Wichita State University has appointed Dr. Sarah Beth Estes as the new dean of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Estes brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student and faculty success.

Estes joins WSU from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she served as dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education. During her tenure, she has led initiatives to enhance inclusive excellence, expand faculty research and align academic programs with workforce needs. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing student success and fostering a collaborative academic environment.

“I am honored to join the distinguished faculty, dedicated staff and innovative programs of Fairmount College,” Estes said. “The college’s long-standing tradition of excellence has been essential in shaping the future of Wichita State University and continues to be a driving force behind key initiatives, including the expansion of applied learning opportunities, the growth of the Innovation Campus and the Wichita Biomedical Campus, and the pursuit of R-1 status.”

A sociologist by training, Estes has a rich background in academic leadership, including roles as associate dean and department chair. Her research focuses on social inequality, gender and the transformative power of education. She earned her Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Cincinnati.

Estes was selected after a nationwide search and extensive interview process. She will begin her tenure at Wichita State on July 6.

During her interview with Wichita State in April, Estes said she believes that Wichita State is the future of higher education: “There’s no parallel. It’s not like I want to join an institution like yours. It’s that yours is the only one like this.”

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Estes to Wichita State," said Dr. Monica Lounsbery, Wichita State’s senior executive vice president and provost. "Her vision and experience will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission of providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering research that addresses real-world challenges."

Estes replaces Dr. Andrew Hippisley, who served as Wichita State’s LAS dean for six years before accepting a position as the vice provost for academic affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington in summer 2024.

The university extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. David Eichhorn for his exemplary service as interim dean during the search process. Eichhorn will continue to contribute to Wichita State’s academic excellence in his role as associate dean for faculty development and research in Fairmount College.

“Dr. Eichhorn has been a steady and trusted leader during this time of transition,” Lounsbery said. “His dedication to faculty growth, student achievement and institutional progress is deeply appreciated, and I’m grateful he’ll continue serving the college in such a meaningful capacity.”

Learn more about the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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