Dr. Ann Marie Stock, professor of Hispanic studies and film and media studies at William & Mary, has been named the inaugural William & Mary Libraries Faculty Scholar.
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Stock to our libraries in this newly created position,” said Dean of University Libraries Carrie Cooper. “Ann Marie’s work with our librarians, collections and resources has established her as an innovator and leader. She has been a generous collaborator and effective partner. We are very enthusiastic about the possibilities.”
Stock’s connection to W&M Libraries dates back to the beginning of her career at the institution. In her first year on the faculty, in 1993, she served as library representative to the department of modern languages and literatures. She then teamed up with the library to acquire materials on Cuban cinema. As a result, W&M has one of the most extensive collections of Cuban film and culture materials in the country.
"Helping select materials for our collections has provided me with a unique window into the world of academic libraries," said Stock. She credits this "insider perspective" as inspiration for her ongoing collaborations with librarians in various areas.
Since 2009, Stock has been co-teaching with Troy Davis, director of media services for W&M Libraries, a new media workshop designed to foster creativity and connect students with audiovisual artists in Cuba. In the most recent installment this past spring, Stock and Davis along with Jennie Davy, archives specialist, and David Culver ‘09 led a study trip for 16 students to eastern Cub – a trip that Claire Seaton ’18 describes as “life changing.”
“For me, the trip was the epitome of the liberal arts experience, connecting my coursework in Spanish, sociology and filmmaking,” Seaton said.
In this new position, Stock will partner with library colleagues on several initiatives. Principal among them is the creation of a digital archive to inventory and make accessible the Cuban film materials she has been compiling and creating for some 30 years. The first component of this digital humanities project, an online exhibit of Cuban film posters, is underway. The physical exhibit, “UnMade in Cuba: Carteles de Cine,” is on display in the Botetourt Gallery in Swem through the fall semester.
Stock is also tasked with helping the Studio for Teaching and Research take shape. This hub for innovation, to be located adjacent to the Reeder Media Center in Swem, will support faculty collaboration across schools and disciplines, and between librarians and faculty. It will also serve as the home for the Center for the Liberal Arts.
Additionally, Stock will facilitate faculty-librarian partnerships, and support fundraising efforts as well as other library initiatives.
W&M Libraries is committed to engaging faculty in a variety of ways so as to enhance student learning and strengthen the institution.
“The creation of this new faculty scholar position constitutes an important next step in our ongoing efforts to inspire, support and connect with our dynamic faculty,” said Cooper.
She went on to express gratitude to Dean of Arts & Sciences Kate Conley, Provost Michael Halleran and generous donors for acknowledging the importance of this position and offering their support.
Stock confesses to being “thrilled” with this new opportunity. She has served in a variety of capacities during her 23 years at W&M—as director of both Hispanic Studies and Film and Media Studies, associate dean and acting dean of International Affairs, director of the Reves Center for International Studies and as a leader in developing undergraduate research opportunities in the humanities.
“I love William & Mary and am very grateful for this wonderful opportunity,” Stock said. “It’s the ideal way for me to contribute to the institution at this time. It’s awesome!”
