Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin appoints Liberty University library dean to advisory board
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January 28, 2025 : By - Office of Communications & Public Engagement
In a news release earlier this month, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the appointment of Angela Rice, dean of the Jerry Falwell Library at Liberty University, to the State Historical Record Advisory Board.
Rice will join nearly a dozen board members to focus on the preservation, organization, and accessibility of historical state records.
“I am honored and humbled to have been appointed by Governor Youngkin to serve,” Rice said. “This is a unique opportunity to have a part in preserving and promoting the use of historical records. … Virginia is rich with history and heritage, and preservation and access to these records are essential for future generations to understand our history told through the records and stories of our communities, government, and shared culture.”
Rice arrived at Liberty in 2011 and has served as dean of the library since 2014, where she oversees a variety of operations, including finance, human resources, and assessment. During her decade at the helm, Rice delivered outstanding experiences for students in the areas of information, research, and discovery. The library was nationally recognized in 2015 for its innovative design by The American Libraries Magazine’s 2015 Library Design Showcase.
Rice said she is eager to learn more about historical record advocacy and building relationships with like-minded colleagues in her role on the advisory board.
“I hope this term of service will position LU with opportunities to serve our library community with greater historical records knowledge and partnerships,” she said.
Rice cited two Scriptures as sources of inspiration for her work in studying and preserving historical records: Romans 15:4, which she said highlights the privilege of learning from past struggles to deepen one’s relationship with God, and Joel 1:3, which encourages passing knowledge to future generations.
“Preserving and studying the collective memory and records of a community is not new, but it is as valuable now as it was years ago to inform researchers and students of history about a community’s traditions, heritage, and history,” Rice said. “Understanding that historical records are far greater than simply old government documents, I appreciate and respect the mission of the board to capture Virginia’s historical narrative through diverse information sources and its desire to make the records accessible in various forms.”