USD Names Jennifer Nutefall Copley Library Dean
The University of San Diego has appointed Jennifer Nutefall, formerly of Saint Louis University, to lead Copley Library, succeeding retiring dean Theresa Byrd.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
The University of San Diego appointed Jennifer Nutefall as dean of Copley Library, replacing Theresa Byrd, who is retiring. James Antony, provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced the appointment by email to the USD community on Thursday morning.
Why it matters
The appointment fills a leadership role at the university's main library after a search that drew on professors across disciplines and Copley faculty. Nutefall's background as a dean of libraries and university librarian at institutions nationwide since 1998 places her experience at the center of the transition.
The position was posted more than five months before the appointment was announced, and Nutefall has worked in library leadership and instruction roles since 1998. The search was led by Jane Gorges and included professors across disciplines and Copley faculty.
The players
University of San Diego
A private Catholic university in San Diego that operates Copley Library as its primary academic library.
James Antony
Provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of San Diego, who announced the appointment.
Jennifer Nutefall
A library leader who previously served as dean of Libraries and Museums at Saint Louis University and has worked in library administration since 1998.
The details
James Antony, provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced the appointment by email on Thursday morning. Nutefall was formerly dean of Libraries and Museums at Saint Louis University and begins at Copley Library on February 1, 2027.
Timeline
USD posted the dean position on a leadership advisory website more than five months before the announcement.
Appointment announced by email to the USD community on Thursday morning, November 5, 2026.
Jennifer Nutefall begins her role as Copley Library dean on February 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
University library deanships are typically filled through national searches that draw candidates from peer research institutions. Nutefall's move from Saint Louis University mirrors that pattern of leadership mobility among academic libraries.
For students and faculty who rely on Copley Library, the leadership change will shape library services, collections, and research support starting in early 2027. Users may see changes in programming and resource priorities as the new dean settles in.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at university libraries often signal shifts in how students and researchers access collections and services, so the arrival of a new Copley dean is worth tracking as the 2027 start date approaches.
What happens next
Nutefall begins her role as Copley Library dean on February 1, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more People coverage tied to San Diego leadership changes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The USD Vista.
