Kimmetha (Kim) Herndon has been named director of the university library and librarian at Samford University effective July 1. The announcement was made June 4 by Samford Provost J. Bradley Creed following a year-long national search.

Herndon comes from Shorter College, Rome, Ga., where she has been on the staff of Livingston Library since 1989. Most recently, she had been dean of libraries since 2001. At Samford, Herndon will oversee a collection that now exceeds 1 million volumes.

"Samford is fortunate to have found someone who brings outstanding administrative and academic credentials to our ever-expanding library system," Creed said. "With our increased emphasis on undergraduate research and expanding academic programs, Kim Herndon is the ideal person to help lead our libraries."

Herndon received a bachelor of science in agricultural economics from the University of Georgia and a master of library science degree from the University of Alabama. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Library Association and the Southeastern Library Association.

Herndon replaces Jean Thomason, who retired in June 2007 after 11 years as Samford's library director. Suzanne Peterson has served as interim director and will return to her full-time role as associate librarian and collection management coordinator.

"Samford's library staff, under the very capable leadership of Sue Peterson, has ensured that we have continued to progress," Creed added. "The university is very grateful for their dedicated service at all times, but especially during this year of transition."