Dr. Michael Kelly
A stalwart in building UTSA’s library was remembered March 5 at a dedication ceremony for the newly renovated Michael Kelly Commons staff area at the John Peace Library on the Main Campus.
Michael Kelly, who joined UTSA in the early 1970s, was the first director and dean of the UTSA libraries, serving under four presidents during his tenure. While at UTSA, he chaired the Council of Research and Academic Libraries in San Antonio and the UT System Librarians Organization from 1990 to 2002. Kelly died in 2006.
Washington, D.C., lawyer David C. Frederick, brother of UTSA Provost John H. Frederick, spoke at the dedication about the central role libraries play in the academic world and the contributions of library professionals such as Kelly.
David Johnson, UTSA vice provost for academic and faculty support and former interim dean of the UTSA Library, worked with Kelly for several years and credits him with building the library’s initial collections under budget constraints. Kelly also was credited with instituting a student library resource fee that has enabled the UTSA Library to add to collections and staffing levels to support the growing university.
“Prior to his death, Mike asked that his friends make contributions to a staff development fund,” said Johnson. “That money has been used to fund staff who are seeking to enhance their skills by earning college and professional degrees.”
- Kris Rodriguez
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