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Wichita State University seeks an experienced, dynamic, and visionary leader to serve as the Dean of University Libraries. This senior administrative appointment will assume leadership of a very strong and diverse unit, with a growing national reputation.

The university is located in Wichita, Kansas, a diverse metropolitan area of approximately 640,000, and is located along the I-35 corridor. The economic base of the region is in technology-based industries, aviation and health care. The university has a strong research base and is taking a leadership role in developing innovation and technology in the area.

The Dean reports directly to the Provost and Senior Vice President and serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the University Libraries. The Dean's primary responsibility is for the development and administration of libraries and directing faculty and support staff. The dean also has responsibility for the University Libraries budget. The Dean will provide outstanding leadership that embraces emerging directions in university libraries, intellectual leadership, and building, shaping and leading university research initiatives.

The successful candidate will possess the following required qualifications:

  • Proven success in developing and maintaining strong working relationships and partnerships within the library and with campus leaders, other academic units, community leaders, alumni, and other local or regional libraries.
  • Documented record of success in securing external library funding and support through grants, donations and other means.
  • A successful record of progressively responsible administrative experience in an academic or research library including personnel management, budgeting, and strategic planning.
  • Documented experience in identifying and addressing the major challenges facing academic or research libraries today including an understanding of the role and impact of current and emerging technologies in academic or research libraries.
  • Proven success in implementing innovative services.
  • An active record of scholarly and professional achievement appropriate for appointment at the rank of full professor.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity and to strategies that incorporate the valuable contributions of students, staff and faculty.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the academic and research library's role in supporting the university's mission.
  • Demonstrated entrepreneurial skills and an ability to leverage the expertise of staff and faculty in order to enhance the educational and research missions.
  • Demonstrated ability to build cross-disciplinary/departmental initiatives with other units to promote technology transfer and applied learning.
  • Ability to be a dynamic, engaging, and effective spokesperson that actively advocates for and strengthens the link between education, business and economic development.
  • Ability to bridge academic and business communities, communicate persuasively, and connect with internal and external constituents.
  • Ability to communicate effectively an informed vision of the library in an innovation university to all library stakeholders and to translate that vision into practice.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • A good sense of humor is expected.
  • Demonstrated commitment to collaborative decision-making including experience with shared governance.
  • Demonstrated commitment to advocate for the development of high quality online and flexible courses within the University. The Dean will ensure continuous improvement of faculty through professional development to support the quality of curriculum and instruction in face-to-face, blended, and online modalities with the University. In support of WSU's mission, the Dean will advocate for and incorporate university systems and processes that support faculty and students both on-campus and off-campus.

The preferred candidate will have the following qualifications:

  • Understanding of current and emerging strategies to improve student recruitment, learning and retention.
  • Record of active involvement in professional organizations and community engagement.


Please go to http://wichita.edu/wsujobs for more details about the requirements for this position and the application process. For full consideration, applicants must submit 1) a letter of application describing abilities to meet required and preferred qualification, 2) Curriculum Vitae, and 3) names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers for five individuals who can be contacted for professional references.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background checks as required by the Kansas Board of Regents. Wichita State University does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, political affiliation, status as a veteran, genetic information or disability. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Executive Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0138; telephone (316)978-3186.

Wichita State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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