Distinguished Alumni Sean Bird

Sean Bird (MLS ’08, Library Science)

From Forklifts to the Dean’s Office: SLIM Transformed His Career

For Sean Bird (MLS 08, Library Science), the journey from warehouse work to national recognition began with a single decision: applying to Emporia State University’s School of Library and Information Management (SLIM).

A Forklift and a Fork in the Road

In 2005, Bird — an Emporia native with two English degrees — was living in Topeka, splitting his time between teaching adjunct English courses and delivering building materials to support his family.

“I’d been there 10 years and it just didn’t resonate with me,” he said. “It wasn’t the dream I had always imagined for my life.”

Tired of setting his aspirations aside, Bird took a leap. “It was the perfect program at the perfect time for me,” he said. “It was transformative.”

From Library Director to Dean

After completing his MLS at ESU in 2008, Bird became director of the Rossville Community Library. Soon after, he joined Washburn University, where he quickly rose through the ranks — from instructional librarian to assistant, associate and interim dean. Today, he serves as senior associate dean.

At Washburn, Bird has championed access and student success. He was instrumental in launching the Ichabod Success Institute — a bridge program for first-generation students — and the Center for Student Success and Retention.

National Recognition and Kansas Leadership

In 2021, the American Library Association honored Bird with its prestigious I Love My Librarian Award, recognizing his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. He spearheaded a technology lending program that provided laptops to every student in need and was praised for his lead-by-example management style.

He also serves as president of the Kansas Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee and has contributed statewide Kansas Library Association, the Northeast Kansas Library System and the Rossville Community Library Board of Trustees.

Rooted in Emporia, Leading in the Profession

Despite working for a rival institution, Bird remains a proud Hornet. His father, grandmother and grandfather all earned degrees from ESU, and he continues to support the SLIM program as a speaker, recruiter and advisory board member.

“I feel very connected to the community,” Bird said. “It is the centerpiece — the heartbeat — of the educational world I’m a part of.”