Tim Pyatt, Dean of ZSR Library at Wake Forest University, has received the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries’ “Outstanding Leadership Award.” ASERL Board President Chris Cox presented the award to Dean Pyatt on April 25 – National Libraries Workers’ Day – during ASERL ‘s 2023 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA.
Pyatt was surprised by his colleagues with this award in honor of his service on ASERL’s Board of Directors, as he concluded six years of service as a Member-At-Large, Secretary/Treasurer, and President. Pyatt commented, “I am so appreciative of the recognition. ASERL has really helped me grow as a dean and I value the friends and colleagues I have gained by being an ASERL member.” Pyatt is one of very few ASERL members to have held all three elected positions in ASERL’s long history. He served as President during the pandemic shutdown and worked to keep the membership engaged and programs moving forward when groups could only meet virtually. Also during his tenure, Pyatt helped update the organization’s bylaws, drafted ASERL’s Values Statement on Diversity and Inclusion, and oversaw tremendous growth in programming supporting DEI, accessibility, and resource sharing. In March 2022, Pyatt convened the organization’s first in-person membership meeting since 2019. The Outstanding Leadership Award is ASERL’s most prestigious award; this is only the second time it has been awarded.