University names new dean of Libraries

Kate Harger will join University of Detroit Mercy as the new Dean of Libraries. She will join the University August 1.

Harger has more than 20 years of experience leading academic libraries in the metropolitan Detroit and Chicago areas. In addition to a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Wayne State University, Harger has earned a Doctor of Business Administration degree from Baker College, a Post-Baccalaureate Paralegal Certificate from Lansing Community College, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Hope College. She joins Detroit Mercy from Henry Ford College, where she was Director of Library & Academic Support Services.

Prior to her position with Henry Ford College, Harger was dean/executive director of the library at McHenry County College, Ill., and library director at Baker College of Clinton Township. She has experience leading library teams through periods of transformational change, including library renovation projects and large-scale library system implementation projects. She is skilled at engaging stakeholders to better understand and anticipate evolving needs, aligning library initiatives with the strategic goals of the institution, and implementing innovative library resources and services that foster student and faculty success. A fan of all things Detroit, Harger has a particular fondness for Eastern Market and the Detroit Film Theatre. When she isn’t working, she enjoys swimming, flower gardening and traveling.

She will replace Marilyn Dow, who served as interim dean for more than two years.