Shenise L. McGhee
Shenise McGhee is an accomplished Librarian at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), where she has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With a steadfast commitment to intellectual freedom, educational equity, and access to information, she has been instrumental in developing and promoting transformative library services that empower students and faculty alike.
At UAPB, Shenise provides leadership in digital reference services, information literacy instruction, and collection development, helping to position the university library as a dynamic center for learning and community engagement. Her dedication to student success is reflected in the creation and coordination of impactful initiatives, such as the Library Study Hall Program, the Annual Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway, and support programs that provide clinical uniforms for nursing students. Beyond her administrative and instructional roles, she serves as an advisor to two student organizations, exemplifying her commitment to mentorship, student engagement, and campus collaboration.
Before assuming her current position, Shenise served as a Multimedia Specialist at the same institution, where she developed expertise in technology integration, web content management, and multimedia communications. This experience strengthened her ability to merge technology and pedagogy, fostering innovation in teaching, learning, and digital scholarship.
Her research interests encompass intellectual freedom, open educational resources (OER), assessment, marketing, information literacy instruction, and digital librarianship. Through her scholarship and service, Shenise continues to advance the role of libraries in higher education as engines of access, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
Shenise’s professional contributions extend beyond the university through her active involvement in national and state library associations. She serves on the American Library Association (ALA) Joint Digital Content Working Group and the Committee on Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights. Her extensive service record includes leadership roles such as Past Board Member and Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee for the Arkansas Library Association, and participation on numerous ALA committees, including the Advocacy and Policy Committee, Legislation Representative and Ex Officio Member, Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS), Office for Intellectual Freedom, Gerald Hodges Intellectual Freedom Chapter Relations Award Committee (Chair), and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.
Shenise holds a Master of Science in Library Science and two Graduate Academic Certificates—Advanced Management in Libraries and Information Agencies and Digital Content Management—from the University of North Texas. She also earned a Master of Science in Higher Education from Walden University. Her scholarly work has been featured in the Arkansas Library Journal, Texas Library Journal, and Library Journal, and she serves as a peer reviewer for the Journal of New Librarianship.
A passionate advocate for learning and service, Shenise continues to shape the future of academic librarianship through her leadership, research, and community engagement. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys kickboxing, fishing, hunting, and reading.
• Advanced Management in Libraries and Information Agencies
• Digital and Content Management
• University of North Texas- Master of Science in Library Science
• Walden University- Master of Higher Education
• • Arkansas Library Association Suzanne Spurrier Academic Librarian Award, 2024
• UAPB Essence of a Woman Community Service Award, 2024
• UAPB Essence of a Woman Community Service Award, 2023
• UAPB National Association of Colored Women (L.I.F.T. Chapter) Community Award, 2024
• UAPB National Association of Colored Women (L.I.F.T. Chapter) Community Service Award, 2023
• Arkansas Library Association Intellectual Freedom Award, 2019
• Recipient, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Customer Service Award, 2018
• Recipient, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Unsung Hero Award, 2018
• Nominee, “I Love My Librarian Award,” American Library Association Initiative, 2017
• Scholarship Recipient, UNT/LIS Library Information Science Excellence, University of North Texas, 2015
• Scholarship Recipient, Educating Librarians in the Middle South (ELMS), University of North Texas, 2015 (awarded twice)
• Scholarship Recipient, UNT/LIS Library Information Science Excellence, University of North Texas
• American Heart Association
• Youth Basketball America
What do you attribute your success to?
“I attribute my success to my passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to serving my community. The path to success, for me, has been shaped by a deep love for education, a dedication to continuous learning, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Building strong professional relationships and maintaining the ability to adapt in an ever-evolving field have also been essential to my growth. Staying current with emerging technologies and research trends while always keeping the student experience at the forefront—has been the foundation of my professional journey and success.”
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never stop learning and to always keep an open mind. Every experience and every person you encounter has something valuable to teach you. Embracing that mindset has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and it continues to shape the way I approach my work and leadership.”
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to strive to make a meaningful impact by contributing to innovative programs and fostering strong student engagement. "Be fearless in pursuing your goals. This profession is constantly changing, so never stop learning and always seek to build meaningful connections with colleagues and students alike. Don't be afraid to take on leadership roles and advocate for what you believe in."
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field has been being an African American leader in a predominantly white workforce. However, this challenge also presents a powerful opportunity to inspire others, break barriers, and pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the profession.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me, both in my work and personal life, is my dedication to making a positive difference in my community. Also prioritizes values such as integrity, collaboration, and dedication to service. I believe in creating inclusive spaces where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone, especially students, can thrive.