Library Staff: Staff Profiles

Office: Library 228     Phone Ext. 5123     Email: khipps@tusculum.edu

Kathy, a Greeneville native, is a proud "First Generation College Graduate" who earned her BSOM in Organizational Management in 1995 through the Tusculum AOS program and her Master of Information Science from the University of Tennessee in 2007. Thus, she says her blood runs two shades of orange. She began her library career at Tusculum in October 2002, when she was hired as Coordinator of Special Projects after being employed in local industry. Previously, she worked for several years as the Competency Center manager at Tusculum. In the fall of 2007, she was promoted to Information Literacy Librarian/Assistant Cataloger, then to Assistant Director, and finally to Library Director in 2015. Kathy is a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church. Her favorite activities include watching old westerns with her husband and attending motocross racing events to cheer on her grandsons and granddaughter. Her family resides on a small farm in the Greystone community.

Office: Library 234     Phone Ext. 5148     Email: ldykes@tusculum.edu

Having been born in Alabama and moving to Tennessee with her family in 2003, Lelia has always loved books and the atmosphere that a library holds. After graduating from Chuckey-Doak High School, she enrolled in Tusculum, and was eligible for the Work-study Program, in which she promptly applied for a position in the Thomas J. Garland Library. During all four years of her college career, she worked for the Garland Library and grew well acquainted with the staff members. Shortly after graduating as a "First Generation" from Tusculum with a Bachelor’s Degree in English: Literature Concentrate, she acquired a part-time job at the Greeneville/ Greene County Public Library where she remained for approximately one year. In October of 2013, Lelia was asked by the staff of the Thomas J. Garland Library to return to campus as a full- time employee, and she gladly accepted. In 2016, she completed her Masters in Information Science from the University of Tennessee. Lelia enjoys the occasional book, video games, tabletop games, drawing, knitting, and crocheting. She has even begun to incorporate her creativity in the Garland Library by adding decorations to help the building be more inviting and friendly. She lives with her husband and their four cats, Inigo, Freya, Binx, and Minerva.

Office: Library 226     Phone Ext. 5262     Email: kyates@tusculum.edu

Kayla is a native of Erwin, Tennessee. She is a 2017 Graduate of East Tennessee State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Media and Communication. During her time at ETSU, she worked at the Charles C. Sherrod Library as a student worker. While doing so, she discovered her love for libraries. Before she became a part of Tusculum’s family, she interned for WJHL and worked retail for several years. Kayla has an infinite love for all animals, especially her cats. When she isn’t in the library, you can most often find her at home watching scary TV shows and movies. She also enjoys shopping, eating yummy food, and spending time with family and friends.

Office: Library 220     Phone Ext. 5801     Email: galexander@tusculum.edu

Gabby was born in Alabama and moved to Tennessee in 2011. She graduated from Chuckey-Doak High School and enrolled at Tusculum University. During her time as a student, she was a work-study for Thomas J. Garland Library for all 4 years and was a peer mentor for Student Support Services for 3 years. She was an intern for TRIO, graduated as a first generation from Tusculum with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology: Behavioral Health. In the summer, she was an RA for Upward Bound. Gabby enjoys playing video games, painting, hanging out with friends and playing with her dog (Molly) and cats (Boo and Star).