Xan Arch joins Portland State as Dean of the University Library

Portland State University named Xan Arch as the Dean of the PSU Library. Arch is the current Dean of the Library at the University of Portland and will cross the river to Portland State to take on her new role on August 1, 2024.

"Xan is a proven leader in library services and her expertise in serving first-generation students is especially well-suited for the Portland State community as so many of our students are the first in their families to attend college," said interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Shelly Chabon. "We are delighted to welcome her into this role and to PSU."

In her current position, Arch has developed library initiatives to support student success and belonging within the library. Prior to joining the University of Portland, Arch worked in collections management at both Reed College and Stanford University.

"As a Portland native, I have long admired PSU's mission and commitment to serve the city, as well as the dedicated Millar Library team," Arch said. "I look forward to working with and learning from my new colleagues."

Arch earned a Master of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University, and a Master of Arts in English Literature and BA in English and French Literatures from Stanford
University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education and Leadership from Pacific
University.

Chabon expressed her heartfelt thanks to Michael Bowman, Interim University Library Dean since 2020 for his long service and unwavering commitment to the Library and to PSU. She also offered her deepest gratitude to the University Library Dean Search Committee which was chaired by the Dean of the College of the Arts Leroy Bynum Jr.