Dr. Clara M. Chu, professor and former chair of the Department of Library and Information Studies, has left UNCG to become director and Mortenson Distinguished Professor of the
Mortenson Center for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Dr. Chu joined us in fall 2009 as department chair and ended that appointment in spring 2014. During her time with the LIS department, Dr. Chu has expanded the engagement of the program with international librarianship. She began the international visiting scholars program which has brought researchers from Spain, Germany, and Korea. She established the iLEAD program that brought students from Japan, Korea, Turkey, and Egypt, broadening our international outlook.

The Mortenson Center is committed to leadership training for international librarians. It wasestablished in 1991 with a gift from C. Walter and Gerda B. Mortenson to promote international peace through library programs. It receives continued funding by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.