Professor, College of Social Science and Humanities Named Dean

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Hector Maymi-Sugranes (pronounced May-mee Sue-grah-knees) professor, College of Social Science and Humanities, CETYS University has been named dean of Western Illinois University Libraries, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Jeanne Stierman, who has served as interim dean since November 2019, will return to the assistant dean post.

Maymi-Sugranes has served as a professor, College of Social Science and Humanities, CETYS University in Mexicali, Mexico, since 2007. In addition, he serves as director of the Institute of Creativity, Innovation and Development Studies at CETYS. He has also served as a visiting professor at Xochicalco University's School of Agriculture (2010-2012), at Alliant University's International Studies Division/School of Management and Leadership (2007-2009) and at Autonomous University's Social and Political Sciences (2005-2007). Maymi-Sugranes has served as an associate professor at San Diego State University-Imperial Campus (2002-2005) and the University of Puerto Rico (1997-2002).

"Dr. Maymi-Sugranes wide and varied experiences in the humanities, information technology and library services and leadership will serve our University Libraries very well. We're excited to have him join our faculty and move University Libraries forward," said Interim Provost Billy Clow. "I'd also like to extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Stierman for leading University Libraries over the past two years."

He has taught numerous courses in library and information sciences, collection development and research methods, to name a few. He has served in such administrative positions at CETYS, University of Puerto Rico, San Diego State and University of Wisconsin-Madison, including dean for research and development, associate vice president for technology and dean of library, library director and head librarian. Maymi-Sugranes has also presented at numerous international conferences, and authored/co-authored articles for several professional publications.

"I am looking forward to collaborating with Western's outstanding academic programs, research initiatives and community engagement projects. We are committed to continuing the excellent work in being a central part to the academic performance at the University," Maymi-Sugranes said. "The WIU Strategic Plan is our north for library services and resources. We will work closely with the University community to create new initiatives that improve scholarship, such as an enhanced digital environment; ensure DEI initiatives are part of University Libraries; partner with recruitment and retention initiatives, and much more."

Maymi-Sugranes received his Ph.D. in library and information studies, a master's degree and graduate certificate in archive and record management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a master's in library and information science and bachelor's degree from the University of Puerto Rico.