Houston Daily

Christina H. Gola has been named the new dean of University of Houston Libraries, following formal approval by the UH System Board of Regents on August 21. She will begin her tenure in the permanent role starting September 1.

Gola brings over 16 years of experience at the University of Houston Libraries, having most recently served as interim dean since March 2024. In previous roles, she was Associate Dean for Organizational Development, Learning and Talent, holding the rank of full librarian. During her time as interim dean, she focused on building strategic partnerships, expanding study spaces, upgrading technologies, and supporting the growth of collections.

“I’m honored and excited to lead UH Libraries into its next chapter,” Gola said. “This is a transformative moment for our university, and I’m proud to contribute to its ambitious goals.”

The University of Houston Libraries system supports student learning and research through various branches including MD Anderson Library and its Special Collections; William R. Jenkins Architecture, Design, and Art Library; Health Sciences Library; Medical Library; and Music Library. The libraries provide resources that connect faculty, scholars, and students with information intended to spark discovery.

“Libraries are at the heart of higher education,” Gola said. “Whether through student success or research excellence, our mission is to expand knowledge and foster discovery. UH Libraries fulfills this mission by curating and preserving collections that spark inquiry, support scholarship, and connect our community to broader academic conversations.”

Gola’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University—where she also worked as Coordinator of Undergraduate Education and Outreach—and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of North Texas.

She credits her decision to join UH to a meeting in 2009 with former Dean Dana Rooks who shared President Renu Khator’s vision for making UH a Tier One public research university.

“That vision resonated deeply with me and sparked my desire to be part of UH’s journey,” Gola said. “Since then, UH has continued to reach new heights, and the University’s ambition has fueled my own professional growth. It’s been a privilege to contribute to the evolution of UH Libraries and to support the University’s broader goals.”

One priority for Gola as dean is continuing work on the Reimagined Library initiative—an effort aimed at transforming library services for future generations at UH.

“Our vision is to become a research library that exemplifies collaboration, community, and convergence—a true reflection of a Top 50 Public University,” she said. “We will achieve this by rethinking how we steward and provide access to our print collections; designing flexible, collaborative, and inspiring spaces; and developing services that champion open scholarship and foster interdisciplinary research.”

Beyond her work at UH Libraries, Gola has contributed professionally through organizations such as the Texas Library Association where she served as president from 2020–2021.

“Christina brings a wealth of institutional and industry knowledge to this role,” said UH Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Diane Z. Chase. “Her passion for our libraries and UH’s community makes her an outstanding fit as dean. I am confident that she will accomplish great things for both UH Libraries and the University of Houston.”