Drake University has appointed Professor Teri Koch as the new Dean of Cowles Library, following approval from the University’s Board of Trustees. Koch, who has served in various leadership roles at the University for more than three decades, will begin her official tenure as dean in a three-year term effective immediately.  

Koch has been integral to Drake’s library services since 1993, holding numerous positions, including Professor of Librarianship and Chair of the Scholarly Communications & Collaborations Department. In 2024, she shared interim dean responsibilities with Associate Professor Hope Bibens, effectively steering the library through a transition period. With this new appointment, Koch will continue to advance the library’s strategic goals, which focus on academic excellence, research support, and sustainable resource management. 

Drake University Provost Sue Mattison expressed confidence in Koch’s ability to build on the legacy of former Dean Jill Gremmels, who led Cowles Library with unwavering dedication.  

“Teri’s leadership this past year has been exemplary, balancing the demands of her role while remaining an advocate for her colleagues and the students she serves,” said Mattison. “Teri’s longstanding dedication to Cowles Library and her innovative contributions make her uniquely suited to lead the library into a new era of academic collaboration and research accessibility—building upon Jill’s legacy and vision.” 

Committed to accessibility 

Throughout her career at Drake, Koch has championed forward-thinking library initiatives, including pioneering one of the Midwest’s first Patron-Driven Acquisitions programs, which ensures resource allocation aligns closely with student and faculty needs. She has also been a driving force behind the library’s Open Education Resources initiatives, helping students reduce costs associated with commercial textbooks. As part of her commitment to accessible and inclusive resources, Koch has established partnerships both within and outside of Iowa, positioning Drake’s library as a model for collaborative resource sharing. 

Revered in the community 

Koch is well-regarded in the academic community, having held influential roles within the Iowa Academic Library Alliance and the Central Iowa Collaborative Collections Initiative. Her leadership has been recognized for fostering collaboration across academic institutions, supporting student success, and advancing the academic library profession through published research and presentations. 

“I am honored to take on the role of dean at Cowles Library, a place that has been close to my heart for more than 30 years,” said Koch. “I look forward to working with our talented library team and faculty partners to continue enhancing the library’s role in supporting academic excellence and student achievement at Drake.” 

The Drake community congratulates Teri Koch on her appointment as dean, as she leads Cowles Library into a promising future of innovation and shared knowledge.

—John Krantz, University Communications & Marketing