The advisory committee was established to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Dean Simon Neame’s leadership and effectiveness as head of the University Libraries at the University of Washington. This review, mandated by Executive Order No. 20, occurs at regular five-year intervals to ensure that the dean’s performance aligns with the university’s academic mission, strategic priorities, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The committee’s charge includes assessing Dean Neame’s contributions to advancing academic quality, managing resources, fostering collaboration, and supporting the vitality of the university’s teaching and research missions.
Committee members
- Rovy Branon, Vice Provost, Continuum College, Chair
- Negeen Aghassibake, Data Management and Analysis Librarian, UW Seattle
- Cecilia Aragon, Professor, Human Centered Design and Engineering, College of Engineering
- Nia Lam, Media Studies Librarian, UW Bothell
- Nicole Mitchell, Director, UW Press
- Lauren Ray, Open Education Librarian, UW Seattle
- Sion Romaine, Director, Acquisitions and Rapid Cataloging, UW Seattle
- Peter Tarczy-Hornoch, Chair and Professor, Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education,
Medicine - Carla Wale, Teaching Professor and Director, MLIS Law Librarianship Program, Information School
- Megan Watson, Head of Collections and Scholarship, UW Tacoma
Charge letter
Dear Colleagues:
Thank you for agreeing to serve on the advisory committee to review the performance of Simon Neame, Dean of University Libraries. This review is being conducted pursuant to Executive Order No. 20, available in the University Policy Directory, which requires that standard reviews of the appointees who head major administrative and academic units be undertaken at periodic five-year intervals. My particular thanks to Rovy Branon, Vice Provost for Curriculum College, for his willingness to chair this review.
The purpose of this review is to evaluate the performance of Simon Neame and to assess his overall effectiveness as Dean of University Libraries. Please see the attached job description to guide your review as you assess Dean Neame’s leadership and engagement. Some of the critical features to be
addressed in the review include Dean Neame’s leadership in advancing academic quality at UW, ensuring the vitality of the UW’s teaching mission, managing the resources and budget of the unit, advancing the goals and vision of the University Libraries and the university more broadly, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, expanding university-wide collaborations, and engaging broadly with internal and external UW communities.
In addition to the guidance provided in Executive Order No. 20, the review committee is specifically asked to solicit input on Dean Neame from all personnel in the University Libraries and any other appropriate UW or external groups. I would appreciate it if the committee would complete its work by the end of April 2026. Your confidential report should be submitted directly to me.
Thank you once again for your help and your willingness to assist me in this endeavor. Your service is much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Tricia R. Serio
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Professor, Biochemistry