RADFORD – Radford University has chosen Paul Orkiszewski as the Dean of the Libraries, effective in
January.
Reporting to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, the dean serves in the critical role of
supporting student and faculty research, scholarship. and the open exploration of ideas. The university
hosts two libraries, the McConnell Library on the main campus in Radford and a Roanoke-based Radford
University Carilion Library.
“Mr. Orkiszewski brings a wealth of experience to Radford along with his scholarly interests in
acquisitions and collections, technology services, digital initiatives, and intellectual property issues in the
digital environment,” said J. Orion Rogers, RU’s Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic
Affairs.
“I am thrilled and deeply honored to have been named Dean of Radford University Libraries and to
become part of the Highlander community,” said Orkiszewski, who will join Radford effective Jan. 10,
2022. “I very much look forward to building on the great work that library staff has done at McConnell
and at Radford University Carilion as we develop and build vital, engaged, and inclusive library spaces
and services that will be an active and central part of the intellectual, scholarly, and creative life of the
students, faculty, and staff at Radford.”
With more than 25 years of experience, Mr. Orkiszewski is currently serving as the Interim Dean of the
Libraries at Appalachian State University and has served in that role since 2019. He leads 39 faculty and
55 staff members in fulfilling the teaching and learning mission of the university libraries with a budget
of more than $10 million. He earned a bachelor of music and a master of music degree from Rice
University and a master of library and information science degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
“McConnell Library plays a critical role in providing transformative educational experiences and ensuring
student success,” said Radford University Interim President Carolyn “Lynn” Ringer Lepre. “Mr.
Orkiszewski brings extensive experience and innovative thought leadership as the next dean of the
libraries at Radford University. I am confident that his ability to collaboratively engage campus partners
and the community, cultivate donor relationships, integrate technology, and create inclusive learning
environments will significantly contribute to our mission and have a positive impact on our university. I
look forward to welcoming him to campus as a Highlander.”
