After almost a month of deliberation, Brent Mai has been named as the newest dean of University Libraries, including Wichita State’s Ablah Library, McKinley Chemistry Library and the Thurlow Lieurance Memorial Music Library.
A Kansas native, Mai is the former dean of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library at the University of North Florida. Effective Oct. 15, Mai will assume the roles formerly held by Kathy Downes, who retired earlier this month.
“He brings a wealth of talent and prior experience to this role that will facilitate the university’s continued growth in our academic and research pursuits,” Provost Shirley Lefever said in an interview with WSU Strategic Communications. “His familiarity with student success will also further our efforts in student retention and persistence.”
In his stakeholder address on Aug. 4, Mai said that he wants to encourage collaboration between different university libraries, emphasize the libraries’ role as a safe space and further promote library events, updates and services.
“I’m looking forward to leading the outstanding faculty and staff of the Ablah Library as it continues to strengthen the opportunities for academic success among WSU’s students and faculty through teaching and learning, research and scholarship,” Mai said.
More information on Mai can be found here.
