Dr. Rodney Miller, dean of the College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University, has been named the Ulrich Museum of Art’s interim director as the university begins a formal search to fill the position
“The Ulrich Museum is one of the most valuable and valued institutions at Wichita State University,” Miller said. “I am thrilled and privileged to play a small part in this transition to a new chapter.”
Current Ulrich director Leslie Brothers recently accepted a position as director of the Museum Campus in her hometown of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
As dean of WSU’s College of Fine Arts for the past 18 years, Miller has worked closely with the Ulrich Museum as well as the local arts community, making him an excellent choice to lead the museum during this transitionary period. He will continue in his role as Dean of the College of Fine Arts while also serving as the interim director.
“Dean Miller has been a tireless advocate for the arts in Wichita for many years now,” Dr. Shirley Lefever, WSU interim provost and executive vice president said. “He knows how important it is for the museum to communicate its value to our campus and to the greater community.”
Before serving as dean Wichita State, Miller was dean of the College of Fine Arts and Humanities at the University of Nebraska at Kearney for six years. Before that, he was the director of vocal studies at New York University. Miller earned his Ph.D. from Illinois State University, a master’s of music from Indiana University, and a bachelor’s of music from West Texas State University. His scholarly and creative endeavors include professional operatic performances and quantitative research analysis. He is a veteran of the professional operatic stage, and his career has taken him throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Lefever indicated that Dr. Keith Pickus, professor of history at Wichita State, will lead the search process for a new director. She said the search will focus on bringing diversity to the role, and finding candidates who can effectively communicate the museum’s messages to its various constituents. More details on the search will be made available soon.