Following a 20-year career at New Mexico State University, Elizabeth Titus is retiring Oct. 1. Titus joined NMSU as dean of the Library in July 2000.
“I would like to extend my own personal congratulations and thanks to Dr. Titus for the many contributions she has made during her long career at NMSU,” NMSU Provost Carol Parker said. “I met Dr. Titus shortly after I moved to New Mexico in 2004 and know first-hand of the legacy she leaves for us, and of the positive impact she has had on NMSU and the state. I recently had the honor of approving the title of Professor Emerita for Dr. Titus, which is well warranted, given her many career achievements. She will be missed.”
As Library dean, Titus improved the visibility of the Library and archives on campus. She was instrumental in expanding the NMSU Archives and Special Collections, including establishing the Pete V. Domenici Archives.
“Most of the things you achieve, you achieve with others. Over time, I worked with a variety of people within the Library and university and donors,” said Titus, who was the Library’s first female dean. “I think now we have one of the most outstanding archives in the state of New Mexico.”
Titus said she was proud of the technology advances the Library made during her time.
“During these 20 years, we went from having no digital collections to what we have today. We made it a priority for the Library through resourcefulness and energy,” she said. “The whole point of going digital is to open access to information to anyone who wants it. We’re opening up our collections worldwide.”
Additionally, Titus worked with ASNMSU to use student fees to fund extended late-night hours, allowing the Library to stay open until 2 a.m., and to support student-centered collections.
Titus will leave a personal lasting impact at NMSU after establishing the Elizabeth McKenney Titus Endowed Scholarship for Library Student Employees and Robert Jay Titus Social Work Endowment.
A strong advocate for libraries, Titus supported the GO Bonds initiatives in New Mexico, which is now a substantial funding source for all types of libraries. Titus is an elected officer for the New Mexico Consortium of Academic Libraries Legislative Committee. She also serves on three American Library Association/Library Leadership and Management Association committees.
Following her role as dean, Titus worked as a senior administrator in the Provost’s Office in 2020.
Titus earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from the Michigan State University-Oakland, her master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan, her master’s degree in urban planning from Wayne State University and her Ph.D. in political science from Northern Illinois University.