Title: Director, Library Lead Administrator
Company: West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Location: Beckley, WV United States

For as long as Mary Strife can remember, she has wanted to be a librarian. She pursued that passion, and has spent the past 16 years in a variety of positions at Evansdale Library at West Virginia University Institute of Technology. In her current role as the director and lead library administrator, Ms. Strife enjoys having the opportunity to make a difference. She also completes research and lab work.

The biggest challenge Ms. Strife faced was getting her male superiors to take her seriously. She has succeeded with the help of the wonderful professional network she has built, however, and was honored to have been chosen to take two libraries and convert them. Ms. Strife hopes to continue to grow in her field moving forward. She is motivated by the students who come back and thank her for making a difference in their lives.

In her spare time, Ms. Strife loves reading, doing puzzles, walking, and enjoying football, especially the Buffalo Bills. She is also a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma and The International Women’s Leadership Association. If she could offer some advice to the younger generations, it would be to never be afraid to ask questions, and to pursue a master’s degree or a Ph.D. earlier rather than later. Ms. Strife currently holds a master’s degree in library science from the University at Buffalo and an undergraduate degree in biology.

Contact Mary Strife