Two longtime staff members retire from University Libraries

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—After decades of service to the University Libraries, Vicki Carter, cataloging coordinator, and Terri Stowers, library acquisitions coordinator, will retire at the end of December.  

Vicki Carter, 42 years of service

Carter began her career at the business library on East Campus before moving into a full-time role in the Libraries’ Technical Services department after completing her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Western. She held several roles within the library, expanding and adapting her skills as libraries and technology evolved. 

While at the Libraries, Carter completed graduate coursework in sociology and later earned her Master of the Arts in Counseling from Western. Most recently, Carter has split focus between cataloging and database management, ensuring record accuracy for over two million items.  

Now heading into retirement, Carter looks forward to traveling and helping others by offering counseling services.  

Terri Stowers, 39 years of service

Stowers started her Western career as a student employee while earning a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. After graduating, Stowers held several staff roles in the Technical Services department, including cataloging and acquisitions.

As acquisitions coordinator, Stowers managed print orders and processed new materials—making them ready for the public to enjoy. As the Libraries increased focus on electronic resources, Stower assisted with purchasing and processing invoices for the Libraries’ expansive online collections.

Stowers looks forward to traveling with her husband, Greg, who she met at Waldo Library, in retirement.