NCSU Libraries Focus Online

Volume 24 number 3 - Spring 2004

By Kathy Brown, Planning and Research

On December 11, 2003, a festive group gathered in the D. H. Hill Library to celebrate the career of June Brotherton, associate director for administration and advancement, who retired at the end of December after nearly three decades of service to the state of North Carolina. At the event, Vice Provost and Director of Libraries Susan K. Nutter described Brotherton's impact on the Libraries and announced that Governor Michael F. Easley had awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine to Brotherton for her service to the state.

Brotherton started her career as a historical researcher and audiovisual assistant for the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources in Raleigh while pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University. She spent four years as an editor and writer for publications that included Georgia Farmer, South Carolina Farmer-Grower, Pecan South, Carolina Country, and an alumni magazine at NC State. This was followed by more than a decade as a public relations and communications specialist for the city of Charlotte, for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, and for NC State's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Her administrative positions at NCSU included assistant to the chancellor, head of the Department of Agricultural Communications in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, executive assistant to the chancellor, director of government relations, associate vice chancellor for extension, and assistant to the chancellor for government relations.

Brotherton also earned a master's degree in public administration from NC State, and she is a graduate of the Governor's Executive Management Program. She is a member of the honorary society Phi Kappa Phi, and she was honored as outstanding alumna of the university's M.P.A. program in 1999.

In 2000 Brotherton joined the NCSU Libraries, where her portfolio included facilities and facilities planning, finance and business, and development activities. Under her leadership, the Libraries developed a master plan to guide its future growth.

In the course of her remarkable career, Brotherton became a familiar face to commissioners, chancellors, legislators, extension agents, faculty, employees in numerous state agencies, and citizens throughout the state.

Those who attended Brotherton's retirement reception shared memories and much laughter. NC State's mascot Ms. Wuf emerged from her den to make a surprise appearance and to extend her congratulations to a true Wolfpack fan. NC State Professor Haig Khachatoorian (Industrial Design) recognized her contributions to Phi Kappa Phi, including a term as president of the NCSU chapter.

Brotherton will be equally busy during her retirement. She is now executive director for the Friends of Residents in Long Term Care, a nonprofit organization based in Raleigh, and is frequenting the halls of the legislature once again.