Welcome CSN's New Library Director: Che Gant
CSN Libraries would like to give a warm welcome to our new permanent director, Chewala “Che” Gant. He has just relocated from Colorado where he served as the Library Director at Front Range Community College’s Boulder campus. Che comes to us with experience in fostering a collaborative institutional culture, instruction, and leadership in advocating for student/staff needs. Che has kindly answered a few questions for us to get to know him better:
Where are you originally from and where have you worked along the way?
I’m originally from Louisiana, but moved to Denver, Colorado when I was in first grade. I was a preschool teacher for 11 years and I was a nanny for multiple families for 5 years following my time as a preschool teacher. I volunteered and worked for Denver Public Library, Douglas County Libraries, Arapahoe Library District, Anythink Libraries as a shelver, clerk, programmer and librarian for all ages. I purposefully volunteered and worked for different districts so I could learn “how to” and “how not-to” operate libraries and enhance library services when I earned a leadership position. I have worked for CU Boulder Libraries as an intern in the reference and Instruction department and Bowling Green State University as a Resident Librarian. I worked for Wayne State University as an Interdisciplinary Librarian and I’ve been at Front Range Community College – Boulder County Campus since the beginning of Covid as Library Director.
Why did you choose to work at CSN?
I chose CSN because, while it shares similarities with my previous institution, this position allows me to connect with new people, apply my collective experience, and get the word out about how awesome libraries are.
What do you like to do for fun?
I often joke that I work diligently to be the most boring man alive. Recently, I have discovered the painful, but rewarding joys of hiking. I like to read articles and write stories. I like driving and discovering “new to me” places. Despite past goals to be more boring, I really am open to making new experiences so if you dear reader have suggestions, please let me know.
What are you most looking forward to experiencing here in Las Vegas?
I’m looking forward to memorizing all of your names and finding ways to better support you as you continue to make libraries awesome!
What do you feel is your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
Personal accomplishment - I think just being here now is a big deal. I have lived many lives and have been in many awful situations. I survived and it has made me who I am today.
Professional accomplishment - I was the first and loudest voice in bringing 12 of the 13 Colorado Community College System Libraries (CCCS Libraries) together to expand database offerings, access, and collaboration between otherwise separate college libraries.