Joy Bolt

Joy Bolt, the Dean of Libraries at the University of North Georgia (UNG), hopes to lead the diversity movement by advocating for people with disabilities.

"I, myself, have a profound hearing loss," Bolt said. "I’ve always had hearing loss from when I was a small child. It's gotten progressively worse throughout the years."

Bolt is a recipient of the Diversity Champion Award, which is awarded to members of the UNG community who have exemplified the university's mission of diversity and inclusion. The Diversity Champion Award is an accolade created by UNG President Dr. Bonita Jacobs and Dr. Sheila Caldwell, the former advisor to the president on diversity. 

Bolt was nominated for the award because of her contributing voice for people with disabilities. She has discussed working with the deaf and hard of hearing in libraries at the Georgia Accessibility Conference and was invited to speak about the use of service animals at the Georgia Libraries Conference. 

Bolt came to UNG in 2013, after working for years at a for-profit law firm library. She said she was tired of that work and wanted to make a difference. Bolt said she wanted to help people achieve their goals. 

"I did serve on the diversity council the first couple of years I was here and got a lot out of that," she said. "I did see progress being made at UNG. I still think we have a way to go." 

But Bolt wants to focus on those with disabilities. 

"Often I feel that those with disabilities are not included in the equation when you see people stand up and talk about diversity being important," she said. 

Bolt strives to make the UNG libraries a welcoming and comfortable environment for all people, including those with disabilities. She tries to avoid situations that put people with disabilities in an uncomfortable position. 

For example, Bolt said a person who was hard of hearing would have difficulty in a projection room because it is typically dimly lit and he or she could not read lips. Bolt tries to accommodate the person in this situation. 

"Just so we can be sure they're (people with disabilities) comfortable," she said. "Just so they're part of the group and can learn everything they need to learn as well." 

Although her main focus regarding diversity is promoting awareness about "differently abled" people, Bolt cares about the entire UNG community. 

Bolt helps those around her, especially UNG students. She taught a course titled "Success Skills for the College Student," in which she provides helpful insight. A couple of examples are warning students against procrastination with research projects and encouraging them to take initiative when faced with a question or conflict. 

"Don’t be afraid to ask questions," Bolt said. "If you see somebody with a UNG name tag on and you have a concern, ask them." 

Sometimes, Bolt must heed her own advice and ask questions when statements are unclear. She reminds herself that although sometimes she, as well as others with disabilities, have to do things differently, she is still capable of doing them. 

"Honestly, I do sometimes question my own abilities because I do struggle often with the hearing loss, especially in meetings," she said. "That's very difficult and I have to continually tell myself to stay there and do my best. We do have a lot to bring to the table, we may just have to do it a little differently."