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SC State library dean appointed to South Carolina State Library Board

Author: Sam Watson, Executive Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing|Published: May 28, 2026|All News, Faculty & Staff News

Gov. Henry McMaster names Dr. Ruth A. Hodges to statewide leadership role through June 2029

Dr. Ruth Hodges
Dr. Ruth Hodges
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Dr. Ruth A. Hodges, dean of library and information services at South Carolina State University, has been appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to serve on the South Carolina State Library Board through June 2029.

The appointment recognizes Hodges’ leadership in academic librarianship and her commitment to advancing access to information, innovation and excellence in higher education.

In her role on the State Library Board, Hodges will contribute to statewide policy and strategic initiatives that support library development, promote literacy and expand equitable access to information resources for citizens across South Carolina. 

Her appointment reflects both her professional expertise and South Carolina State University’s commitment to public service, community engagement and the advancement of knowledge across the state.

Before joining SC State, Hodges worked at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and at several institutions in Washington, D.C., including the Smithsonian Institution, the National Academy of Sciences, Howard University and District of Columbia General Hospital.

Hodges earned a doctorate in information studies from Florida State University in 2006. Her dissertation was titled “Impact of Collaborative Tools on Digital Reference Users: An Exploratory Study.”

She also holds a master’s degree in library science from Atlanta University, a master’s degree in biology from Atlanta University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from SC State.