Richard Wilson

In the Spotlight is an opportunity for the campus community to get to know one another better. The goal is to build Eastern’s community by becoming familiar with the faces of faculty and staff members.

Date: June 1, 2011

Name: Richard Wilson

Title: Dean of Libraries

Department: EWU Libraries

Number of years at Eastern: 9 months

Brief personal/professional description: Richard lives in Spokane with Jane (social artist), a vizsla and two cats. He is the proud father of Janelle (dancer, choreographer and poet) and Carl (Nike Factory coach).

He earned a PhD in adult education from the University of Idaho; MPA in public administration from Boise State University; MA in library science from the University of Iowa; and, BA in history and social studies from Graceland University. His interests include systems thinking applications to public sector management, the practice of mindfulness and contemplation and adult education.

Prior to becoming the dean of Libraries at Eastern Washington University, he served as the Associate State Librarian for the Idaho Commission for Libraries from 2000 to 2010. He is a member of the World Future Society, Society for Organizational Learning, the past treasurer of Big Tree Arts (promoting performance poetry) and past president of the Idaho Quality Institute.

Richard owned and operated the Music Man, mobile disc jockey service, for 20 years. His music collection includes every #1 song on Billboard’s Top 40 from 1955 to 2000.

Favorite book: Messiah’s Handbook: Reminders for the Advanced Soul (Richard Bach)

Favorite movie: What’s Up Doc?

Favorite restaurant: Bittercreek Ale House (Boise, Idaho)

Favorite quote: “Change starts with the individual. So the first thing I do each morning is ask myself, ‘Why do I strongly believe what I believe?’ Constantly examine your own assumptions.” ~Arno Penzias

Favorite vacation: Manzanita, Ore.

If I could do anything today I would: Be effortlessly present in each moment.