Museums Advisory Committee

Museums Advisory Committee is typically composed of Museum leadership, a faculty representative from the Department of Art and Art History, and other appropriate members designated by the Provost, which may include the Dean of The College (or designee), the Vice President for University Advancement (or designee), representatives from both Law and the Undergraduate Libraries, and other faculty representatives as required from relevant disciplines.

Mission Statement
The Museums at W&L advance learning through direct engagement with the collections and facilitate an interdisciplinary appreciation of art, history, and culture. The Museums at W&L consist of the Reeves Museum of Ceramics, the University Chapel & Galleries, and Watson Galleries.
Advisory Committee members, each serving three-year terms, consult with Museums staff regarding thematic, logistical, and financial issues. In order to provide well-informed guidance in carrying out the Museums' mission, Committee members will ideally participate in its events and assist with educating the community about its programs. Furthermore, Committee members will be asked to draw from their unique disciplinary/professional perspectives and community affiliations to inform the development of interdisciplinary, innovative, and inclusive programming.


Committee members are charged with:
1. Supporting the mission of the Museums and advocating on behalf of the Museums as an academic resource within the university community.
2. Recommending funding strategies for programming and acquisitions.
3. Advising on educational programming and interpretive strategies.
4. Reviewing objects proposed for acquisition and making recommendations regarding acceptance.
5. Reviewing all objects recommended for deaccession and making recommendations regarding removing objects from the collection.
6. Reviewing proposed incoming and outgoing loans.


Mattie Clear, Chair

Ex Officio Members:

  • Kim Sims, Head of Special Collections, University Library
  • Isra El-beshir, Director of the Museum
  • Genelle Gertz, Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives
  • Nancy McIntyre, Senior Director of Development (for The College)
  • Janet Ikeda Yuba, Associate Professor of Japanese

Members, alternating three-year appointments:

  • Wendy Castenell - 2023-2026
  • James Broda - 2023-2026
  • Melissa Kerin - 2024-2027
  • Mattie Clear - 2024-2027
  • Sandy de Lissovoy - 2024-2027