Wayne State University Archivist Casey Westerman (Ypsilanti resident) was recently selected as a participant in the 2015 Archives Leadership Institute (ALI) at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Participants were selected for the 2015 ALI program based on their exceptional leadership skills and potential, the ability to influence change within the archival field, a strong commitment to the archival profession, demonstrated professional organizational involvement and service, a collaborative and innovative spirit and representation or support of diversity within the profession.
Westerman has been with the Reuther Library since 2011, serving as the University Archivist in charge of the records of Wayne State University. Originally from Kankakee, Ill., Westerman received his bachelor's degree in history and philosophy of science and his master's degree in library science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a second master's degree in English literature from the University of Georgia. Previous to his role at Wayne State, Westerman was the processing archivist at the Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives at Cornell University.
ALI is a program funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, a statutory body affiliated with the National Archives and Records Administration, and is being hosted at Luther College from 2013 to 2015. ALI 2015 will take place from June 14 to 20 and will provide advanced training for 25 innovative leaders, giving them the knowledge and tools to transform the archival profession in practice, theory and attitude. The week-long leadership intensive includes five elements: a post-intensive practicum, a practices workshop at the annual meeting of the Society of American Archivists, thematic projects and an ALI alumni networking salon. The core approach will intertwine strategic and advanced leadership thinking with a clear and purposeful archival curriculum that includes project management, strategic visioning and human resource development, strategies for born digital resources and advocacy and outreach.
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission, the granting agency of the National Archives and Records Administration, supports projects that promote the preservation and use of America's documentary heritage and the continuing development of professional skills for archivists, records managers and historical editors. First funded in 2008, the Archives Leadership Institute seeks to bring to tomorrow's leaders the insights and understanding necessary for increasing public use and appreciation of archives.
The Wayne State University Library System consists of the university's six libraries: The David Adamany Undergraduate Library, the Purdy/Kresge Library, the Shiffman Medical Library, the Arthur Neef Law Library, the Science and Engineering Library, and the Reuther Library and the School for Library and Information Science.
Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution of higher education offering 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 28,000 students.