Christina H. Gola has devoted more than 16 years to the 91猎奇 Libraries. As interim dean, she has built strategic partnerships, expanded study spaces, upgraded technologies, and supported the growth of collections.
Her focus on advancing UH Libraries will be further strengthened as she steps into a permanent leadership role. On Aug. 21, the UH System Board of Regents formally approved Gola as UH Libraries鈥� next dean. She will officially start in this position on Sept. 1.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored and excited to lead UH Libraries into its next chapter,鈥� Gola said. 鈥淭his is a transformative moment for our university, and I鈥檓 proud to contribute to its ambitious goals.鈥�
Gola, a third-generation librarian, has served as interim dean since March 2024 and previously worked as UH Libraries鈥� Associate dean for Organizational Development, Learning and Talent, while holding the rank of full librarian.
UH Libraries supports the University community by offering resources for student learning and contributing to groundbreaking research and creative work. The Libraries also connects faculty, scholars, and students with information that sparks discovery and expands knowledge. On campus, UH Libraries includes MD Anderson Library and its Special Collections; William R. Jenkins Architecture, Design, and Art Library; Health Sciences Library; Medical Library; and Music Library.
鈥淟ibraries are at the heart of higher education,鈥� Gola said. 鈥淲hether 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.鈥�
Before joining UH, Gola served her alma mater, Texas A&M University, as Coordinator of Undergraduate Education and Outreach. She earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science and government from that institution and later completed a master鈥檚 degree in library and information science at the University of North Texas.
She was inspired to join UH following a 2009 meeting with former UH Libraries Dean Dana Rooks, who shared President Renu Khator鈥檚 vision for UH to become a Tier One public research university.
鈥淭hat vision resonated deeply with me and sparked my desire to be part of UH鈥檚 journey,鈥� Gola said. 鈥淪ince then, UH has continued to reach new heights, and the University鈥檚 ambition has fueled my own professional growth. It鈥檚 been a privilege to contribute to the evolution of UH Libraries and to support the University鈥檚 broader goals.鈥�
Among her priorities as dean is continuing the Reimagined Library initiative, an ambitious project designed to evolve the University鈥檚 library landscape to meet the needs of a new generation of Cougars.
鈥淥ur vision is to become a research library that exemplifies collaboration, community, and convergence鈥攁 true reflection of a Top 50 Public University,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�
Gola鈥檚 influence on library and information science extends beyond UH. She has been active in professional organizations such as the Texas Library Association, where she served as president from 2020 to 2021.
鈥淐hristina brings a wealth of institutional and industry knowledge to this role,鈥� said UH Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Diane Z. Chase. 鈥淗er passion for our libraries and UH鈥檚 community makes her an outstanding fit as dean. I am confident that she will accomplish great things for both UH Libraries and the 91猎奇.鈥�