Sherrod Library

Biography

When East Tennessee State Normal School opened its doors in 1911, the library was run by a faculty committee consisting of Edwin Kennedy (History), Elma Rankin (Vocal Music), J.F. Boyd (Modern Languages), and F.W. Alexander (Education). The library was housed in the main administration building, now known as Gilbreath Hall. By March of 1912, Rankin carried the title of librarian, although the committee remained in place. There was only one librarian listed on staff until 1927. The first library head to carry the title of director was Edward Walters in 1977. The title of director was changed to dean in 1994, during Fred Borchuck’s tenure.

The first library building was completed in 1922 and now houses the Carroll Reece Museum. According to one source, the students were dismissed from classes to help move the books from the administration building to their new home. The college quickly outgrew this building and a new one was constructed in 1931. Following Dr. Charles C. Sherrod’s retirement in 1949, the faculty voted unanimously to name the library for him. This building, the current Nicks Hall, was expanded in 1967.

The current library building was dedicated as the Charles C. Sherrod Library on April 9, 1999.

Chronology:

1912-14

Elma Lillian Rankin

1914-1945

Olive Taylor

1937-1944

Archie McNeal

1944-1945

McBerney Burleson (while McNeal was on leave for military service)

1945-1948

Archie McNeal

1948-1977

Hal Smith

Chronology:

1977-1980

Edward Walters

1980-1981

David Parsley, acting director

1981-1994

Fred Borchuck

Chronology:

1994-1999

Fred Borchuck

1999-2001

Rita S. Scher, interim dean

2001-2009

Rita S. Scher

2009-2012

Jean Culp Flanigan, interim dean

2012-2018

Patricia Van Zandt

2019-

David Atkins

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records: