On July 14, David Richards will become the new dean of Missouri State University Libraries.
He replaces former longtime dean Tom Peters, who retired in December 2024.
“We’re thrilled to welcome David back to Missouri State. His student-centered approach, multidimensional experience and commitment to the community will be great assets as we continue to nurture and strengthen our library services,” said Dr. Tamera Jahnke, interim provost.
More about Richards
Richards previously worked at Missouri State Libraries, joining in 1997. He served as head of Meyer Library’s Special Collections and Archives until 2016, when he joined the Criss Library at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) as dean of library services.
Richards’ career highlights include the implementation of UNO Libraries’ Open Educational Resources initiative in concert with Open Nebraska, a move that resulted in student savings of more than $2 million over a six-year period. During his leadership of the Criss Library, fundraising milestones include the library’s largest in-kind gift and one of its largest support gifts.
Members of the Springfield community will recall his work to develop and launch Missouri State’s “Rare Wine, Rare Books” event, which has become a beloved summer tradition. He brings great expertise to this role, along with enthusiasm for Missouri State’s mission and our libraries’ place in the cultural life of the Ozarks.
Richards holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a Master of Arts in European History from Western Illinois University. He also has a Master of Library and Information Science from Louisiana State University.
“It’s a rare and humbling privilege to return to an institution where one’s early career thrived. I’m honored by this opportunity to give back and serve an institution that enabled my career to flourish for almost 20 years,” Richards said.
“I’m thrilled to reunite with the Meyer Library team, Missouri State students, faculty and staff, and with Springfield!”