Westminster alumnus named Kansas’ state librarian

Ray C. Walling ’06 was named state librarian for the State of Kansas in January. Walling was named acting state librarian by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly in June 2022.

Walling’s duties as state librarian include administration of the following divisions: Reference, Statewide Services, and Talking Books Service. The state librarian administers state and federal library funding, the state publications depository program and the Kansas Center for the Book.

Walling earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Westminster in 2006 and attributes much of his professional success to the foundational skills developed as an undergrad.

“Westminster’s general education program, history major and honors program helped me to develop the critical thinking, information literacy and communications skills that I have used each day since earning my degree,” said Walling.

Walling, who also holds a master’s degree in information science from the University of Michigan, previously served as director of library services at Collins Library at Baker University.

View the State Library of Kansas’ website here.

More Stories