An open forum will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 25, regarding the University’s search for its next executive director and chief curator of the Syracuse University Art Museum.

The forum will offer University community members the opportunity to have input regarding the position and the desired characteristics and experience of someone in that role, says Marcelle Haddix, associate provost for strategic initiatives.

The virtual Zoom meeting takes place from 10:30 a.m. to noon via the registration link.

Search Committee Named

The Office of Academic Strategic Initiatives also announced the formation of a committee consisting of faculty, staff and students to take part in the search process. Committee members are the following:

• Evan Starling Davis G’20, doctoral student in the School of Education and coordinator of the University’s Coalition of Museums and Art Centers
• Courtney (Asztalos) Hicks G’17, G’22, lead curator and curator of plastics and historical artifacts at Syracuse University Libraries
• Heather Nolin ’94, G’04, chair of the Syracuse University Art Museum Board
• Raj-Ann Rekhi Gill ’98, member of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees
• Andrew J. Saluti ’99, G’09, assistant professor and program coordinator of the museum studies program in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)
• Sascha Scott, associate professor and director of the art history graduate studies program in the College of Arts and Sciences
• Michael A. Speaks, professor and dean of the School of Architecture, search committee chair
• Robert Wysocki, associate professor of studio arts and director of VPA’s School of Art

Installation view of “Collections Highlights: 5,500 Years of Art. (Photo by Lily LaGrange)

Haddix says the University seeks a leader “who will continue to raise the museum’s visibility, student engagement and scholarly impact to position Syracuse University to become the national standard for a research-focused academic museum.”

The person will also be looked to for creative and strategic leadership to foster collaborative, co-curricular partnerships contributing to excellence in teaching, research and the student experience.

Meow Gallery Talk at the Syracuse University Art Museum (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Former Art Museum Director Vanja Malloy left the role in the fall for a position at the University of Chicago. Emily Dittman G’06 is currently serving as interim executive director and Melissa Yuen is serving as interim chief curator.

The Syracuse University Art Museum holds one of the largest and most global art collections of any academic museum in the country, with more than 45,000 objects. As a member of the University’s Coalition of Museum and Art Centers, the art museum serves as the main campus venue for the visual arts, hosting temporary and permanent exhibitions that showcase interdisciplinary perspectives and engage diverse campus and community audiences.