Wichita State University's Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs has appointed Samuel L. Brown as its new director.

Brown is an award-winning educator and researcher who brings more than 25 years of experience to the position, which he will assume in July. Nancy McCarthy Snyder has served in the role since 2010.

As director, Brown will oversee the Master of Public Administration degree and the department’s applied research and community service centers.

"Dr. Brown’s distinguished career in academia and the public and private sectors will expand on our partnerships,” says WSU President John Bardo. “I believe his leadership will make a distinct contribution to WSU’s commitment of service to the community and region.”

Brown is a professor at the University of Baltimore’s College of Public Affairs. He earned a doctorate in public policy from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, a master’s in business administration from the University of Baltimore and a bachelor’s in economics from Towson State University.

“Dr. Brown will bring added depth to the research mission of the Hugo Wall School and increase community engagement with our partners,” says Ron Matson, dean of WSU’s Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “His leadership will enable the school to build on its strengths and move in new directions.”

In addition to teaching, Brown’s extensive background includes numerous publications in international journals, research and grant awards, frequent presentations at conferences worldwide and service on boards and committees.

Prior to his academic career, he served in positions with the private sector, as well as in state and federal government.

“He is a passionate public servant committed to cultivating people and organizations,” Snyder says. “His visionary leadership style will advance the school’s mission of integrating teaching, research and applied projects.”

Go to http://www.wichita.edu/hugowall for more information about the Hugo Wall School.