Sally Dockter named interim head of Chester Fritz Library

University of North Dakota Provost Eric Link has selected Sally Dockter as interim dean for the Chester Fritz Library. Currently, Dockter serves as assistant dean of the library and head of public services.

Link indicated that his office is preparing a national search for the next permanent dean, and that Dockter’s role will begin Aug. 16, following current dean Stephanie Walker’s departure.

“The Chester Fritz Library continues to provide outstanding services to the students, faculty, and staff of the University of North Dakota,” Link said. “And we are thankful that this great work will continue under the leadership of Sally Dockter, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of Interim Dean, having worked as a key member of the leadership team in the Chester Fritz Library for many years.”

As interim dean, Dockter will assume the full responsibilities of leading the Chester Fritz Library and UND’s research libraries, as well as art collections.

Dockter, a Grand Forks native and UND graduate, has been with the Chester Fritz Library since 1991. Starting as a reference librarian, she eventually became head of her department. Most recently, she was named head of public services at the library.

“It is an honor to serve as interim dean,” Dockter said. “I’m following in Stephanie’s footsteps, keeping the momentum going for Chester Fritz Library until a new dean is found.”

About Sally Dockter

Dockter graduated from UND in 1978 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Anthropology and History. In the early 1980s, she spent time working for the University at an archaeology field station in western North Dakota. From there, Dockter earned a teaching degree from Minot State University in 1989 and a Master of Library and Information Science degree at Indiana University in 1990.

After working for a year at the North Dakota State Library, UND hired Dockter in 1991 as a reference librarian. Through her decades of service to UND, she has served on regional and national-level committees and was president of the North Dakota Library Association from 2001 to 2002.