Celebrating Three Faculty Members Retiring from JMU Libraries

Brian Cockburn, the JMU Libraries Music Librarian and instructor in the School of Music, is retiring after 30 years! Brian came to JMU because of the opportunity it afforded him to teach and be a music librarian. He is proud of the many students who keep in touch with him, seek his advice, and update him on their careers. After retirement, Brian plans to embark on a long motorcycle ride with his wife and best friend, and their three pugs!

After 34 years working for JMU, Julia Merkel, the Libraries Preservation Officer, is retiring.  An accomplished artist, Julia came to JMU as a graduate student with an assistantship, drawn to this area in part for the easy access to the pastoral scenes that inspired her artwork. In the 21 years that Julia has been with the Libraries, she has helped many student employees gain valuable work experience and begin their careers in museums and libraries. She has also been instrumental in growing the artists’ book collection from 15 titles to over 500. Julia’s retirement will be filled with painting, poetry, fiddling, and horses. Julia’s tenure has been marked by the guiding principle “assume positive intent” and the Libraries has benefited immensely from Julia and her perspective.

Jennifer Keach, the Coordinator of Organizational Learning & Development, is retiring after 22 years with JMU Libraries. Since returning to her alma mater, Jennifer’s work has encouraged countless colleagues and students to lean into their strengths, take risks, and be authentic. With her signature sense of mirth, Jennifer has been a steady mentor, supervisor, role model and friend to many in the Libraries and at JMU. After retirement, Jennifer looks forward to having more time to connect with people she loves, including her partner, friends, and family. She looks forward to the energy she will bring to hiking, music, travel, and art. Jennifer’s final piece of advice for her colleagues is to save some energy for themselves: wise words from a trusted colleague.