michelle will be missed for her patience, kindness, and dedication. She was always happy to provide students and faculty with personalized assistance to support their work at MSP. Michelle aimed to empower others to gain a new skill and to ask the important questions.
“Michelle is a special person who has made a lasting contribution as MSP’s head librarian. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication to our academic community, and is one of the most conscientious individuals I’ve ever known. We’ll miss Michelle, and thank her for taking our library to new levels of growth and service,” said MSP President Fran Brown.
Michelle has a passion for helping others and developed lasting friendships with fellow staff and students alike. We wish her well as she takes the next steps to change career paths.
