This fall, Dr. Phillip Nott joined the staff of Cofer Library as the Director of Library Services at Truett McConnell University (TMU). Nott brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the university and holds a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University, a Master of Divinity and Theology from Golden Gate Baptist Seminary, a Master of Library Science from North Carolina Central University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Midwestern Baptist Seminary.
An Unexpected Path
The Florida native did not always aspire to earn multiple degrees. In fact, he did not desire to purse any further formal education after completing his bachelor’s degree. Nott said, “As usual, God had different plans. Each degree I earned was because God called me to it, even though at times I was reluctant to push through.”
A few years after completely seminary, Nott suddenly became interested in working at a library. An online search revealed that there was a library school not far from his home. He continued his research about the profession by interviewing a local librarian a few days later and learned that there were many aspects of the job that he might enjoy, such as helping others, conducting research, and administration.
The librarian offered Nott an internship at the library while he worked on his degree. Two years later, he graduated with a Master of Library Science and began working full-time as Director of Library Services at Criswell College, a Bible college based in Dallas.
The Road to TMU
Nott first heard of Truett McConnell about 20 years ago from his parents who enjoyed Sunday brunch at what was then the Truett-McConnell Junior College Dining Hall (now known as Carol Anne’s Café). He and his family came for a visit from California and seeing the campus of TMU was part of the itinerary.
Last spring, Nott mentioned the idea of working at TMU to his wife. They were ready for a move, and the university was located in beautiful North Georgia, close to Nott’s parents. Just two weeks later, the Director of Library Services position opened up and Nott eagerly applied. God continued to open doors for the Nott family and soon after, they moved to Georgia.
An Adventure-Seeking Family
Nott has been married to his wife, Holly, for 21 years. They have three sons ranging from ages 14-20, and also own a beagle named Teddy. Nott shared that the beloved family pet “walked onto their driveway one day and decided to stay.”
The Nott family enjoys the outdoors and hiked to the top of one of Colorado’s fourteeners (mountain peaks that rise above 14,000 feet) last summer.
An Exciting Future
As his first semester is well underway, Nott said he has already grown to love the beautiful campus of Truett McConnell. He is excited about “being part of the students’ education journeys at TMU and continuing the mission of my predecessors in making the library a valuable resource for TMU.”
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Anna Skudarnova is a senior English major and content writer for TMU’s Marketing and Communications.
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