A message from the Director

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Everyone who knew Susan Nutter or had the honor of working with her, as I did for over 15 years, is deeply saddened by her passing in March. Her many accomplishments and honors over her three decades directing the Libraries, which are touched upon in a memorial article in this issue of Focus, add up to not only a complete transformation of our organization but of this great university overall. We’ve lost an innovative leader and a wonderful friend.

Throughout the spring, the Libraries has honored Susan’s memory and legacy. We hosted a lovely memorial service and reception at the Hunt Library in late May and lit the Color Wall and Conservatory in the Hill Library purple—Susan’s favorite color. We also launched a memorial website with a wealth of resources including a timeline of her career, a look back at her impact on the Libraries, a compilation of people’s memories of Susan, and video interviews with Susan and others that offer unique insights into her vision and her accomplishments.

We are all deeply saddened, but we also still feel her spark. That is what it was like to work with Susan—electric. Her energy and style were one-of-a-kind. And her unwavering focus on student and faculty needs was inspirational. Susan’s spark is hard to capture in a memorial article, but it’s there in all of the other articles in this issue that describe the many projects and initiatives happening at the Libraries today. When you read about the major renovation underway at the Hill Library or the launch of the new Dataspace at Hunt, you’re seeing Susan’s drive to build the latest and best in learning spaces. When you read about our diversity initiatives and partnerships or our Library Leaders Scholarship winners, you’re seeing Susan’s passion to serve the university’s ever-changing student body. These activities add up to the real tribute to Susan. From the day she arrived on campus to the day she retired in 2017, she created a culture of relentless aspiration and built a staff with the drive and expertise to put it into practice for the betterment of all students and faculty at NC State.

Susan would not want us to be sad. She would want us to feel that spark. And to honor her by continuing the work.

Sincerely,

Greg Raschke

Senior Vice Provost and Director of Libraries