Nicky Agate

Dr. Nicky Agate serves as Associate Dean for Academic Engagement and Principal Librarian at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries, where she also holds the position of Editorial Director of CMU Press. A recognized leader in values-enacted assessment, innovative approaches to scholarly communication, and institutional culture reform, Dr. Agate is known for championing a human-centered, process-oriented academy.

Nicky has secured over $2.7 million in grant funding as Co-PI on major projects, including multiple initiatives funded by the Mellon Foundation. Her research and advocacy work focuses on creating more equitable systems for scholarly evaluation, transforming academic culture through values-based decision-making, and fostering sustainable, ethical approaches to academic publishing.

Before joining CMU in 2023, she held leadership positions at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries and Columbia University Libraries, where she focused on data, computation, and digital humanities initiatives. Her earlier work at the Modern Language Association helped advance innovative approaches to publishing and research communication.

A frequent keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, Nicky regularly leads sessions on values-based evaluation, research assessment reform, and institutional change at major universities and organizations. She serves on several national committees, including the MLA's Committee on Information Technology, and actively contributes to initiatives advancing more equitable practices in academic assessment and scholarly communication.

Nicky holds a PhD from New York University, an MFA from the University of Iowa, and a BA from the University of Glasgow.