Jennifer Keach

Coordinator of Organizational Learning & Development, Professor

About me

I provide organization-wide training and development programs to support individuals and teams within JMU Libraries. I connect employees to learning opportunities that support their professional growth. My areas of focus include new employee orientation and onboarding, career development, and organizational cohesiveness. I co-chair the Organizational Learning Committee, a group of colleagues who foster learning within JMU Libraries. I regularly work with colleagues throughout JMU Libraries and campus, including close collaboration with our Coordinator of Human Resources and Student Employment, and a Human Resources Graduate Assistant.

In addition to my primary role in JMU Libraries, I also teach as an adjunct professor in the Adult Degree Program at JMU. As a first-generation college graduate and a “triple Duke” (a JMU employee with two degrees from JMU), I am honored to support returning students as they dedicate themselves to furthering their own education and careers at James Madison University.

I have a passion for lifelong learning wherever it happens: at work, in the classroom, when traveling, in the routines of day-to-day life. I combine that passion for lifelong learning with a strength-based approach to my work, research, and professional service.

Research interests:

My research interests include employee retention, career development, instructional design, organizational communication, and project management. My publications include a co-authored book chapter about career development programs and a co-authored book about project management. I have presented at the conferences of the American Library Association, Virginia Library Association, the Association of College & Research Libraries, and EDUCAUSE. Learn more about my publications and presentations through SelectedWorks.

Education:

  • MS in Education, Adult Education/Human Resource Development – James Madison University
  • Master of Library Science – University of Alabama
  • BA, English – James Madison University

Certifications:

  • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Facilitator – OKA/CAPT
  • Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator – Center for Appreciative Inquiry

About Finance, HR, and Facilities

We are responsible for the general finance, human resources, and facilities operations within the Libraries.  

About Libraries Administration

We support and challenge JMU Libraries’ staff and faculty to live up to our guiding statements — as we work together to provide excellent library and educational technology resources, spaces, services, and expertise to our campus community. Libraries’ Administration includes Communications and Outreach, Data Analytics, Facilities Operations, Finance and Human Resources, and the office of the Dean.