Thomas Mills joins ND Law School as Kresge Law Library director

The Kresge Law Library at Notre Dame Law School has a new director. Thomas Mills, who will serve as a librarian and director of the Kresge Law Library, comes to Notre Dame by way of Cornell University, where he was director for Collections & Faculty Services and a lecturer in law. Mills said Notre Dame Law School’s forward trajectory — exemplified by faculty research and an impressive student body — drew him to the institution.

“Notre Dame Law School is a top law school, and I think a law school with an exciting future,” Mills said. “I also came here because of the fact that it’s ‘Educating a Different Kind of Lawyer,’” he added. “It’s educating lawyers who know their roles in society, the roles they play in the justice system. Law libraries have an important part in that education.”

Mills completed his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University and a master’s degree in international affairs and finance at Columbia University. He earned his J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law. He also earned two other master's degrees — one in education and one in library and information science — from the University of Illinois.

“The Kresge Law Library has a rich history and proud tradition and has benefited from great leadership through the years,” said Dean Nell Jessup Newton. “We are fortunate that Thomas Mills is bringing the energy and vision that made him such a dynamic and highly regarded librarian at Cornell to lead our library during a time of great changes in the way information is gathered and delivered.”

Mills thanked the Law School and greater University community for a warm welcome.

“I read a lot about the Law School and University beforehand, about the welcoming community and the ‘Notre Dame family,’” Mills said. “It’s real. There is a Notre Dame family. It’s collegial, respectful, and welcoming.”