Dean Chui-chun Lee of the Sojourner Truth Library (STL) is retiring after more than 40 years of service.
“I look forward to a new chapter of my life and the opportunities to explore things that I’ve not had time to do while working,” said Lee.
Lee began her career at STL as an assistant to the librarian in 1969. From there, she held numerous positions including director of the library from 1995 to 2008. She assumed her current role in 2008.
Lee said one of her many accomplishments lies in her staff. She said she has been very fortunate to be able to work with a team of talented and dedicated librarians and staff over the years.
“Together we have accomplished a great deal, particularly in the areas of enhancing information services and resources through innovative technologies,” said Lee. “Integrating the information literacy component into [General Education] courses, establishing liaison programs with academic departments and creating the Friends of the Library to promote outreach activities.”
Upon her retirement, Lee will miss New Paltz. Lee said it’s the people with whom she’s worked closely with for many years that she will miss the most.
Lee received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence and Librarianship in 1989.
She said she will continue to learn upon retiring. A colleague once called her “a perpetual student.”
“I think what I am going to in the future is to continue to learn, whether it will be a new skill, experience, or career,” said Lee.
Her retirement brings opportunity for new leadership and for new projects to begin at the library.
“We have a number of important unfinished projects, such as library renovation and reorganization. The new dean will see them to fruition, as well as to take our already efficient services to the next level,” said Lee.
Lee received her Bachelor’s in English from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and received two Master’s degrees from Syracuse University in library science and English literature. Lee later earned a Master’s in Asian studies from New York University and a doctorate from SUNY Albany.
The retirement reception for Lee is scheduled for Dec. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the pre-event space outside the Multipurpose Room in the Student Union.