Following a national search for the Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art creative and executive director, Vivian Zavataro has been selected for the position, effective Oct. 16.
Zavataro is the director and chief curator of the John and Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art of the University located in Reno, Nevada. In that role, Zavataro successfully led the museum through a transition from a gallery to a university-based museum. She also brings extensive international experience after working for museums and galleries worldwide and has earned a master’s in museum and heritage studies from the University of Amsterdam.
As the creative and executive director, Zavataro’s immediate priorities will include providing strategic leadership in collaboration with faculty, staff, students and other key internal and external stakeholders.
“Vivian has a passion for diversity, equity and inclusion and an eye toward innovation that makes her a perfect fit for Wichita State University,” said Shirley Lefever, WSU executive vice president and provost. “She also brings a dedication to strong community engagement that will contribute to the future success of the museum.”