Dr. Lyda McCartin has been selected as the next director of the School of Information Science in USC’s College of Information and Communications.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the School of Information Science at the University of South Carolina,” says McCartin, who will start her new role on June 1. “This is a really exciting opportunity to think about the future of information science and help shape it. I’m looking forward to helping the iSchool strengthen its ties to communities throughout South Carolina.”
McCartin comes to the university with more than two decades of experience in higher education as a library practitioner, faculty member and department chair. She currently serves as director of the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning at the University of Northern Colorado. McCartin brings extensive leadership experience in curriculum development, program growth, strategic planning and faculty governance.
CIC Dean Tom Reichert says he is thrilled McCartin will be joining CIC’s leadership team and charting the next chapter in the iSchool’s storied history.
“We were looking for someone who understood the school’s strengths and mission and could guide the school to even greater accomplishments,” Reichert says. “With her experience as a library practitioner and her administrative acumen, Dr. McCartin will build upon the already noteworthy accomplishments of the iSchool.”
The director positioned appealed to McCartin because of the school’s existing strengths in teaching, research and community outreach.
“I was drawn to the social justice focus of faculty and the dedicated staff and faculty who are working to make this a top program,” she says. “I was also excited about Cocky’s Reading Express and its efforts to promote community literacy.”
Her vision for the iSchool includes capitalizing on its top-ranked Master of Library and Information Science program to enhance the school’s national reputation, growing the Bachelor of Information Science program and creating new partnerships with the business community that will help students find jobs and augment the school’s value for South Carolina communities.
McCartin holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alabama. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Meredith College.
McCartin will be moving to Columbia with her husband Charlie, who is excited to become a Gamecock; their two dogs, Chai and Louise; and J.P., their eastern box turtle, who is enthusiastic about living in sunnier climes.
McCartin is eager to engage with iSchool alumni, students and friends as well as members of the USC and Columbia community. Reach out to her on LinkedIn.