Dr. Ed Cortez to Take Helm of the School of Information Sciences
The School of Information Sciences (SIS) is pleased to announce that Dr. Ed Cortez has been named Director of the school starting July 1.
Cortez comes to SIS from the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. During his visit to the University of Tennessee this spring, he displayed a thorough understanding of SIS and an appreciation of school strengths.
“The search committee was unanimous that Ed Cortez was the right person to become our next director,” said Professor Carol Tenopir, who chaired the search committee that selected him.
“He understands the importance of creating a strong identity and personality for the school, and the importance of positioning the program nationally. He has taught organizational communications and corporate and management theory for years, and it is clear that he is ready to put his expertise to practice here. The timing is right.”
Incoming president of the SIS alumni board Margaret Casado (SIS ’95) attended all three of the candidates’ public presentations this spring.
“I am thrilled that he was the candidate who was offered the job,” she said. “He understands how things work, he has experience in public libraries, and I think he’s going to be able to accomplish a lot and grow the reputation of the school.”
With only a verbal offer and before signing any contract with university officials, Cortez started getting things done. He negotiated and planned for the School to create and display an exhibit at the ALA annual conference in Chicago this summer. (He is eager to meet alumni at the all-school reception.) He also arranged for a 2-day faculty and staff retreat prior to fall semester to be facilitated by former ALA Executive Director Peggy Sullivan.
“During the retreat, I expect us to create a list of priorities that will guide us in crafting a five year strategic plan for the school,” said Cortez, who has built a reputation at Wisconsin as a team-builder. He has also invited faculty to review the school’s mission, goals and objectives, as well as the curriculum.
Cortez chairs the committee that overseas Wisconsin-Madison’s strong Ph.D. program, which has helped establish him as a solid researcher and someone who will bring tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the program. Cortez has also held positions at the Library of Congress and is a widely sought after consultant in government and business. Before his tenure at Wisconsin, Cortez was the acting dean at the School of Library and Information Science at Catholic University of America.
“I am delighted to join the SIS community,” says Cortez. “I am eager to lead the school and build on the work of others that have so aptly guided it. I will seek ways for the school to respond to the expanding information environment and improve the delivery of the program to all students.”
