The College of Arts and Science is pursuing a strategic advancement by creating an integrated Museum of Art, Archaeology, and Anthropology, marking an important next step in strengthening the museum’s presence on campus. A&S will soon be launching a national search for a new director of Museums to lead the unified teams.

“Following the recent return of our museums to the heart of campus, we have a strategic opportunity to merge these dedicated teams to form a unified presence on campus and to support the college’s exceptional contributions to our learning and research enterprise,” said Cooper Drury, dean of the College of Arts and Science.

Integrating the museums under new leadership allows for stronger coordination of exhibitions, educational programming, research engagement, and public outreach, while also enabling operational efficiencies and a strategic use of resources. The Director will be charged with developing and implementing a forward-looking strategic vision that unifies the museums and serves Mizzou’s mission of research, teaching, and service as a comprehensive R1, AAU university.

Importantly, the university remains steadfast in honoring important relationships with Tribal Nations and in upholding its commitments under NAGPRA through continued consultation and collaboration.

"We are grateful to Candace Sall, Marie Nau Hunter, and LeeAnn Garrison who have provided exceptional leadership to the Museum of Anthropology and Museum of Art and Archaeology,” said Jamie Arndt, senior associate dean of A&S. “These dedicated leaders have ensured continuity and momentum through this period of transition and will usher the teams forward into this next phase.”

UM Executive Recruitment is supporting the college’s search for a new director of museums. More information will be available in the coming weeks.