Caroline Nappo has joined the iSchool as assistant dean for community, culture, and engagement. She will help lead and shape the Office of Community, Culture, and Engagement and its team, which will strengthen the iSchool community while also advancing experiential learning, faculty engagement, and the school's public impact.
Nappo (MSLIS ’08, PhD '15) brings more than 20 years of deep connection to the iSchool community, along with extensive experience as an educator, researcher, and higher education leader. During her doctoral work, she was an inaugural Information in Society Fellow and founded the iSchool chapter of the Progressive Librarians Guild. She currently serves as president of Beta Phi Mu, Alpha Chapter.
"Coming back to the iSchool feels like coming home," Nappo said. "This role is a chance to invest in the relationships and culture that drive our tradition of excellence, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help our growing community connect and thrive."
Prior to joining the iSchool, Nappo served as director of research and portfolio management at the University of Illinois Foundation, where she nurtured a collaborative team and oversaw prospect research and portfolio management strategy across the University of Illinois System. She also managed vendor relationships, advised senior leadership, and worked to foster staff development and create a collaborative team environment.
Nappo lives in Champaign with her partner, children, and cats. She enjoys reading, writing letters, and traveling.