In the past few weeks, as well-wishes and farewells have poured in, I’ve given a lot of thought about my time as dean of library services at Fresno State.  

During my final interview with the library staff at Howard University, I was struck by the importance of the moment. I shared that I was interviewing at such an iconic place, a place that has meant so much to my family, my community, and how proud my parents would have been. I shared at that moment how appreciative I was for the opportunity because my parents met at an HBCU and how my career journey may end at an HBCU.

And Fresno State has been a significant part of that journey, I take nothing for granted. So, I will focus on the gifts I’ve received from my time here in California’s Central Valley.

Indigenous Stories

Moving to the Central Valley was an eye-opening experience, creating in me a bond and a solidarity acknowledgment of the Native American experience. For the first time in my life, I experienced a place where the Indigenous history of the land was acknowledged and grappled with. We all add the land acknowledgment in our email signatures, but I will bring a new one to Howard University; I am moving to the land of the Piscataway and Patuxent Peoples and the pride of really understanding what it means to stand on hallowed ground and be in the midst of Native American cultures for five years is a gift I will have for the rest of my life. Any place I travel to in the Americas now, I want to know the name of the sovereign nation and the people where it sits.

Library Staff

We have done so much together,  but I am particularly gratified that we completed a strategic plan last year and you now have a road map and guidepost to move forward. I am proud of our work together. You can continue on and shape things in the direction of your future. You are an amazing group, full of talent, dedication, and hope. The greater heights that you want to attain are just within reach and I hope you will remember that. Your journey is not a solitary one and it can’t be narrowly focused by a few, so aim high.

In the library, we often hear that we are the centerpiece, the heartbeat of the campus. But always remember that you are a critical partner in the research enterprise at Fresno State. Everything you do, from providing a space of discovery to providing support to our students, and giving them a sense of belonging — it all matters in the scholarly enterprise. We play a huge role in the success of all scholarly pursuits, innovation, and research.

This beautiful library is a gem in the Valley and the CSU with world-class collections and resources. You have the Grapevine Magazine, of which I am so proud, and you will continue to build the record of ethnic peoples, their histories, and experiences.

I am so proud of all that we have accomplished together, what we have learned from each other, and how we have grown together. All that I have learned from you, made this next opportunity possible. I will take all that you have shared with me, the insights and wisdom, into my next chapter. 

And Fresno State

Thank you for a unique leadership opportunity. The role of dean brought me to the great West Coast and introduced me to cultures, issues, and the natural beauty that I will truly miss. Thank you for opportunities for advancement; opportunities to collaborate; and opportunities to learn and grow.

Del Hornbuckle

Former Fresno State Dean of Library Services

Executive Director of Libraries at Howard University