Rate My Professor Kristi Tornquist

Kristi Tornquist is the Dean of the Library and Professor at South Dakota State University’s Hilton M. Briggs Library, a position she has held since 2011 when she was appointed chief university librarian. In this leadership role, she directs library services, supports scholarly research, and cultivates welcoming spaces for learning and inspiration for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The library under her guidance features initiatives such as the Jackrabbit Gallery Art Show and updated study areas with new furnishings and artwork. Tornquist contributes to university governance through membership on the Graduate Council and the R1 Our Way Champions and Steering Team, advancing research excellence and strategic goals. She appears in university organizational charts reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Prior to SDSU, Tornquist served as chief librarian and Dean of Learning Resources and Technology Services at St. Cloud State University, overseeing academic computing, library, and media services. She was Director of Library and Information Services at Southern Arkansas University and held appointments at the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, University of Minnesota-Duluth, University of Wisconsin-Superior, and University of Wisconsin-Stout. Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a B.A. with majors in mathematics and English from the University of Minnesota-Morris. Tornquist is a member of the American Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries, and South Dakota Library Association. She co-authored the 2023 publication “Support for Open Access at SDSU: Recommendations” with Enerel Dambiinyam and Michael Biondo, outlining benefits, steps, and long-term vision for open access support at the institution. Additionally, she co-presented “Making Spaces: Resolving Use and Usability Issues of the Modern Library” in 2015 and contributes notes from the dean in Friends of the Hilton M. Briggs Library newsletters, highlighting developments like archival openings and space enhancements.