Julia Merkel has served as the preservation officer for James Madison University Libraries since 2003. she has a background in fine art with an MFA in painting from JMU and a BFA in sculpture and art history from the University of Notre Dame. She has worked with the Fine Art Collection at JMU for many years and works collaboratively with exhibits across campus. She has taught as an adjunct and instructor for JMU, Virginia Military Institute and the University of North Texas.