Kathy Downes has been named the new dean of University Libraries at Wichita State University, according to Tony Vizzini, provost and senior vice president. Her appointment is retroactive to Feb. 12, 2017.

Downes has served as interim dean of University Libraries since January 2016.

“I am excited to have Kathy as the new dean of University Libraries,” said Vizzini. “She brings extensive experience of our libraries to the table, and more importantly, approaches opportunities with a fresh view that will allow continued growth of WSU into new areas. We are fortunate to have her advance into this role.”

Downes has more than three decades of academic experience at WSU, with the past 17 years being in library leadership. She has filled many roles for University Libraries in both the public service and technology areas, including serving as library coordinator for two major Ablah Library facility expansions, leading the libraries through major library enterprise system migrations and, most recently, providing leadership for the transformation and enhancement of Ablah Library’s learning spaces and services.

“I am honored to be selected to lead the University Libraries at Wichita State University,” Downes said. “This is an exciting and transformational time for the university and the libraries. I look forward to partnering with our wonderful students, faculty and administration, as well as my incredible library colleagues to continue developing and enriching the learning, teaching and research goals of the university community.”

Downes replaces Donald Gilstrap, who accepted a position as dean of University Libraries at the University of Alabama.