Davis-Millis appointed Director of Community Support & Staff Development

Libraries prioritize promotion of healthy and inclusive environment

By on May 13, 2015 in All news

The MIT Libraries are pleased to announce the appointment ofNina Davis-Millis Nina Davis-Millis to the newly created position of Director of Community Support and Staff Development for the MIT Libraries.

In her announcement, Director of Libraries Chris Bourg stated that the position has been established to ensure that the Libraries prioritize the promotion of a healthy and inclusive environment at MIT, following the recent recommendations of the Institute Community and Equity Office report. By this action the Libraries are committing resources and focus to the issues of advancing a respectful and caring community at MIT while also redoubling efforts to promote and protect the wellbeing of students.

The Director of Community Support and Staff Development will provide leadership in two broad categories:

  • Externally, to develop and coordinate library activities around student health and wellbeing which will include: exploring ways to enhance the academic and residential experience for students; cultivating relationships with student-focused offices on campus; and working with staff in- and outside the Libraries to expand and develop programming around wellness, stress relief and crisis response.
  • Internally, to partner with existing staff groups to promote an inclusive and supportive working environment; cultivate partnerships with diversity stakeholders across MIT; and serve as a resource for library staff, programs and projects promoting diversity, inclusion, social justice, and community. Also included in this internal scope is leadership and coordination of established and future staff development programs.

Davis-Millis brings to the position advanced degrees in Library Science and Educational Psychology; nearly 38 years as a librarian in a variety of capacities; and 20 years as a Housemaster at Random Hall. Through these experiences she has established deep connections and trusted relationships with faculty, administrative staff, students, and library staff, which will serve her well in fostering important partnerships and collaborations across campus.