Rockhurst University Names New Director of Greenlease Library

Rockhurst University has named Laura Horne-Popp as the next director of the Greenlease Library, effective June 1.

Horne-Popp comes to Rockhurst from the University of Central Missouri, where she serves as assistant university librarian of the James C. Kirkpatrick Library. She brings to her new role extensive experience in all aspects of library operations and information services. Her instruction and research consultation experience have assisted students, faculty and nonprofits in increasing their information literacy.

In May, Horne-Popp will complete coursework for a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She holds a master’s degree in library and information services from the University of Washington.

“The rapidly evolving role of the academic library requires an innovative and flexible leader with a long-term vision to oversee this key asset,” said Douglas N. Dunham, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Laura Horne-Popp will fill this need and help us advance the Greenlease Library as a premier resource for our students and faculty.”

At Greenlease Library, Horne-Popp will oversee the strategic direction of the library, including staff in research and learning services, and content management and discovery services. The library also houses University archives and in 2017 was honored for a century of service in the Federal Depository Library Program.

Joining a University that’s preparing to reevaluate its library’s physical space is exciting, said Horne-Popp.

“The idea of reimagining the building and transforming it into a learning commons that will enrich the services we provide to students and faculty offers many opportunities,” she said. “With the library’s growing focus on information literacy, what could be more timely and relevant to today’s society?”

Horne-Popp replaces Laurie Hathman who will retire from Rockhurst University after 36 years of service, 14 of them as the library director.