Elizabeth Ann Titus

Beth was born on July 5, 1945 to Henry Fields and Lois Corrine (Vogel) McKenney in Flushing Queens, New York. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in political science from Oakland University. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan and a second Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Wayne State University. Continuing her lifelong dedication to education and learning, she completed her PhD in Public Administration from the Political Science Department of Northern Illinois University.

Beth began her more than 50-year career in libraries as a children’s librarian at the Detroit Public Library. While there, she was among the first city employees called back after the 1967 Detroit Riots to provide bookmobile services for residents during curfew restrictions. She went on to become a Reference Librarian and eventually headed the Rare Books and Special Collections unit at her alma mater Oakland University. While at Oakland, Beth was a member of the American Association of University Professors and active in leadership and the collective bargaining unit. She moved into university administration in 1984 when she became the Assistant Director of Public Services at Northern Illinois University, overseeing multiple departments, including Circulation, Reference, subject specialties, and branch libraries as well as facilities planning. During her tenure at NIU she served on the board of the Northern Illinois Library System (NILS) the precursor to the current PrarieCat system. In 2000, Dr. Titus “retired” from NIU and became Dean of Libraries at New Mexico State University where she remained until her full retirement in 2020. One of her many accomplishments during her tenure as Dean was securing for NMSU the congressional papers of former US Senator Pete Domenici and the creation of The Domenici Archive. Dr. Titus was an active member of the American Library Association throughout her career.

On February 10, 1968, Beth married Robert Jay Titus. They met as undergraduates at Oakland University when Robert would occasionally buy “the girl with the prettiest blue eyes” breakfast at the campus cafeteria. Their early friendship grew and eventually became the foundation of their love. In 1972, they welcomed their only child, Elizabeth Angela, and completed their family. Beth and Robert spent 32 years together as friends, lovers, and partners until his death in 2000.

Beth cherished the time she spent with her family. Whether traveling with her sisters to London or simply sitting down at dinner and catching up on the day’s events with her husband and daughter, it was spending time with the people she loved that she valued most. Beth was a constant source of strength and support and would always make time for those closest to her. She adored being “Nama” to her granddaughter and loved being able to spend time with and spoil her. Beth loved using holidays and birthdays to show those closest to her how much she valued them, especially Christmas. For more than 50 years Beth hand knit the BEST Christmas stockings for her siblings, nieces and nephews, and close family friends, a tradition cherished by all who were fortunate enough to receive them.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Jay Titus, mother Lois (Vogel) McKenney, father Henry Fields McKenney, Jr., stepmother Eileen (O’Connell) McKenney, sister Kathleen McKenney, sister-in-law Sandra (Titus) Conrad, and brother-in-law William Glascock.

She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Angela Titus, son-in-law Stephen Polensky, and granddaughter Quirin Elizabeth Polensky. She is also survived by her sisters Lois Glascock, Nancy (Cliff) Allo, Carolyn (Roger) Johnson, Geneva (Gary) Peare, Patrice (Andy) Chodos, Melissa Ryan, 20 nieces and nephews, 18 grand nieces and nephews, and 10 great grand nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elizabeth Ann McKenney Titus and Robert Jay Titus Endowed Scholarship for Student Employees at NMSU.

https://alwaysanaggie.org/donate/lib-titus-endowment/