After more than 22 years of service at UH Libraries, John Lehner will retire effective October 1.

John Lehner, associate dean for resource management at University of Houston Libraries, announced his retirement effective October 1.

Lehner joined UH Libraries in 1998 as the human resources director, overseeing searches for librarian positions and streamlining the search process. In 2006, Lehner stepped into his current role, administering the budget, facilities, and business operations of the Libraries, as well as directing library technology services, metadata and digitization services, library human resources, and assessment and statistics. He was promoted to the rank of librarian in 2013, and two years later, was appointed to the Ambassador Kenneth R. Franzheim Endowed Professorship.

“John has served the Libraries laudably,” said Athena Jackson, dean of UH Libraries and Elizabeth D. Rockwell chair. “He exemplifies unwavering dedication to the University and the profession, and is a model of collegiality and advocacy that extends well beyond the Libraries. I’d like to thank John for his service and wish him the best on his well-earned retirement.”

Prior to UH Libraries, Lehner was chair of the Academic Program Support Division at Arizona State University West Library; and business, economics, and law bibliographer at University at Albany-SUNY Libraries. Lehner’s previous professional experience includes the Palm Beach Countywide Planning Council and Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning and Building Department as executive director.

Lehner’s prolific service to the profession of librarianship includes committee chair appointments within the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), the American Library Association (ALA), Texas Library Association (TLA), and other organizations. He has served on a number of university and library committees with charges related to personnel searches, strategic planning, and building projects. He has published and presented on research areas such as recruitment and retention in academic libraries, personnel selection, and emotional intelligence.

Lehner holds a Master of Library Science degree from University at Albany-SUNY, Master of Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, Master of Business Administration from Tulane University, Master of City Planning from University of Pennsylvania, Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law, and Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work for outstanding deans, and the pleasure of working with outstanding colleagues,” Lehner said. “I will miss the excitement of working in such a dynamic organization. I am leaving UH with gratitude for the wonderful professional opportunities I’ve had here.”