At her first meeting with the Library staff, Leslie N. Sharp, M.S. HT 2001, Ph.D. HSTS 2004, said, “My vision for the Library is for it to be the scholarly heart of the Georgia Tech community. I want it to be a place where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.” Every decision Sharp has made as dean has been in support of that vision. Now, with Sharp’s planned gift directed to the creation of an endowment fund for the Library and its historic collections, more of her plans and dreams can be realized. 

Born in Macon and raised in Conyers, Georgia, Sharp attended the University of Georgia for her undergraduate education, intending to study math and science. An elective course in colonial Georgia history inspired her to change her major. She earned her bachelor’s in history and then went on to pursue a master’s in historic preservation at Middle Tennessee State University before coming to Georgia Tech as a President’s Fellow to pursue her master’s and Ph.D. in the history of technology, focusing on the intersection of race, gender, and the built environment. 

After graduating from Tech, Sharp became an associate research professor on the faculty at Middle Tennessee State. Several years later, she was recruited back to Tech to serve as assistant dean for academic affairs and outreach in the College of Architecture (now College of Design). In 2019, former Provost Rafael Bras tapped Sharp for the position of interim CEO of the Library. What began as a short stay evolved into a long and successful tenure, with Sharp being named Dean of Libraries in 2020. “I had so many dreams and plans for the Library,” Sharp said, “and I was having way too much fun. The Library is filled with amazing people, and we’ve done a lot of great work together.” 

Central to Sharp’s vision for the Library has been developing and preserving its rich archives, particularly its design archives, which she helped establish. One of her goals has been to enrich the archive by widening its scope to include the work of women and people of color, making the archive an important resource for students and scholars of the history of design. Archival collections, she said, are important because they help researchers, faculty, and students understand the history of design and culture — how people lived, worked, played, and cultivated a sense of community. Projects like these, however, require funding, and Sharp long ago realized that “if I’m going to ask people for money, I need to make sure that I’m giving money, and that I believe in what I’m asking people to support.” 

Sharp’s endowed support will help build and preserve the archives, documenting the design, building processes, function, importance, and culture of the built environment at Tech. The endowment will help preserve some of Tech’s historic buildings as well. For Sharp, “It’s about the people who work here and go to school here.” She sees her gift as an investment in Tech’s people and community. 

“Dean Sharp has been a key figure in preserving the Library’s history while ensuring it remains a modernized resource for learning and innovation,” said Steven McLaughlin, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “This gift reflects her deep commitment to Georgia Tech. By supporting the Library, she’s investing in the ongoing success of our students, faculty, and researchers.” 

At Tech, Sharp said, “I have been surrounded by people who are fun, smart, and engaging — and that’s why I’ve stayed here.” Her well-placed philanthropic support provides a fitting legacy for Sharp, continuing her work of building an inclusive and diverse atmosphere within the Library as it supports the academic and research mission of the Institute. “I believe in Georgia Tech,” she said. “I believe in the mission of Georgia Tech, and I believe in giving back.”

To make a gift to the Georgia Tech Library, contact Ashley Coogan, assistant vice president of Development, at ashley.coogan@dev.gatech.edu.