July 1, 2022 (Chattanooga, TN) --- Chattanooga State’s Dwight Hunter will officially step into the role of president for the Tennessee Library Association (TNLA) for the 2022-2023 year on July 1 after serving as vice president/president elect during 2021-2022. Hunter, a librarian in Chattanooga State’s Kolwyck Library and Information Commons (KLIC) since 1992, holds a master’s degree in Information Systems (MSIS) from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. 

“TNLA represents all libraries and all librarians across the state,” explained Hunter. “Representatives from Academic libraries, Public libraries, School libraries, Special libraries, and from Trustees/Friends of Library sit on the Executive Board along with the elected officers.”

As president, Hunter’s goal is to support internal communications among all of the groups and promote professional growth within their profession. An additional goal is to bring in like-minded statewide associations who can help TNLA strengthen their advocacy efforts. “I hope to keep TNLA as strong as it is now through our intellectual freedom and legislative committees to keep TNLA in the forefront of advocating and supporting all libraries and librarians,” stated Mr. Hunter.

“I am proud of Dwight for his involvement in the Tennessee Library Association,” said Susan Jennings, dean of Chattanooga State Library Services. “As a former president of the TNLA, I am so proud of Dwight’s service to our profession as well as to our campus. His presidency shines a bright light on the amazing things all kinds of libraries across the state are accomplishing for their patrons as well as highlighting all the things that he and his amazing colleagues working at Chattanooga State are doing here at our wonderful library. I know Dwight will continue to accomplish great things in his career,” added Ms. Jennings.

Dwight is already looking forward to the 2023 TNLA annual conference next April in Memphis where workshops will provide much needed information and networking for all who attend. “I believe our librarians across the state are stars - I hope to celebrate our work and efforts during the next 12 months,” shared Hunter, who will then continue to serve on the TNLA Executive Board in 2023-2024 as immediate past president.