After over 35 years of dedicated service, Stan Brown, the longtime Director of Library Technology for the Miami University Libraries, is looking forward to his next chapter. As he reflects on his time at Miami, we are reminded again of the way he blends his technological responsibilities with his calling to ministry.
Stan’s deep personal faith and dry wit have been a hallmarks over his years at the Libraries. While he successfully led and implemented the technological leaps required to run a modern academic library, he is proudest of how those systems served the university’s community. He views his legacy divided neatly into two camps—the personal and the professional. “I would like to have shared the love of God as I have dealt with people,” he says, though he adds with his characteristic humility and wryness, “I am quite sure that I have often failed.” Professionally, Stan also has much to be proud of. He has created a culture in his department where employees are supported and encouraged to reach for excellence. He never misses an opportunity to highlight the strengths and talents of those who report to him.
As he retires, Stan believes he will miss the people here at the Miami University Libraries the most. And for anyone coming after him, he offers the following advice, “Work hard,” he said. “Look for opportunities and build relationships.”
Meng Qu, Web Design Librarian, works on Stan’s team. She said, “There are so many fun conversations with him that I can’t list them all, but there were so many pieces of knowledge and warm moments. I will remember his support and endorsement for my career for my whole life, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
There is a theme in how Stan came to Miami, what has kept him here, and what he’s going to do after retirement. “God brought me to Miami and kept me here,” he said. “Someone might ask, ‘What is God doing at Miami?’ but that is a discussion for another time,” he added. As he looks to the future, he cites both additional church involvement and a daily “blog” that he sends out. He is currently working through the book of Luke one verse at a time. (If you are interested in signing up for his blog, send him an email.)
These days, Stan is reading a lot. He cautions that most of the books he’s currently working through require some knowledge of the subject but has a recommendation for anyone looking to pick up a fascinating read. “I would recommend any of them,” Stan said. “The Jesus Discoveries is one that could be read without the background. It gives an interesting perspective on the Shroud of Turin, among other things.”
Here is what Stan is currently reading:
- The Gospel of Luke (Two volumes) by Darrell L. Bock
- Wallace’s Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics by Daniel B. Wallace
- Progressive Dispensationalism by Craig A. Blaising and Darrell L. Bock
- God, AI and the End of History by John Lennox
- The Jesus Discoveries by Jeremiah Johnston
The Miami University Libraries extends its deepest gratitude to Stan Brown for his years of leadership, humor, and kindness. We wish him a peaceful and page-turning retirement!