Charles Deering McCormick University Librarian and Dean of Libraries Xuemao Wang will step down at the end of the 2026-27 academic year, outgoing Provost Kathleen Hagerty announced in a Tuesday news release.
Wang has held the role since 2022, leading more than 170 faculty and staff while administering the University Libraries, the Northwestern University Press and shared services with NU’s law, medical and NU-Qatar libraries.
His resignation follows the resignation of Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences Dean Adrian Randolph, announced June 24, and comes as the University will see a new president and provost in the upcoming academic year.
Wang oversaw Deering Library’s renovation, which was funded by philanthropic gifts raised by Wang and predecessor Sarah Pritchard. His work also included the digitization of the libraries’ special collections, launch of the NU Data Library and restructuring of a large publisher contract.
“Whether through the establishment of grant-funded digital learning projects or partnerships across national organizations, Xuemao Wang has helped enhance Northwestern’s national visibility and reputation as an academic leader,” Hagerty said in the release. “We appreciate his contributions as the University Libraries and Press continue their ascent through his final year as dean.”
During his time at NU, the University Libraries established the Undergraduate Archival Research Project Prize, cash prizes awarded to research and analysis on historical topics using primary sources. The University Libraries also expanded course-integrated instruction with the special collections and archives.
Wang created new partnerships through digital scholarship programs and continued several programs, including the Graduate Library Orientation and Welcome and Wildcat Welcome.
“Xuemao Wang’s leadership within our community and through national partnerships has helped ensure Northwestern’s libraries will remain vital centers of learning, discovery, collaboration and growth for future generations of scholars,” interim President Henry Bienen said in the release.
Prior to his role at NU, Wang led the University of Cincinnati library system as dean and university librarian and vice provost of digital scholarship. He also held library leadership roles at Emory University and Johns Hopkins University.
The University plans to begin the search for Wang’s successor “at a later date,” Hagerty said in the release.
“I have been proud and honored to lead Northwestern’s libraries and press,” Wang said in the release. “While I step away next summer, my focus remains on our dedicated librarian faculty and staff, and all that we will accomplish together over the coming year in support of Northwestern’s community of remarkable scholars.”
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