Washburn’s Dean of University Libraries and the Center for Student Success & Retention honored by alma mater, Emporia State University
TOPEKA, Kan. – Washburn University is proud to announce that Sean Bird, dean of University Libraries and the Center for Student Success & Retention, has been selected as one of five Emporia State University graduates to receive the university’s highest alumni recognition—the Distinguished Alumni Award.
The award honors alumni who demonstrate exceptional achievement in their careers and meaningful service to their professions, communities and alma mater.
Bird earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washburn University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma before earning a Master of Library Science degree from Emporia State University’s School of Library and Information Management (SLIM). He served as director of the Rossville Community Library before joining Washburn University in 2010.
At Washburn, Bird has led student-focused initiatives, including the Center for Student Success & Retention and the Ichabod Success Institute—a bridge program recognized for its impact on first-generation and low-income students. He was appointed dean of University Libraries and the Center for Student Success in June 2025.
“Sean’s commitment to Washburn University and to helping every Ichabod succeed is evident every day through his leadership and his work to help the university achieve our goals,” said Dr. John Fritch, provost and vice president for academic affairs, Washburn. “This esteemed honor is well deserved.”
Bird received the American Library Association’s I Love My Librarian Award in 2021 for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, including launching a tech lending program that provided laptops to every student in need. He has served on the boards of the Kansas Library Association, the Northeast Kansas Library System and the Rossville Community Library and currently chairs the Kansas Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee.
In addition, Bird remains connected to Emporia State by mentoring SLIM students and serving on its advisory board.
Bird will receive his Distinguished Alumni Award during the Black & Gold Gala, which begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 at Webb Hall in the Memorial Union, 1331 Market St., Emporia.
-30-
For further information, contact:
Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: (785) 670-2154
Cell: (785) 845-1909
Email: lacey.kinder@washburn.edu
