Leo S. Lo, who currently serves as dean of the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences at the University of New Mexico, has been appointed the University of Virginia’s next University librarian and dean of libraries, effective Sept. 15.
“We had an outstanding slate of finalists, and I’m excited that Leo will be joining us to lead the UVA Library into its third century,” said Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Brie Gertler. “He brings a wealth of experience to the position, and his expertise in AI literacy will be invaluable in helping to equip our students and faculty for a world permeated by this technology.”
Lo poses in front of the Rotunda on a recent visit to Grounds. He will step into his new role on Sept. 15. (Contributed photo)
Lo has spent the past 15 years in leadership roles at university libraries, championing open education, expanding data-driven library services, and positioning libraries as crucial partners in teaching and research. He is active in professional organizations and serves as president of the Association of College and Research Libraries, where he established the Task Force on AI Competencies for Library Workers.
“Joining UVA as University librarian and dean of libraries is about embracing possibilities and honoring Thomas Jefferson’s vision of the library as the intellectual heart of the University,” Lo said. “It’s also about preserving history while actively engaging with new technologies. I’m eager to partner with UVA’s extraordinary students, faculty and staff to ensure the libraries continue to inspire, empower and connect our community through innovative and meaningful experiences.”
In his current position, Lo leads a $20 million enterprise encompassing UNM’s University Libraries, UNM Press, and the Organization, Information & Learning Sciences academic programs. One of his hallmark achievements is securing a $2.125 million federal grant to establish the New Mexico Open Educational Resources Consortium, which now saves students more than $400,000 annually.
Under his leadership, private giving surged from 109% of the goal in his first year to a projected 817% in his fourth year. He also created a campus-wide AI Literacy Initiative blending workshops, upskilling programs and an online resource hub.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled about Leo’s appointment as dean of libraries at UVA,” Dean of the School of Education and Human Development Stephanie Rowley, who chaired the search committee, said. “We were deeply impressed by his extensive experience leading outstanding academic libraries and his strong values related to student support, community engagement and technological innovation.”
Lo earned his doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania and a postgraduate diploma in AI from the University of Oxford. He also earned graduate degrees in survey research, library and information studies, and screenwriting from the University of Connecticut, Florida State University and Hollins University, respectively. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.
