Overview
Sarah Beth Estes began her tenure as dean of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in July 2025. She came to Wichita State University from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she served as dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education. During her tenure, she has led initiatives to enhance inclusive excellence, expand faculty research and align academic programs with workforce needs. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing student success and fostering a collaborative academic environment.
A sociologist by training, Estes has a rich background in academic leadership, including roles as associate dean and department chair. Her research focuses on social inequality, gender and the transformative power of education. She earned her Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Cincinnati.