Criss Library Announces Leadership Update

In the summer of 2025, Dean of Library Services Dave Richards stepped down after accepting a new appointment as Dean of the Library at Missouri State University, where he previously served as head of special collections and archives. We are grateful for Dean Richards’ leadership and contributions over the last 10 years and wish him all the best in his new post.

Candice Batton, PhD., Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, has been charged with administrative oversight of Criss Library during the transition and search for the next Dean. In her role as Associate Vice Chancellor, Batton is responsible for academic strategic planning and for faculty affairs across the campus. She has worked in Academic Affairs for the last 10 years and has also served as Director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, where she has a faculty appointment.

Criss Library is also delighted to welcome two new directors. Tammi Owens, who has been at Criss Library since 2016, in the role of the First Year Engagement Librarian, became the Director of Research and Instruction Services in February 2025. Owens is deeply committed to mentoring students in information seeking and retrieval, mindfully connecting with students in the classroom and throughout the university, and caring for the whole student through academic and social support.

We also welcomed Christine Fullerton as the Director of Access Services. Fullerton came to the University of Nebraska at Omaha in July of 2025 from Chadron State College and brings with her years of library experience and a broad range of skills. She is excited to return to UNO where she earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology. Fullerton assumes responsibilities for leading a team responsible for circulation, reserves, interlibrary loan, public spaces, and more.

Additional members of the library leadership team are Amy Schindler, Director of Archives and Special Collections, Kris Tuel, Director of Discovery Services, and Beau Malnack, Business Manager.

About Criss Library

The Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library fulfills the UNO mission through dynamic services, highly qualified and adaptive personnel, unique and extensive collections, and accessible learning spaces and environments. With its location on UNO’s Dodge Campus, Criss Library provides UNO students, faculty and staff, and the Omaha community with the resources and materials needed to excel academically and professionally.