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In 2008, Jose Arturo Gonzalez entered the University of North Texas’ Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) program, driven by a passion for librarianship and community service. His path to the MSLS program took an unexpected turn when Dr. Ana Cleveland invited him to apply for the Rio Grande Valley Fellowship Program, a unique initiative aimed at addressing the shortage of librarians in the region. Jose was accepted into the fellowship, which opened doors for him to contribute to the local community while pursuing his degree.

The fellowship allowed Jose to work full-time at the Brownsville Public Library while completing the MSLS program with a perfect 4.0 GPA. This opportunity enabled him to apply classroom knowledge directly to his work, enriching both his academic experience and professional practice.

At the Brownsville Public Library, Jose takes on a wide range of responsibilities. He manages community outreach efforts, provides reference services, and organizes diverse programming such as computer classes, back to school fairs, cooking demonstrations and adult summer reading programs. His bilingual skills are a significant asset, helping him to connect with and support the community's diverse population.

Over the past 17 years, Jose has remained committed to the Brownsville Public Library despite other opportunities. His dedication to the community is evident in the appreciation he receives from patrons who remember his impact on their lives.

Jose offers valuable advice for aspiring librarians: “Have a love for the community as a public librarian—get to know them, their wants, and their needs. Try new ideas even if they may not succeed. Get to know all of your teammates and never forget where you came from. Enjoy the work and stay passionate about it, and life will be good.”

Jose’s career is a testament to how academic opportunities, professional dedication, and community engagement can lead to a rewarding and impactful career in librarianship.