Dean, Library Wichita State University | Wichita, Kansas We are pleased to announce that Wichita State University has named Brent Mai as the next Dean of University Libraries. Dr. Mai will replace Kathy Downes, who retires in September and has served as dean since 2017.Previously serving as the dean of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library at the University of North Florida since 2019, dean of libraries at Fairfield University from 2016 to 2019 and the University Libraries dean of Concordia University from 2003 to 2016, Dr. Mai brings nearly 30 years of experience working in academic libraries to WSU.At WSU, Dr. Mai will strive to continue elevating University Libraries and ensuring the success of students on campus by promoting the vision of the university, including areas of collaboration, inclusivity and digital transformation.Dr. Mai earned his Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University and his Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Texas at Austin. He returns to Kansas after growing up on the prairies of western Kansas, with familial roots in farming dating back to 1892.Robin Dougherty led this search with Clay Batley and Pamela Carty.