Dean of University Libraries

Dean Candidates, University Libraries

The Search

Wichita State University (WSU), the premier urban, public research university in Kansas, seeks a visionary, engaged, and collaborative leader to be the next Dean of University Libraries. Founded in 1895, WSU has a keen focus on student success, applied learning, and innovative faculty with a deep commitment to the Wichita community as a driver in talent development and economic prosperity. It is a growth-minded university, on an impressive trajectory, where collaboration and creativity shape the future of education, with an entrepreneurial spirit embedded in its foundation.

Wichita State University is one of the nation’s fastest-growing public research universities, and the University Libraries play a vital role in WSU’s growth and continued attention to excellent scholarship and student engagement. The new Dean will take the helm of a library system poised for advancement opportunities that align with the University’s overall strategic plan. Continuous digital delivery of the Libraries’ collections, ensuring access to ground-breaking and highly reliable technology, and building and maintaining a highly collaborative and accessible collection of educational facilities remain the highest priority for university library staff and faculty, and the new Dean will work to develop a vision that aligns with those priorities.

The Dean’s primary responsibility is to promote and advance a learning environment that encourages creativity, research, scholarship, and student success, while ensuring the continued use and adoption of emerging technological advances to enhance library services and resources. As the chief administrative and budgetary officer for the Libraries, the Dean is committed to building collections appropriate for academic and professional programs. The Dean plays a vital role in working with WSU faculty, students, staff, alumni, public patrons, and the Libraries’ donors and stakeholders and will be well-rounded in their approach to building these crucial relationships. A deep personal commitment to and demonstrated track record of actively supporting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is a priority. As a Dean’s Council member, the Dean engages with the Provost, Vice Provost for Research, the academic deans, and other campus leaders. The Dean will define the role of WSU Libraries in accelerating the University's growth as a major research institution and in collaboration with other units at the institution, with particular attention on innovation and digital transformation. As WSU is a member of the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR), the Dean will capitalize on the potential to engage in innovative collaborations with other universities across the state.

Wichita State University has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist the Dean of the University Libraries Search Committee in its identification and review of candidates. Inquiries, referrals, and resumes accompanied by a cover letter should be submitted via the search page on the Isaacson, Miller website.

Robin Dougherty, Managing Associate
Clay Batley, Associate
Isaacson, Miller
Washington, D.C.

Wichita State University (WSU) does not discriminate in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age (40 years or older), ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. WSU also prohibits retaliation against any person making a complaint of discrimination or against any person involved or participating in the investigation of any such allegation. Sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination and are prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, other federal laws, and WSU policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding WSU’s non-discrimination policies: the Institutional Equity and Compliance Director (Telephone: (316) 978-3205), Title IX Coordinator (Telephone: (316) 978-5177), or Equal Opportunity Coordinator (Telephone: (316) 978-3186), each located at Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260, Human Resources Building.

Search Committee Contact Information