Wanted to share this information with the membership. University News Cohen Appointed to HBCU Library Alliance Board January 28, 2016 The Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Library Alliance recently appointed Veronica Cohen to serve as an advancement advisor to its board. Cohen will render assistance to the fundraising committee which will help the Alliance generate funds that can be used to increase their visibility to potential donors. According to Mantra Henderson, director of the James H. White Library at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) and chair of the HBCU Library Alliance board, Cohen was nominated for the position due to her outstanding accomplishments and strides at MVSU. Cohen currently serves as the vice president of University Advancement at MVSU. She works earnestly to enhance the overall fundraising and stakeholder constituency relations at the University. "Ms. Cohen has been doing great work for MVSU and I felt that she would be a great fit for the alliance," said Henderson. "We needed someone with extensive experience in fundraising, and I was delighted to recommend Ms. Cohen for the job." "The alliance is in need of some really strong direction in fundraising. I am confident in her ability to surpass our expectations. I think she is a 'lover' of what she does." According to Henderson, although the Alliance has created a fundraising committee, progress is slow in developing a fundraising campaign. "We've made some strides toward fundraising, and now, we have reached a point where we need a fully operating, fundraising campaign," added Henderson. "We are very appreciative of Ms. Cohen's willingness to work with us." Cohen said it is a pleasure for her to provide assistance to the alliance. "I am more than thrilled to help them move forward with their mission, vision and goal," she added. "I have an opportunity to help a great organization." "I want to help the HBCU Library Alliance transform and strengthen its membership by developing leaders, preserving collections and planning for the future," continued Cohen. The HBCU Library Alliance is a consortium that supports the collaboration of information. It is composed of professionals who are dedicated to providing an array of resources designed to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their constituents. Created in 2002 by deans and directors of HBCU libraries, and incorporated in 2006, the HBCU Library Alliance is governed by a board of directors elected by and from the membership. Mantra Henderson, MLIS Director of Library Services James H. White Library Mississippi Valley State University 14000 Hwy 82 W MVSU 5232 Itta Bena, MS 38941 662-254-3494 (phone) 662-254-3499 (fax)