Lauren Pressley named next Dean of Z. Smith Reynolds Library

January 9, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Lauren Pressley as the next Dean of Z. Smith Reynolds Library, effective July 1, 2025. This exciting news has just been posted on Inside WFU, and I encourage you to read the full announcement here.

Lauren will be returning to Wake Forest from the University of Washington Libraries, where she currently serves as Senior Associate Dean for Research and Learning Services. In this role, she provides strategic vision and oversight for most Seattle campus libraries’ public services, subject and functional librarian roles, and all libraries’ locations. She also serves in a deputy role for the tri-campus Libraries Dean.

A distinguished leader in academic libraries, Lauren brings an exceptional combination of innovative leadership, deep expertise in academic libraries, demonstrated commitment to advancing student success and faculty research, and powerful community-building skills. Her vision for the future of academic libraries and her track record of successful organizational transformation make her the ideal leader to guide ZSR Library into its next chapter of excellence and innovation.”

Please join me in warmly welcoming Lauren to the Wake Forest community. I look forward to working closely with her and with all of you to advance our shared commitment to academic excellence.

Best regards,

Michele Gillespie
Provost